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
More
1
caret down

$135K - $145K *

Contribute to high-quality psychiatric care by delivering evaluations, treatment planning, and medication management for youth. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to foster meaningful patient...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$101K - $142K *

Transform compensation consulting by developing and administering programs, analyzing market data, and providing expert guidance to clients, all while ensuring project deliverables are met in this dyn...

Ohio, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$179K - $298K *

Champion a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing state health and human services through strategic client engagement, quality delivery, and innovative business development while leading a diverse consul...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$92K - $128K *

Transform customer education and training initiatives as a Clinical Implementation Specialist, acting as a clinical and technical expert to enhance product utilization and improve patient outcomes in...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $128K *

Empower clinical staff through effective training and education initiatives, ensuring optimal utilization of hospital products. Collaborate with sales teams to enhance customer relationships and drive...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$153K - $268K *

Join our team to provide expert clinical pharmacology insights, driving dose selection and study design for innovative therapies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex data into...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$58K - $110K *

Empower businesses by expertly managing workers' compensation claims, ensuring compliance and effective communication while navigating complex situations with a focus on customer service and risk mana...

Orange, CARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovative solutions as a Business Solutions Analyst, collaborating with healthcare organizations to drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence across diverse projects and deliver...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$107K - $199K *

Lead the charge in claims analysis by managing teams, analyzing data, and implementing solutions that enhance claims operations performance. Drive efficiency and quality improvements while fostering a...

Florida, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$190K - $220K *

Lead the legal function by managing commercial agreements and advising on compliance. Collaborate with business teams to ensure rapid deal execution while mitigating risks. Drive process improvements...

Johnson City, TNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$72K - $115K *

Unlock potential by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare with flexible schedules and a supportive environment. Join a team committed to clinical excellence and professional growth while enjoy...

East Greenwich, RIRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$119K - $186K *

Lead the development of a risk-based compliance framework for U.S. pharmaceutical commercialization, advising senior leaders and ensuring adherence to compliance standards while fostering ethical deci...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Drive the resolution of complex commercial property losses, managing national accounts and presenting at industry events. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and maintain company integr...

Peachtree Corners, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$175K - $190K *

Lead the charge in building a compelling brand that fosters trust and engagement. Drive creative strategy, manage a dynamic team, and develop impactful content to elevate brand presence and connect wi...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive Quality Management Program, ensuring NCQA accreditation and regulatory compliance while driving performance improvement initiatives across health...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $135K *

Engage in driving sales success within primary care and specialty biopharmaceuticals. Collaborate effectively to execute strategic business plans, achieve sales goals, and launch new products in a dyn...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in providing strategic legal guidance on commercial and procurement matters, collaborating with cross-functional teams to navigate complex transactions and enhance operational efficien...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$223K - $313K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leveraging your clinical expertise to review Medicare drug appeals, ensuring compliance and optimal value-based care through collaboration and analysis of complex cas...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$119K - $186K *

Engage with health systems to drive strategic projects, enhance pharmacy solutions, and deliver impactful consulting services while mentoring and collaborating with clients to achieve transformative h...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $113K *

Unlock potential by leading analytical projects and coordinating programs in transportation and land use. Collaborate with agencies, manage budgets, and ensure compliance while driving sustainable pla...

San Bernardino, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $150K *

Unlock growth in specialized OCD treatment by building strong referral partnerships with healthcare providers. Drive patient access through education, relationship management, and strategic territory...

San Diego, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $160K *

Contribute to malaria programming by providing technical leadership and support to country teams, ensuring quality interventions, compliance, and strategic resource investments across health facilitie...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$85K - $110K *

Partner with us to drive financial excellence through collaborative analysis and strategic insights. Support vital operational functions, enhance reporting accuracy, and contribute to budget managemen...

Westmont, ILRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$72K - $91K *

Unlock potential by providing tailored rehabilitation services in-home for older adults, enhancing their independence and quality of life through personalized occupational therapy programs, while ensu...

New Hampshire, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$96K - $116K *

Champion innovative medical policy solutions by analyzing data, ensuring quality, and collaborating across clinical operations. Drive enhancements in payment policy management while supporting diverse...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.