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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$100K - $140K *

Reimagine client success by managing relationships and ensuring seamless communication across teams. Drive operational excellence and enhance client satisfaction through proactive updates, coordinatio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $104K *

Pioneer consumer protection initiatives by leading regulatory operations and policy functions. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance market conduct practices and ensure compli...

Phoenix, AZRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $89K *

Shape the future of children's development by leading client assessments, creating tailored treatment plans, and guiding a compassionate team. Empower growth through supervision and foster inclusivity...

Chicago, ILRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$73K - $132K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing Epic Professional Billing workflows. Leverage your expertise to analyze, design, and implement solutions while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance ope...

Worcester, MARemote

Yesterday

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

$92K - $153K *

Drive impactful data solutions by leveraging analytics and visualization tools. Collaborate with clients to enhance decision-making processes and optimize workflows, ensuring data-driven insights alig...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$107K - $166K *

Explore innovative customer engagement strategies by proactively connecting with healthcare providers through various digital and in-person channels, enhancing patient care and driving insights for st...

Tampa, FLRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

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United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$84K - $130K *

Partner with us to conduct risk assessments and strategize loss prevention for clients, providing technical guidance and support while ensuring compliance and effective safety practices across the Ill...

Kentucky, USRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$89K - $148K *

Shape the future of clinical documentation by leading a dynamic team to enhance integrity, performance, and compliance in healthcare settings, while collaborating with stakeholders to drive optimal re...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$106K - $131K *

Partner with us to enhance safety and risk management for clients by conducting thorough assessments, recommending strategic solutions, and delivering training programs. Join our dedicated team to dri...

Maryland, USRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $160K *

Elevate your career by conducting proactive threat hunting and analysis to combat complex fraud in a dynamic financial ecosystem. Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline threat intelligence and e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$69K - $105K *

Elevate your research career by conducting impactful studies that enhance crisis services. Collaborate with experts to analyze data, develop tools, and contribute to vital evaluations that support the...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in evaluating complex high-value life insurance risks, utilizing advanced expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence decisions, ensure underwriting quality, and pr...

Cincinnati, OHRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$85K - $115K *

Champion research management by overseeing contracting and financial activities, enhancing processes, and training new hires. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and optimize research operatio...

Somerville, MARemote

1 week ago

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

$160K - $192K *

Discover a pivotal role in driving commercial performance and patient access. Engage healthcare providers, build relationships, and support product launches while collaborating with cross-functional t...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$89K - $148K *

Drive your career with impactful consulting in healthcare, enhancing operational efficiency and financial performance for provider organizations through data analysis and project management...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $100K *

Empower your career by delivering impactful psychotherapy to older adults in a supportive, flexible telehealth environment. Enjoy autonomy while being backed by a dedicated team and modern tools to en...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by driving growth marketing strategies that enhance visibility and engagement with federal agencies. Collaborate with business development to create impactful campaigns and manage eve...

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5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$250K - $286K *

Shape the future of sales by leading a dynamic team to drive new business, refine strategies, and enhance customer experiences in a fast-paced SaaS environment, while mentoring leaders and achieving a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K *

Lead the charge in safeguarding and risk management for behavioral health services, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while driving user satisfaction and engagement through strategic coll...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $215K *

Transform outpatient psychiatric care by providing clinical autonomy, flexible scheduling, and support. Enjoy reduced administrative tasks and a collaborative environment while caring for lower acuity...

Arizona, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$136K - $156K *

Join a dynamic team as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, where you'll design and implement tailored treatment plans, supervise staff, and support families in a collaborative environment focused on g...

Maryland, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $133K *

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Long Beach, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Contribute to innovative tele-psychiatry by providing comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans. Enjoy flexible scheduling and a supportive team environment while making a meaningful impact in cli...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $116K *

Empower your nursing career by utilizing your clinical expertise to assess, plan, and coordinate healthcare services. Collaborate with providers to enhance patient care and promote effective utilizati...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.