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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$75K - $114K *

Join a team that's transforming mental health care by assessing and treating patients in crisis. As a Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist, you'll collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop...

Virginia Beach, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$225K - $275K *

Elevate healthcare standards by guiding medical policy and coding within a collaborative team. Leverage your expertise to enhance client relationships, improve payment accuracy, and drive strategic in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$109K - $130K *

Drive excellence in master data management by leading identity resolution, ensuring data integrity, and establishing governance standards for patient and provider domains. Collaborate with stakeholder...

Colorado, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $130K *

Shape the future of mental health care by providing virtual counseling and developing treatment plans for patients with acute conditions. Collaborate with medical professionals while ensuring adherenc...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $220K *

Engage with a dedicated team by providing clinical oversight to psychiatric NPs/PAs. This remote role focuses on ensuring best practices, reviewing medical records, and supporting effective treatment...

Connecticut, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$89K - $136K *

Partner with us to enhance member health through integrated case management. You'll develop and monitor care plans, conduct assessments, and coordinate with healthcare teams to ensure optimal outcomes...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a dedicated team as you provide remote mental health support through teletherapy, conducting assessments and developing personalized treatment plans. Ensure optimal care with a focus on complianc...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $114K *

Reimagine mental health support by joining our Psychiatric Emergency Response team. Assess and recommend treatment for patients with behavioral health concerns in a fully remote, overnight role that m...

Virginia Beach, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$133K - $180K *

Lead the charge in transforming child welfare legal systems through strategic consultation, collaboration, and innovative program development, ensuring best practices and positive outcomes for familie...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$70K - $92K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering evidence-based mental health care through innovative video therapy. You'll support diverse clients, enhance their learning, and collaborate with peers while...

Maryland, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$116K - $166K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing healthcare engagement by working closely with healthcare providers. In this role, you'll utilize both in-person and digital tools to drive initiatives that im...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $119K *

Transform healthcare delivery by coordinating strategic programs that enhance clinical and operational excellence. Collaborate with diverse teams to implement innovative solutions, ensuring compliance...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$64K - $102K *

Optimize financial counseling services for military personnel and families. Engage directly through individualized plans, educational workshops, and virtual support. Collaborate with installation poin...

Cordova, TNRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $235K *

Elevate your legal career by delivering strategic counsel and effective services to Managed Services Organizations and physician practices, while managing complex legal projects and mentoring a team i...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $85K *

Optimize partnerships with healthcare entities to enhance cancer care access and outcomes, while driving strategic initiatives and influencing policy through collaborative efforts across the cancer ca...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $162K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing patient care through Comprehensive Medication Management, collaborating with healthcare providers to optimize chronic disease management and improve health ou...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $100K *

Engage in meaningful work with older adults by providing evidence-based psychotherapy in a supportive remote environment. Set your own hours while focusing on patient care, with resources to help you...

North Dakota, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$164K - $245K *

Transform vendor legal operations by leading negotiations and enhancing processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline agreements and empower stakeholders, ensuring efficiency and sc...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$69K - $101K *

Lead the charge in holistic clinical care management, enhancing health outcomes through comprehensive assessments, care planning, and coordination for diverse member populations with complex needs...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Empower clients by providing remote counseling tailored to diverse needs. Engage with individuals, couples, and families to foster healing and growth. Utilize effective therapeutic techniques and main...

Newark, NJRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $105K *

Drive impactful change by investigating vulnerable adult maltreatment cases. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure safety and provide protective services, while navigating complex social sit...

Minnesota, USRemote

1 week ago

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

$95K - $105K *

Empower individuals by leading innovative behavioral analysis initiatives. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver personalized care, ensuring impactful outcomes for clients in a supporti...

Mesa, AZRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $100K *

Join a supportive team to deliver evidence-based psychotherapy to older adults. Enjoy flexible scheduling, no marketing, and access to dedicated clinical leads while utilizing advanced telehealth tool...

Kentucky, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $105K *

Elevate patient care by joining a dedicated team of Licensed Therapists. Collaborate in a supportive environment, utilizing the latest technology to enhance clinical excellence and work-life balance w...

Washington, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K *

Seeking a licensed therapist passionate about client-focused care, willing to engage collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families. Enjoy flexibility in practice style while fostering profes...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

Reposted 1 week 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.