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.

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$99K - $118K *

Transform your career by leveraging your clinical and coding expertise to defend appeals for healthcare claims. This role demands independent analysis, strong communication, and proficiency in AI tool...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Champion compliance excellence by reviewing retail communications to ensure adherence to regulations and firm policies. Collaborate with teams to maintain high standards and support organizational goa...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $200K *

Create positive mental health outcomes by providing virtual therapy to clients. Collaborate with individuals, couples, and families while utilizing a secure platform. Enjoy flexible scheduling and the...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $107K *

Empower optimal health outcomes by reviewing medical necessity for services. Utilize critical thinking and clinical judgment to ensure timely, appropriate care while collaborating with healthcare prov...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Champion your expertise in remote mental health therapy, providing compassionate support to clients while managing clinical documentation and collaborating with a dedicated team to ensure optimal care...

Centerton, ARRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Shape the future of mental health care by providing remote therapy services to clients. Leverage your expertise in clinical assessments and therapeutic techniques to support individuals facing emotion...

Denver, CORemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $90K *

Empower organizational excellence by leading comprehensive audits, identifying process improvements, and fostering collaborative relationships with finance and operational leaders to enhance overall e...

Atlanta, GARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $192K *

Drive commercial performance by engaging healthcare providers and executing territory plans. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product launches and ensure patient access to innovative...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $173K *

Transform member care by leading clinical initiatives in behavioral health, ensuring quality services and optimal outcomes through collaboration with community partners and internal teams. Drive progr...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $119K *

Transform the landscape of fraud detection by leading a skilled SIU team. Oversee investigations, collaborate with law enforcement, and ensure compliance while mentoring staff to uphold integrity in h...

Newark, NJRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Elevate clinical outcomes by serving as the key pharmacist liaison among partners, translating real-world issues into actionable insights, driving resolution of clinical concerns, and enhancing produc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $103K *

Develop and optimize health and welfare plans, ensuring compliance and efficient administration. Collaborate with TPAs, oversee claims performance, and enhance employee engagement through effective co...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$67K - $134K *

Partner with us to enhance workplace wellness by developing and implementing strategies that improve employee health. This role involves client engagement, program design, and collaboration with inter...

Baltimore, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $195K *

Join a mission-driven team providing vital psychiatric care to Alaskans. Enjoy a flexible remote schedule, robust support, and competitive compensation—all while making a meaningful impact in the live...

Anchorage, AKRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering evidence-based psychotherapy to older adults in a supportive, flexible remote environment. Enjoy autonomy with a collaborative safety net as you make a meani...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$119K - $186K *

Advance your career by providing strategic legal counsel on data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity within a dynamic healthcare environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive compli...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$72K - $116K *

Drive optimal health outcomes by managing comprehensive case management services. Assess member needs, develop care plans, coordinate services, and monitor progress to ensure quality, cost-effective h...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by leading trauma program initiatives in emergency services. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and optimize operational efficiency in a fast-paced en...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

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

$138K - $201K *

Transform provider analytics by leading data-driven insights for contracting, performance, and network strategy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance network adequacy and drive strategic...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $180K *

Transform complex insurance challenges into tailored solutions while leading a dynamic analytics team, driving policy enhancements, and optimizing risk management strategies for a diverse client base...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$210K - $250K *

Drive the growth of a therapeutic portfolio by leveraging medical expertise and overseeing clinical trials. Collaborate across teams to shape strategies in cell and gene therapy, ensuring innovative...

Covington, KYRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$259K - $300K *

Engage in comprehensive psychiatric care and leadership within Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, providing assessments, medication management, and collaboration with staff to enhance trea...

Brooklyn, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $200K *

Empower your career by delivering impactful ABA services remotely. Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with caregivers to foster meaningful progress for children with autism...

Atlanta, GARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $190K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance population health strategies for government programs. This role shapes clinical initiatives and drives cross-functional collaboration, focusing on improving outcomes for...

Santa Fe, NMRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Unlock potential by managing complex claims with a focus on legal inquiries and resolutions. Collaborate with clients and experts to deliver innovative solutions while enjoying flexibility and profess...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.