Explore Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs

Substance abuse counselors help people address addiction and substance use disorders through assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and ongoing recovery support. On Ladders, explore vetted opportunities for experienced professionals, including roles in behavioral health organizations, hospitals, treatment centers, and community-based programs. Many listings target positions paying $100,000 or more, particularly for senior clinicians, program leaders, and specialized practitioners.

What Substance Abuse Counselors Do

Responsibilities vary by setting and credentials, but may include evaluating clients, developing individualized care plans, conducting individual or group counseling, coordinating referrals, documenting progress, and supporting relapse prevention. Counselors often collaborate with physicians, therapists, social workers, and families to help clients navigate recovery.

Common Job Titles and Career Paths

Related titles include addiction counselor, substance use disorder counselor, clinical counselor, behavioral health therapist, recovery services manager, and addiction treatment program director. With experience and advanced qualifications, professionals may move into clinical supervision, program management, or organizational leadership.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek strong counseling and communication skills, knowledge of evidence-based treatment approaches, sound clinical judgment, and experience with treatment documentation and care coordination. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state and employer. Some roles require a master’s degree, independent clinical licensure, or specialized credentials, while others accept different combinations of education and supervised experience.

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Roles on Ladders

Use Ladders to explore vetted professional jobs with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare opportunities by seniority, location, employer, and responsibilities to identify roles that fit your experience and career goals. Review each listing carefully for its salary range, credential requirements, and work setting.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$81K - $89K *

Empower vulnerable individuals by providing outreach and intensive case management for those facing substance use and mental health challenges, ensuring access to essential resources and support withi...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $89K *

Champion the independence of individuals facing substance use challenges by providing essential case management and support services. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance community int...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$67K - $95K *

Join a dedicated team providing substance use disorder treatment services. Empower patients through clinical coaching and collaboration, ensuring adherence to care standards while fostering profession...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$50K - $167K *

Seeking a dedicated professional to provide outpatient substance use and mental health disorder treatment services. You will deliver individual and group counseling, conduct assessments, and ensure co...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$60K - $110K *

Champion therapeutic relationships by facilitating cognitive and behavioral changes. Engage clients through individual, group, and family sessions, while coordinating treatment plans and community res...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K *

Optimize statewide substance abuse treatment services by overseeing contracts, ensuring compliance, and enhancing program quality. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive strategic improvements and mai...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$74K - $104K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming addiction care through compassionate, evidence-based support. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide essential psychosocial services for hosp...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$74K - $104K *

Join a dynamic team as a Clinical Social Worker, providing essential support in addiction care. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to deliver patient-centered services, including assessment, co...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$50K - $167K *

Innovate outpatient treatment strategies for clients with co-occurring disorders, providing essential counseling and assessment services in community settings. Collaborate across organizations to deli...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$50K - $167K *

Lead the charge in providing comprehensive outpatient treatment for clients with co-occurring disorders. As an independent contractor, you will deliver individual and group counseling, conduct assessm...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$72K - $91K *

Advance your career by leading impactful addiction treatment initiatives. Collaborate with clinical teams and community partners to enhance program visibility and effectiveness while providing compass...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Champion the delivery of high-quality clinical services by leading a team of therapists. Oversee program development, ensure compliance with regulations, and foster professional relationships to enhan...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$74K - $124K *

Drive your career with a leadership role in clinical supervision, guiding the clinical team while overseeing quality assurance and treatment protocols in a residential care environment. Manage caseloa...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic Counseling Department, overseeing clinical and administrative functions, and enhancing client care through innovative program development and staff supervision...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$91K - $93K *

Elevate the performance of our Opiate Treatment Program by leading clinic operations, driving compliance, managing staff, and enhancing patient care. Collaborate with key stakeholders to support growt...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$148K - $173K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing expert care for patients with substance use disorders. This role involves psychiatric assessments, treatment planning, and collaboration with a multidisciplin...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$148K - $173K *

Shape the future of addiction care by providing expert psychiatric assessments and treatment plans for patients with substance use disorders. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure high-q...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$100K - $120K *

Lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality care for individuals facing substance use disorders. Oversee clinical staff, ensure compliance, and foster professional development while providing dir...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$113K - $128K *

Lead the charge in enhancing youth substance use and co-occurring services statewide. Oversee initiatives, manage teams, and drive funding opportunities to improve treatment and prevention efforts for...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in enhancing patient care by overseeing clinic operations, supervising counseling staff, and ensuring high-quality behavioral health services through effective management and teamwork...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$106K - $110K *

Shape the future of addiction recovery services by leading program development, ensuring compliance, and fostering community partnerships. Drive strategic initiatives to enhance treatment quality and...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming patient care through innovative practices and collaboration. As a key clinician, you'll assess, diagnose, and treat patients while working with an interdis...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$78K - $89K *

Transform lives as you assess, educate, and guide clients through their recovery. Collaborate with a dedicated team, to develop personalized treatment plans and foster healthy coping strategies in a s...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$75K - $90K *

Provide comprehensive counseling and therapeutic support to individuals facing substance abuse challenges, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective treatment plans and ensure on...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$75K - $90K *

Elevate lives by providing essential counseling and therapeutic support to individuals facing substance abuse challenges, while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop effective treatme...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a substance abuse counselor do?question toggle

    A substance abuse counselor assesses clients’ needs, supports treatment planning, provides individual or group counseling, tracks progress, and helps clients build strategies for recovery. Duties depend on the role, employer, and credentials.

  • What qualifications are needed for substance abuse counselor jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary by state and employer. Jobs may call for relevant education, supervised clinical experience, state licensure or certification, and training in addiction treatment. Senior or independently licensed roles may require a graduate degree and advanced credentials.

  • Can substance abuse counselors earn $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Some experienced substance abuse counselors and related professionals earn $100,000 or more, especially in senior clinical, supervisory, specialized, or program leadership positions. Compensation depends on location, qualifications, employer, and scope of responsibility.

  • Where do substance abuse counselors work?question toggle

    They work in settings such as addiction treatment centers, hospitals, behavioral health clinics, community organizations, and other recovery or social service programs.

  • What are common career paths for substance abuse counselors?question toggle

    Career paths can include clinical specialization, independent counseling, clinical supervision, treatment program management, and behavioral health leadership. Advancement often depends on experience, education, and applicable licensure.