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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$120K - $147K *

Shape your career by leading data integration initiatives that drive enterprise-wide consistency and governance. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver trusted, scalable data products while ensuring...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Elevate clinical research by assisting with study design, medical monitoring, and compliance to ensure effective execution of clinical trials and contribute positively to patient outcomes in alignment...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $192K *

Transform commercial performance by engaging healthcare providers, driving product adoption, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure patient access to innovative therapies across a def...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$97K - $156K *

Transform your career by managing complex medical liability claims, providing proactive service, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to drive effective resolutions and strategies. Join us in d...

Seattle, WARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Optimize physical security applications and operations. Lead system management, support incident response, and enhance security measures across the enterprise. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Drive the delivery and maintenance of Interactive Response Technology (IRT) systems, ensuring successful client interactions and project outcomes through effective oversight, training, and support man...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $192K *

Empower strategic relationships with health & benefits consultants to enhance awareness and adoption of our innovative solutions. Drive engagement and collaboration to influence employer decisions and...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Support clinical studies by assisting with scientific conduct, data reconciliation, and protocol management. Engage with stakeholders to ensure compliance and operational excellence across multiple st...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Drive clinical innovation by supporting the operational delivery of pivotal studies, collaborating cross-functionally, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Play a key role in the medical m...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $192K *

Engage healthcare providers and drive commercial performance in a defined territory. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product launches and ensure patient access to innovative therapi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$72K - $143K *

Join a team that's dedicated to facilitating smooth transitions from inpatient care to home. Leverage your clinical expertise to manage care effectively, ensuring members receive appropriate support a...

Baltimore, MDRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $161K *

Join a team that's transforming technology landscapes by decoupling complex systems. Lead strategic migrations and ensure seamless transitions to independent environments while maintaining business co...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$128K - $254K *

Lead the charge in managing clinical trials from initiation to closeout, ensuring project deliverables meet quality, time, and cost expectations while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to dri...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Deliver expert advisory services to life sciences firms, optimizing government pricing strategies and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with clients to support project execution and drive impactful out...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $102K *

Shape impactful mental health therapy for school-aged children through virtual care, collaborating with educators and mentors while embracing technology in a flexible environment. Deliver quality serv...

Alaska, USRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$99K *

Empower healthcare access by providing technical support for Epic Cheers Call Management. Enhance user experience through issue resolution, workflow optimization, and the introduction of digital engag...

Morrisville, NCRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$149K - $248K *

Champion client engagement and operational excellence by managing consulting teams, driving quality standards, and fostering relationships within Military Health Systems. Lead new business development...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing impactful ABA services to children and families. Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with caregivers to foster meaningful progress i...

Atlanta, GARemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $200K *

Support meaningful clinical progress by conducting assessments and developing ABA treatment plans. Collaborate with caregivers and supervise technicians to enhance the lives of children with autism an...

Milledgeville, GARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $224K *

Engage with key stakeholders to enhance patient outcomes through strategic medical insights and collaboration. Drive ecosystem initiatives and contribute to local business strategies while ensuring al...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Empower clients by leading ABA treatment development, mentoring staff, and collaborating with families to ensure impactful care. Drive quality services while enjoying a flexible, supportive work envir...

Lansing, MIRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Transform healthcare administration by leading enterprise-wide HIMS operations, ensuring compliance and driving performance improvement across a multi-state network while fostering an engaged workforc...

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3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$70K - $94K *

Champion your career by leading audits and coding for medical records, ensuring compliance with industry standards and tackling fraud investigations to enhance service delivery across health plans...

Newark, NJRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Drive operational excellence in referral management by leading a dynamic team, optimizing processes, and enhancing patient access across multiple service lines. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensur...

North Carolina, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Shape innovative solutions by leveraging your expertise in a dynamic office environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to project success while ensuring high standards of accu...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks 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.