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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$100K - $120K *

Elevate project outcomes by providing expert guidance in Cerner analysis, design, and implementation. Collaborate with clients and teams to address project issues and ensure successful delivery while...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Partner with us to drive revenue growth and strategic account management across a diverse portfolio. You'll own the full sales cycle, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and build lasting relatio...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Analyze data trends and insights to drive strategic decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product development and user engagement through effective data visualization and repor...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $250K *

Reimagine growth strategies within federal agencies, focusing on enhancing digital services and customer engagement. Leverage your expertise to drive business development, capture opportunities, and f...

Washington, DCRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing client relationships by overseeing a dedicated team of Project Managers and Technical Analysts, ensuring high-quality service delivery, effective project execution, and str...

Overland Park, KSRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing impactful virtual therapy, supporting individuals and families through evidence-based practices. Enjoy a structured clinical environment while focusing on mea...

Los Angeles, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$117K - $163K *

Transform the employee experience by leading U.S. and Canadian benefits and compensation operations. Help optimize global processes and drive improvements in operational excellence within a collaborat...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional medical information services to clients. Provide oversight, manage client relationships, and ensure compliance with performance metrics while mentoring staff...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Advance global clinical trials by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while managing timelines and budgets to deliver impactful results in Oncology research...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $190K *

Lead the charge in underwriting and managing complex enterprise accounts, driving profitable business through strategic broker partnerships while mentoring junior underwriters and shaping portfolio st...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Innovate post-acute payment integrity by developing and optimizing audit concepts for DME, home health, and infusion therapy claims. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance and enhance ope...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through remote ABA services. As a BCBA, you'll assess, plan, and supervise treatment for children with developmental disabilities, ensuring impactful...

Augusta, GARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that oversees substantive legal operations, ensuring compliance and advising on complex matters. You'll navigate legal intricacies while managing attorneys, fostering client relationships...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $109K *

Lead the charge in managing claims by verifying coverage, initiating customer contact, and resolving complex issues. Collaborate with legal teams and ensure compliance while mentoring junior staff and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $192K *

Collaborate with healthcare providers to drive commercial performance and product adoption. Engage in territory business planning, support product launches, and optimize patient access to innovative t...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $89K *

Elevate healthcare quality by reviewing medical records, ensuring accurate coding, and maintaining compliance with guidelines. Collaborate with teams to enhance coding practices and uphold high standa...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by managing senior-level client relationships and navigating complex regulatory matters. Collaborate with compliance experts to deliver actionable solutions that enhance client operat...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$74K - $125K *

Transform communities by designing and delivering impactful training for disaster recovery programs, enhancing the capacity of local governments and stakeholders to effectively implement housing and c...

Reston, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Optimize customer success by driving engagement and retention, ensuring clients maximize value from services. Collaborate with teams to enhance the customer experience and advocate for their needs, co...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$300K - $500K *

Bring your expertise to a flexible and autonomous telehealth psychiatrist role, focusing on patient-centered care for mental health conditions. Enjoy administrative support and opportunities for profe...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$112K - $189K *

Transform patient care by interpreting prescriptions, ensuring compliance, and consulting on medication use. Collaborate with healthcare providers to expedite orders and enhance service quality while...

Tempe, AZRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$157K - $185K *

Champion AI Security sales by owning the full cycle in your territory, targeting enterprise accounts, and collaborating with teams to drive growth and innovation in a rapidly evolving market...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$207K - $392K *

Oversee provider network strategy and contracting activities, driving growth and operational excellence. Lead negotiations, evaluate costs, and support market expansion initiatives while ensuring alig...

Florida, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Elevate your career by building and managing relationships with financial advisors to drive sales of investment products. Utilize your expertise to develop strategic plans and collaborate with interna...

Arizona, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $131K *

Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic Salesforce CRM team focused on enhancing business processes and providing exceptional service support within a collaborative environment...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.