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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$80K - $95K *

Advance clinical excellence by leading and mentoring ABA programs, ensuring high standards and quality service. Collaborate with teams to develop innovative practices and maintain compliance, all whil...

Yuba City, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $200K *

Optimize client relationships and drive revenue growth by sourcing and managing commercial and contract surety bonds. Collaborate with industry partners to navigate financial requirements and enhance...

Miami, FLRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Reimagine client partnerships by managing complex relationships, driving performance, and leading recovery strategies. Collaborate with executives to ensure client success and identify growth opportun...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$89K - $148K *

Champion change management during EHR implementation, guiding users through training and support, while fostering stakeholder relationships to align with program objectives and enhance workflow for a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$105K - $136K *

Shape the future of animal welfare by leading innovative research projects focused on companion animal behavior and welfare. Collaborate across teams to translate findings into impactful applications...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$125K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading complex underwriting projects for national clients. Collaborate with diverse teams to develop strategies and ensure compliance in the evolving leave industry, while mentori...

California, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Optimize client success by leading strategic relationships and enhancing revenue cycle performance. Drive measurable improvements, manage escalations, and ensure value realization across healthcare so...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $115K *

Drive impactful adult autism evaluations by conducting diagnostic interviews and testing. Provide compassionate feedback, prepare concise reports, and maintain professional documentation within a flex...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$115K - $120K *

Join us to provide impactful telehealth therapy as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. You'll manage a diverse caseload, utilizing evidence-based techniques to foster communication and emotional...

Delaware, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Champion mental wellness by providing remote therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Leverage your expertise in relationship dynamics and personal circumstances to foster healing and growth in...

Sandy, ORRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to supporting clients through relationship and family challenges. As a licensed clinician, you'll manage your own cases, provide therapy via telehealth, and ensure compreh...

Medford, MARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through virtual therapy. As an LMFT, you'll provide essential support to individuals, couples, and families, utilizing your expertise to address a va...

New Bern, NCRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Unlock your potential as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, providing virtual counseling to clients in Alabama. Collaborate on treatment plans, monitor progress, and support individuals, couple...

Alabama, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Explore the opportunity to provide virtual therapy, guiding individuals, couples, and families through relationship challenges while maintaining clinical excellence and confidentiality in a remote set...

Augusta, GARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team as you provide virtual therapy, enhancing client relationships and emotional well-being through practical interventions and structured support. Your expertise will empower clients...

Blue Springs, MORemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through virtual therapy. In this full-time remote role, you'll support clients in navigating relationship challenges and emotional stressors, fosteri...

Moline, ILRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Empower individuals and families by delivering virtual therapy sessions, managing a consistent caseload, and applying evidence-based approaches to foster emotional well-being in a fully remote environ...

Carrollton, TXRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Elevate your career by providing virtual therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Utilize your expertise to address relationship and family dynamics while maintaining clinical records and confid...

Rocky Mount, NCRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Champion the mental well-being of individuals, couples, and families through telehealth. Lead therapeutic sessions, guide clients through challenges, and maintain accurate records while ensuring compl...

Monroe, LARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing virtual therapy services across Texas. This full-time remote role involves managing an active caseload, conducting assessments, and delivering structured, eth...

Lubbock, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Provide virtual mental health care by conducting telehealth therapy sessions, supporting clients in understanding relationship patterns, and facilitating emotional and behavioral change through practi...

Clayton, NCRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing telehealth therapy to individuals, couples, and families. You'll address relationship issues, family stress, and life changes while maintaining clinical docum...

Parkersburg, WVRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing family dynamics through remote therapy. You'll provide support to clients, develop tailored treatment plans, and track progress, all while working in a flexib...

Worcester, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing family dynamics through virtual therapy. As an LMFT, you'll support individuals and families in navigating relationship challenges, fostering communication, a...

Lake Charles, LARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Transform lives by providing remote therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. Utilize your expertise to address relationship concerns, emotional stress, and behavioral health challenges...

Parkersburg, WVRemote

1 week 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.