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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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...
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Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) - Mobile Outpatient
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Manage capital portfolio activities, driving strategy and benefit realization through collaboration with finance and technology leaders. Ensure investments are prioritized and governed, enhancing deci...
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LMFT / LCSW / LPCC / PsyD | Remote Mental Health Therapist | Idaho | California License Required
$150K - $200K *
Transform lives by delivering remote therapy to clients in California while enjoying the flexibility of working from Idaho. Shape your schedule to maximize your impact with a supportive team dedicated...
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Lead the charge in planning and overseeing cross-functional programs to meet strategic objectives, ensuring quality and efficiency while managing resources and stakeholder communications effectively...
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Senior Clinical Research Associate- CNS -Psychiatry - East Coast
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Advance comprehensive psychiatric care by conducting evaluations, managing medications, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams in a patient-centered outpatient setting, ensuring safe practices...
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Remote | Georgia
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Champion the delivery of remote ABA services, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and supervising technicians to enhance client outcomes while collaborating with families and interdisc...
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Remote | Georgia
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Shape the future of clinical trials by leading site monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across teams. Drive quality and efficiency in trial execution while mentoring j...
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Elevate clinical trial success by overseeing site monitoring, ensuring compliance, and providing leadership. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address site issues, enhance recruitment, and ma...
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What does a substance abuse counselor do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.