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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$160K - $192K *

Drive commercial success by engaging healthcare providers and executing territory plans. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product launches and enhance patient access to innovative th...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing impactful ABA services remotely. Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and supervise technicians while collaborating with families to foster meaningfu...

Hinesville, GARemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $110K *

Drive client success by managing relationships with small to medium accounts, leveraging data for insights, and identifying growth opportunities. Collaborate with internal teams to enhance service del...

Illinois, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $191K *

Lead the charge in designing scalable cloud solutions that meet diverse healthcare needs, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture and driving technology initiatives across multiple platforms t...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$89K - $148K *

Lead the charge in enhancing risk management and compliance by driving internal control improvements, managing teams, and engaging clients to deliver actionable insights and high-quality outputs in a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$54K - $116K *

Transform member wellness by coordinating case management activities, evaluating medical needs, and implementing strategies to enhance overall health outcomes while ensuring compliance with clinical p...

La Place, LARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $192K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of healthcare by driving commercial performance, building relationships with providers, and ensuring patient access to innovative therapies across a defined territ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $90K *

Analyze pharmacy claims audits to ensure compliance with PBM contracts. Contribute to data quality checks, financial evaluations, and operational efficiencies while collaborating with internal teams a...

Wisconsin, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering remote behavioral health services. You'll support clients through virtual care, addressing their emotional and social challenges while managing clinical eval...

Las Vegas, NVRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Unlock potential by providing remote therapy and clinical support to clients facing mental health challenges, conducting assessments, and developing tailored treatment plans for effective care and pro...

Stamford, CTRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$91K - $163K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing labor relations practices, assessing needs, and implementing solutions across diverse business lines. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive compliance and su...

Chesapeake, VARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Unlock your potential by leading a high-performing sales team in precision oncology. Drive strategic initiatives, foster cross-functional collaboration, and enhance patient care through innovative sal...

Philadelphia, PARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $120K *

Deliver compassionate telehealth services to diverse clients, addressing emotional and relational challenges while maintaining professional standards and confidentiality in a supportive environment...

Jersey City, NJRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Unlock potential by providing compassionate therapy and support to clients, addressing emotional and social challenges. Manage cases effectively while connecting clients to essential resources in a fu...

Middletown, DERemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Empower individuals and families by providing telehealth therapy and support. Drive positive change through assessments, treatment planning, and maintaining confidentiality while adhering to ethical s...

Windsor, CTRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering virtual mental health support. Leverage your expertise as an LCSW to create impactful treatment plans and guide clients through their challenges in a fully r...

Frankfort, KYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing personalized therapy in a fully remote setting. Utilize your clinical expertise to support clients through various challenges, ensuring tailored care from ini...

Rio Rancho, NMRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Unlock the potential of virtual therapy by providing clinical oversight and support. Engage with clients through evidence-based methods while leading a remote care team to enhance treatment quality an...

Glendale, AZRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Empower clients through remote therapy sessions, focusing on clinical care, treatment goals, and thorough assessments for adults seeking mental health support. This full-time role emphasizes structure...

Overland Park, KSRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a remote behavioral health practice providing telehealth therapy services; support clients with diverse mental health needs, build strong therapeutic relationships, and ensure compliance with pro...

Lake Village, INRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Transform client care by delivering virtual therapy sessions as a full-time LCSW. Assess needs, guide treatment plans, and support client progress within a structured remote telehealth environment...

Honolulu, HIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Unlock your potential as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker delivering impactful telehealth services. Collaborate with clients remotely to assess needs, create treatment plans, and provide continuous s...

Atlanta, GARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join us to manage the full spectrum of client care, leveraging your clinical expertise in therapy and assessment to deliver impactful support and maintain high standards of practice, all within a flex...

Buffalo, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Advance your career by providing impactful telehealth therapy services, assessing mental health needs, and developing goal-oriented treatment plans to support diverse clients effectively in a remote s...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a remote team as an LCSW, providing therapy to clients and managing clinical responsibilities. Ideal for self-motivated individuals who excel in organization and client follow-up while supporting...

Manchester, NHRemote

3 weeks 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.