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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$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

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3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

St. Louis, MORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$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...

Los Angeles, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Las Vegas, NVRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$107K - $199K *

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United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Everett, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Marietta, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

North Carolina, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Nashville, TNRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Missouri, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

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2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Columbia, SCRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

New Jersey, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 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.