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.
Senior Specialist, Health Plan Quality Program Management & Performance (RN) - Remote
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of quality management by providing senior clinical support, driving initiatives, audits, and compliance activities to enhance member care and ensure safety and efficiency in healthcar...
5 days ago
AI Security Sales Executive, Northeast
$157K - $185K *
Optimize AI Security sales by owning the full cycle in your territory. Collaborate with Account Executives to engage enterprise clients, prioritize effectively, and deepen technical discussions to dri...
3 days ago
$95K - $110K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your clinical informatics expertise to enhance EHR workflows and user support. Collaborate with healthcare teams to optimize clinical processes, improve adoption, and re...
5 days ago
Risk & Compliance Senior Consultant
$80K - $129K *
Lead risk management initiatives by analyzing complex data to identify potential risks. Develop and implement operational controls to enhance efficiency and compliance within ACG AORs, ensuring alignm...
3 weeks ago
Executive Underwriter, Northeast
$160K - $200K *
Collaborate with brokers and clients to drive profitable business through expert underwriting of complex accounts. Leverage strategic insights and relationship-building to optimize portfolio performan...
2 days ago
eDiscovery Customer Success Manager
$100K - $120K *
Lead client engagement and implementation strategies to drive adoption and maximize value from Managed Services. Foster partnerships, optimize workflows, and ensure long-term client success through ef...
5 days ago
Staff Psychiatrist (MD or DO) - Remote | Telehealth | Full-Time or Part-Time | Mississippi
$300K - $500K *
Transform psychiatric care by delivering patient-centered telehealth services. Enjoy clinical autonomy while benefiting from robust administrative support, a flexible schedule, and an opportunity to c...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Territory Sales Manager - Specialty (Baltimore E, MD)
$113K - $142K *
Lead the charge in driving sales growth and market share in the Urology sector. Build strong relationships, leverage clinical expertise, and navigate the healthcare landscape to exceed objectives whil...
1 week ago
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Remote (MD LBA)
$187K - $208K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing the lives of children through effective behavior analysis. You'll supervise, train parents, and develop tailored instructional programs while collaborating wi...
5 days ago
Senior Program Director (Independent Living Supports, Shared Living & Remote Supports)
$86K - $87K *
Lead the charge in strategic oversight and operational direction across multiple service areas, ensuring compliance and quality improvement while fostering a culture of person-centered care and team d...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading centralized resources and programs, driving operational excellence, and fostering a quality mindset across teams. Collaborate with management to enhance patient support...
2 weeks ago
Medical Director - Client Services and Analytics
$180K - $220K *
Join a team that's shaping clinical sales strategies and enhancing client relationships. Lead initiatives that drive market growth and improve patient satisfaction while collaborating across disciplin...
3 days ago
Registered Nurse (RN) Clinical Compliance Auditor- Remote
$82K - $87K *
Transform clinical compliance through advanced auditing and mentorship. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and improve operational efficiency in a dyna...
3 days ago
Registered Nurse (RN) Clinical Compliance Auditor- Remote
$82K - $87K *
Contribute to clinical compliance excellence by conducting audits, mentoring teams, and enhancing operational processes. Collaborate with leadership to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and imp...
3 days ago
Account Specialist (Shreveport, LA)
$160K - $192K *
Empower your career by driving commercial success as you engage healthcare providers, build relationships, and support innovative therapies in a dynamic, remote role focused on impactful patient outco...
1 week ago
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C)
$115K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing telehealth therapy and clinical oversight. You'll balance direct client care and support for associate clinicians while ensuring compliance with treatment pla...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your legal career by leading contract negotiations and leveraging AI to enhance deal-making efficiency. Collaborate with teams to refine processes and ensure quality execution, making a signif...
2 days ago
Epic Access Analyst (Certified in Cadence)
$90K - $110K *
Grow your career with us as you shape critical patient data flows, ensuring seamless integration of ADT/Cadence/Prelude systems. Collaborate across teams, mentoring colleagues while navigating the com...
1 month ago
Head of Business Development, IDD & Behavioral Health
$200K - $270K *
Accelerate progress at multi-state market development by building key relationships, navigating complex contracting processes, and driving approvals in Medicaid and managed care environments. Own the...
1 week ago
Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)
$104K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing student success through tailored occupational therapy services. Collaborate with educators and families to support K-12 students in achieving their developmen...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to lead the development and execution of clinical study designs, ensuring effective project management and collaboration across teams. Your expertise will drive the success of clinical trials...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Drive sales and develop relationships with financial advisors across various channels to enhance market share and revenue for investment products, while collaborating with team members to leverage dat...
Reposted 5 days ago
$69K - $125K *
Transform regulatory insights into actionable strategies by analyzing national and state legislative activities. Collaborate with legal and business teams to ensure compliance and support effective de...
1 week ago
Remote BCBA | Georgia | No Minimum Caseload
$150K - $200K *
Grow your career with a remote role providing ABA services, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and supervising technicians to support children and families in Georgia. Collaborate wit...
2 days ago
Territory Sales Manager - Specialty (Boston N, MA)
$125K - $157K *
Advance market share and sales objectives by building strong relationships and leveraging clinical expertise. Collaborate with teams to analyze trends and drive strategic initiatives in a dynamic heal...
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.