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.
Healthcare Claims Analytics Senior Consultant
$98K - $163K *
Lead the charge in analyzing healthcare claims data to optimize payment policies and reduce improper payments. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop insights and support audits, ensuring high-quali...
1 week ago
Privacy Counsel, Law & Regulation (IL, NC, TX, AZ, NY, CA)
$120K - $193K *
Drive innovation as a trusted legal advisor, guiding privacy strategies in a tech-focused environment. Collaborate cross-functionally to manage legal risks, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge dat...
3 weeks ago
Medical Director-Physical Health (Full-time Remote, North Carolina Based)
$211K - $269K *
Transform clinical oversight by developing service criteria and managing care standards. Collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals to ensure compliance and promote a positive, inclusive wo...
1 month ago
Assessment and Authorization Specialist III (Remote)
$150K - $160K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity by leading thorough assessments of security controls, identifying risks, and implementing corrective actions to ensure compliance with standards...
3 weeks ago
$93K - $123K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing patient safety and compliance through effective case management. This role involves coordinating complex healthcare cases, collaborating with stakeholders, an...
Today
$157K - $185K *
Drive growth by selling innovative AI security solutions to large public sector agencies. Leverage your expertise in complex sales cycles to uncover pain points and deliver tailored solutions, while m...
1 week ago
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - New Mexico
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that optimizes mental health care through tele-psychiatric visits. Collaborate with clients to create personalized treatment plans and provide ongoing support, all while enjoying flexibili...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate employee engagement by designing and managing benefits strategies that attract top talent, ensure compliance, and control costs, while collaborating closely with HR leadership for overall oper...
3 weeks ago
Actuarial Analyst III (Government Programs Trend & AI)
$87K - $119K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare analytics by leveraging actuarial expertise and AI integration to drive innovative solutions and enhance decision-making in government programs...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape your career by providing strategic legal guidance across commercial, product, and regulatory domains. Collaborate with diverse teams to navigate complex agreements and compliance issues, ensurin...
4 days ago
Salesforce Solution Consultant (Business Analyst)
$92K - $153K *
Shape the future of customer solutions by delivering Salesforce best practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into scalable Salesforce implementations, ensuring s...
Reposted 1 week ago
Clinical Compliance Auditor - Remote
$82K - $87K *
Shape the future of clinical compliance by conducting audits, mentoring teams, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance operational efficiency and upho...
2 weeks ago
Salesforce Solution Consultant (Business Analyst)
$92K - $153K *
Lead transformative initiatives by translating customer needs into strategic Salesforce solutions. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality outcomes and contribute significantly to all stages...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
MSL / Sr MSL, Heme-Onc (N.CA, AZ, NV)
$180K - $230K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing hematology through scientific engagement. As a Medical Science Liaison, you'll build relationships with healthcare professionals, share critical insights, and...
4 days ago
Territory Manager- Minneapolis, MN
$120K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to expand access to specialized OCD treatment by building strong referral partnerships with healthcare providers. Drive patient growth through education and relationship management...
1 week ago
Manager II Coding Practice Services
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career by managing charge capture and coding operations, ensuring compliance and maximizing revenue. Lead a diverse team, drive process improvements, and collaborate with stakeholders to...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage with healthcare teams to optimize Epic Revenue Cycle applications, enhancing financial workflows and user experiences. Collaborate on system implementation, support, and training to ensure effe...
1 week ago
Grants Manager: Admin & Finance - Remote! CT MA or RI only - 7301
$71K - $107K *
Manage financial analyses and grant compliance while collaborating with teams to enhance program effectiveness and ensure precise reporting on grants and contracts. Your expertise will drive informed...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Major Account Executive, North Central
$135K - $160K *
Drive growth by managing strategic enterprise accounts, navigating complex sales cycles, and building consensus among security-focused buying committees to secure multi-year contracts in a competitive...
4 days ago
$138K - $200K *
Partner with us to provide strategic legal counsel for defined contribution and multiemployer retirement plans. Collaborate across teams to navigate complex ERISA, tax, and regulatory matters, driving...
1 week ago
Perinatal Mental Health Therapist (Remote)
$80K - $85K *
Lead transformative maternal mental health initiatives by providing evidence-based therapy, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and advocating for client needs to enhance program effectiveness...
1 week ago
$114K - $165K *
Shape the future of compliance by leading governance initiatives, managing risk, and ensuring audit readiness. Collaborate across teams to enhance security and policy frameworks, driving effective com...
2 weeks ago
$78K - $106K *
Transform client payment policies by ensuring accuracy and compliance. Engage with internal and external teams to manage medical policy updates, conduct analyses, and enhance client relationships whil...
1 week ago
Head of Specialty Therapeutics
$252K - $315K *
Drive innovation in interventional psychiatry by developing evidence-based programs and protocols. Collaborate with clinical teams to enhance patient outcomes and ensure compliance with regulatory sta...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $112K *
Unlock potential by joining our dynamic Accounting Team as a Senior Accountant. You'll manage general ledger accounts, enhance internal controls, and drive process improvements while collaborating acr...
1 week ago
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.