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.
IT Application Analyst III - EpicCare Ambulatory
$86K - $125K *
Contribute to the enhancement of application systems by managing projects, collaborating with teams, and resolving technical issues to optimize user experience and system performance in a healthcare e...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Account Manager, Post Acute Care (Maine)
$114K - $191K *
Manage and grow post-acute care accounts, leveraging consultative sales to enhance operational efficiency and patient care. Drive new business opportunities while building strong relationships with he...
1 week ago
Director, Project Management Talent & Delivery Excellence - EDS
$135K - $160K *
Grow your career with a senior leadership role driving a high-performing project management team, ensuring successful execution of clinical studies while managing resources, performance, and client sa...
Reposted 3 days ago
Manager Professional Billing Coding Operations - Remote
$78K - $113K *
Join us to lead the Professional Coding Operations team, ensuring accurate coding practices and compliance. Collaborate with stakeholders, mentor staff, and drive improvements in coding efficiency and...
5 days ago
Associate Director, Clinical Science
$180K - $240K *
Lead scientific strategy for clinical development of BHB-1893, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance. Drive protocol design, data analysis, and e...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in optimizing business processes and technology solutions, serving as the primary liaison between stakeholders and technical teams to enhance operational efficiency and customer experi...
1 week ago
Sr. Clinical Pharmacist (Oncology)
$123K - $206K *
Lead the implementation of clinical pharmacy services within a network, collaborating with practices and teams to enhance patient care, optimize drug utilization, and ensure compliance with regulatory...
1 week ago
Senior Consultant - Epic - Patient Access
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at healthcare organizations by optimizing EHR configurations and processes. Collaborate remotely with clients to enhance revenue cycle workflows and improve patient outcomes using...
4 weeks ago
Executive Director, Financial Planning & Commercial Growth
$175K - $210K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of innovation in cancer research by leading financial planning and commercialization efforts to support strategic growth and decision-making across an impactful o...
Reposted 1 week ago
Account Specialist (Johnson City, TN)
$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...
1 week ago
$150K - $210K *
Transform your career by driving profitable business with enterprise clients. Leverage your underwriting expertise to manage complex accounts, mentor peers, and shape portfolio strategies while foster...
2 days ago
Case Manager Registered Nurse - Compact RN Licensure Required
$60K - $129K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing health outcomes by assessing, planning, and coordinating care for members. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to navigate healthcare needs and implement...
Reposted 1 week ago
Transformation Consultant, Digital Health
$85K - $137K *
Elevate healthcare transformation by coaching clinicians and leaders to optimize operational excellence and improve patient outcomes through effective EHR utilization and workflow redesign. Drive chan...
2 days ago
Remote BCBA | Must Live in Georgia
$150K - $200K *
Empower your career by providing impactful ABA services remotely. Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with caregivers to enhance clinical outcomes for children and families a...
Yesterday
$84K - $110K *
Transform risk management practices by conducting trade surveillance and compliance reviews, collaborating with teams to mitigate potential risks, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards in a d...
5 days ago
Senior Scientific Director (Rare/Neurology/Psychiatry)
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing and overseeing scientific content across multiple therapeutic areas, ensuring high-quality contributions and strategic client interactions to drive growth and innovation...
3 weeks ago
Credentialing Specialist (REMOTE)
$60K - $99K *
Take ownership of the credentialing process for medical staff, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. Collaborate with leadership to maintain high-quality patient care through effective m...
3 weeks ago
Credentialing Specialist (REMOTE)
$60K - $99K *
Empower quality patient care by managing the credentialing and privileging processes for medical staff and allied health professionals, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards while collabo...
3 weeks ago
Chief Medical Officer - CMO - for Optum Community Care Services, CCS - Remote
$292K - $438K *
Empower healthcare excellence by leading clinical programs and teams. Utilize your extensive experience to enhance quality, compliance, and strategic initiatives in a dynamic environment focused on pa...
3 days ago
Business System Analyst - Pharmaceutical
$80K - $95K *
Collaborate with sales and IT teams to transform operational data into actionable insights, ensuring effective system configuration and user adoption across Salesforce, CRM, and laboratory platforms t...
3 days ago
AI Engineer (Rev Cycle Data Intelligence Analyst) - Remote
$110K - $130K *
Unlock insights by managing data analysis and reporting for healthcare revenue cycles. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver predictive analytics and operationalize AI solutions, enhancing decision...
2 days ago
Internal Auditor II (Full-time Remote, North Carolina Based)
$91K - $116K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing governance and risk management through comprehensive audits. This role involves developing audit programs, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with indus...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $110K *
Deliver compassionate teletherapy to clients, ensuring effective treatment and support. Join a mission-driven team enhancing mental wellness through personalized care, collaboration, and innovative so...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Humanitarian Advisor (Food Assistance)
$106K - $125K *
Develop and implement global program designs while supporting the effective rollout of tools and resources. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance child development initiatives and ensure...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT)
$115K - $120K *
Engage your expertise to provide telehealth therapy for individuals, couples, and families. This role involves clinical assessments, documentation, and collaboration with other providers, all while ma...
6 days 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.