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.
$95K - $115K *
Empower our mission by leading IT audits that assess risk and enhance controls. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness while mentoring fellow auditors and deliveri...
4 weeks ago
Area Vice President, West/South Central
$233K - $275K *
Lead and empower a dynamic sales team to exceed revenue goals in a rapidly growing cybersecurity market. Drive strategic initiatives, foster relationships, and enhance pipeline generation while managi...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance client relationships and team performance as a strategic leader, overseeing captive insurance operations, driving excellence, and enhancing service delivery while managing complex engagements...
3 days ago
Regional Nurse Consultant (RN)
$85K *
Transform Assisted Living care by serving as a clinical mentor and compliance partner, enhancing regulatory readiness and quality while developing nursing leaders through effective training, auditing...
3 weeks ago
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with Arizona LBA
$85K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement impactful ABA therapy plans, mentor technicians, and collaborate with families, all while enjoying a flexible remote schedule with quarterly travel opportun...
2 weeks ago
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with Arizona LBA
$85K - $95K *
Transform the landscape of ABA therapy by designing impactful plans, mentoring a dedicated team, and collaborating with families to achieve meaningful outcomes in a flexible, remote environment with q...
2 weeks ago
Clinical Pharmacist (Formulary & Quality)
$107K - $199K *
Redefine pharmacy care by developing formularies and policies, enhancing quality programs, and driving initiatives that improve Medicaid services while collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholder...
3 weeks ago
Medical Behavioral RN Case Manager - Remote
$60K - $107K *
Engage in a vital role as a clinical liaison, managing high-risk member care through assessments, coordination, and monitoring. Embrace flexibility in your work environment while driving quality healt...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Data Analyst, Customer Analytics (Insurance)
$84K - $120K *
Accelerate insights generation as a key member of the Customer Analytics team, transforming raw data into actionable recommendations that enhance client retention, drive growth, and refine operational...
Reposted 1 week ago
Telehealth BCBA: Must live in Georgia
$80K - $98K *
Empower clinical excellence as a BCBA, leading innovative ABA programs while mentoring teams and ensuring high-quality, ethical services. Collaborate with leaders to enhance client experiences and dri...
1 week ago
Prior Authorization Pharmacist- Remote
$90K - $129K *
Join our team to evaluate medication therapy and enhance Utilization Management strategies. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care through effective Prior Authorizati...
4 days ago
Patient Support Nurse, Oncology
$80K - $95K *
Empower patients by guiding them through oncology treatment barriers. As a key resource, you'll educate and support patients from enrollment to therapy completion, ensuring a seamless experience while...
1 week ago
$164K - $263K *
Champion privacy initiatives as a key legal team member, providing expert counsel on complex privacy matters, developing compliance programs, and collaborating across teams to ensure adherence to evol...
4 days ago
$86K - $113K *
Engage with clients as a trusted partner, driving satisfaction and growth through effective management of healthcare operations and strategic initiatives. Collaborate across teams to enhance service d...
2 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Manage customer expectations by designing and scoping vulnerability management solutions, acting as the technical bridge between client security teams and engineering to ensure successful implementati...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Analyst, Decision Science (Market Analyst)
$105K - $129K *
Drive impactful market analysis and reporting as a Senior Analyst, leveraging data to guide strategic investments and growth opportunities. Collaborate with teams to enhance decision-making and optimi...
6 days ago
Account Specialist (Wilkes Barre, PA)
$160K - $192K *
Drive commercial performance by engaging healthcare providers and executing territory plans. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product launches and enhance patient access to innovativ...
1 week ago
Manager, Clinical Program Pharmacy
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading pharmacy operations, enhancing client engagement, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Oversee a team of clinical professionals to ensure high-quality pharmacy s...
3 days ago
Vice President, Network Development & Contracting
$207K - $392K *
Empower provider network strategy by overseeing contracting, analyzing costs, and supporting market expansion. Lead initiatives to enhance network operations and ensure alignment with company objectiv...
Reposted 1 week ago
Endpoint Security / ESS Engineer (Journeyman)
$95K - $115K *
Transform endpoint security management by ensuring compliance, investigating security events, and implementing corrective actions within the Department of Defense's Endpoint Security Solutions environ...
3 days ago
Sr. Litigation Specialist (Remote)
$89K - $119K *
Join the charge in managing complex litigated claims, guiding strategy, and negotiating settlements. Leverage your expertise to achieve timely resolutions while balancing costs and exposure in a dynam...
2 days ago
Senior Client Success Executive (North Carolina)
$100K - $120K *
Champion client success by building strategic partnerships, driving engagement, and ensuring measurable outcomes. Leverage strong relationship skills to enhance client satisfaction and retention while...
3 days ago
Deputy Chief of Party II, Technical, Continuity of Integrated Health Services
$95K - $117K *
Champion integrated health initiatives across multiple countries, providing strategic oversight and leadership for malaria, maternal health, and infectious disease programs. Ensure quality interventio...
3 weeks ago
$72K - $94K *
Transform compliance practices by ensuring adherence to gaming regulations across jurisdictions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to conduct audits, monitor changes, and maintain documentation...
3 weeks ago
$71K - $142K *
Champion the successful implementation of RTSM systems, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to client requirements while managing project budgets and communications throughout the project lifecycle...
Reposted 3 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.