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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$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...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Maine, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

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Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $240K *

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San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$123K - $206K *

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Delaware, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$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

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Dalton, GARemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Springfield, MARemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Camden, NJRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Camden, NJRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Eden Prairie, MNRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

CanadaRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

Los Angeles, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Morrisville, NCRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$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...

Wichita, KSRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.