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 *

Drive new business growth by owning the full sales cycle in the mid-market segment. Leverage your expertise in cybersecurity solutions to maximize revenue and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Serve as a consultative seller to expand the DOJ portfolio by leveraging innovative technologies, fostering key relationships, and addressing critical security risks within federal law enforcement and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$99K - $129K *

Lead strategic initiatives by managing a team of Systems Analysts to enhance claims management systems. Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment with organizational goals while overseeing pr...

Elkin, NCRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team as a Second-in-Command, driving operational excellence and fostering leadership. You'll enhance processes, align teams, and ensure accountability while nurturing a people-centered...

Decatur, GARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Advance clinical operations by leading a team of coordinators, ensuring efficient coverage determinations and appeals. Foster professional growth while managing day-to-day activities and resolving esc...

Las Vegas, NVRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$168K - $210K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead and develop high-performing LTC Sales Specialists, driving sales success and enhancing customer engagement in the long-term care sector while meeting organizational goa...

Illinois, USRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$77K - $108K *

Contribute to the rehabilitation of older adults by delivering in-home occupational therapy services. Collaborate with a skilled team to evaluate, adapt, and implement personalized treatment plans, en...

New Hampshire, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to drive territory growth through strategic sales and account management in oncology. Build strong relationships with healthcare professionals while ensuring exceptional customer exper...

Ohio, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$56K - $104K *

Empower financial professionals by building strategic relationships, delivering tailored solutions, and driving growth across your territory. Leverage your consultative sales expertise to enhance clie...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$50K - $250K *

Advance your career by driving sales success and managing client accounts. Utilize expert knowledge and collaboration to engage clients, analyze business renewals, and meet sales goals while leveragin...

Boston, MARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $150K *

Drive transformative initiatives in cancer care navigation. Influence strategic partnerships and implement scalable programs that enhance patient access to evidence-based care, ensuring equity across...

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$94K - $148K *

Optimize patient access by educating healthcare providers on reimbursement processes. As a Field Reimbursement Specialist, you'll navigate complex insurance challenges, ensuring patients receive speci...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$94K - $148K *

Lead the charge in enhancing patient access to specialty medications by educating healthcare providers on reimbursement processes and resolving access barriers. Your expertise will bridge the gap betw...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$94K - $148K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of patient access solutions! Engage with healthcare providers to educate on reimbursement and access topics, ensuring patients receive vital therapies. Travel exte...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Innovate solutions by analyzing and supporting enterprise applications in a healthcare setting. Collaborate with teams to enhance workflows, troubleshoot issues, and lead projects, ensuring optimal so...

Arizona, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by providing in-home occupational therapy services, evaluating safety, assessing functional needs, and implementing personalized treatment plans to enhance patient independence and qu...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

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

$100K - $140K *

Engage with clients to drive sales of Inorganic product lines, leveraging your expertise in capital equipment and analytical instrumentation. Cultivate relationships, execute strategic plans, and enha...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $192K *

Inspire commercial success by engaging healthcare providers and driving product adoption. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support launches and optimize patient access, ensuring impactful re...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $155K *

Drive regional sales impact by engaging high-value gastroenterology customers. Collaborate with sales teams to enhance market influence, lead training initiatives, and execute strategic business plans...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $165K *

Champion territory growth by driving new account acquisition and expanding existing relationships. Leverage consultative selling and strategic prospecting to position as a preferred partner in tumor p...

California, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $148K *

Unlock potential by determining risk acceptability and pricing for complex insurance accounts. Collaborate with brokers, analyze claims, and foster relationships to achieve production goals in a fast...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$134K - $249K *

Transform provider engagement strategies to enhance performance and quality across multiple business lines. Lead initiatives that optimize relationships, reduce costs, and align with organizational go...

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3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $152K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing evidence-based digital prevention interventions, overseeing diverse campaigns while ensuring strategic alignment and effective outcomes through strong pro...

Washington, DCRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate project outcomes by leading cross-functional teams to deliver clinical research projects on time and within budget, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and client expectations while...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $140K *

Transform your career by leading regional clinical support initiatives while enhancing patient care. Collaborate with teams and drive strategic execution to achieve business goals in ablation solution...

Newark, NJRemote

Reposted 6 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.