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 - $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...

United StatesRemote

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

4 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...

RemoteRemote

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...

United StatesRemote

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

$113K - $139K *

Unlock potential by designing and developing advanced data models and ETL specifications. Collaborate on system architecture and standards to enhance data solutions in a dynamic environment, while coo...

Oregon, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$78K - $120K *

Elevate client success by driving adoption of fraud solutions, enhancing workflows, and delivering measurable outcomes for insurance carriers. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize fraud detection...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $250K *

Make your mark at the forefront of clinical operations, driving global studies from strategy to execution while ensuring operational integration across teams and vendors for successful Phase 3 program...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $190K *

Lead operational excellence in clinical trial budget amendments, overseeing workflows, negotiations, and team performance. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance efficiency and resolve complex finan...

Los Angeles, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Transform healthcare billing by leading a dedicated Hospital Billing Claims team, enhancing claims accuracy, regulatory compliance, and team performance while collaborating with partners to deliver op...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in optimizing hospital billing processes by guiding a skilled claims team. Drive improvements in claims management, regulatory updates, and collaboration with professional billing to e...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$88K - $140K *

Shape the future of public service by leading technology consulting projects that enhance operational efficiency and strategic goals for state and local agencies, ensuring compliance and delivering im...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $192K *

Transform healthcare engagement by driving commercial performance and building strong relationships with providers. Collaborate cross-functionally to support product launches and ensure patient access...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $115K *

Join a team that's transforming research grant administration by managing proposals, budgets, and compliance. Provide expert guidance to ensure successful submissions and navigate complex funding proc...

Cambridge, MARemote

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Engage with pharmaceutical partners to drive revenue through AI-driven solutions. Build strategic relationships and develop account plans while collaborating across teams. Utilize your sales expertise...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Manage contract reviews and negotiations, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and enhance contract performance while providing expe...

Ontario, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $256K *

Elevate clinical quality assurance by designing and executing strategies for compliance, audit management, and oversight of global clinical operations. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure adherenc...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Join our team to drive awareness and adoption of an AI-powered assay in oncology. Collaborate with healthcare providers to enhance patient care through education and strategic engagement, ensuring opt...

Missouri, USRemote

5 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.