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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$107K - $213K *

Join a team that's redefining clinical research by leading site activation strategies and ensuring efficient study start-up activities. Collaborate globally to drive operational excellence and mentor...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Transform regulatory compliance by leading licensing and audit functions for a dynamic payments business. Collaborate across teams to ensure adherence to state and federal regulations while driving pr...

Los Angeles, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$86K - $105K *

Analyze financial data and drive forecasting processes to support business leaders. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency. Deliver insights through finan...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$113K - $188K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop high-performance ETL solutions, integrating data from diverse sources. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data workflows and ensure complianc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Deliver exceptional nursing services by managing a remote team, optimizing operations, and ensuring compliance with care standards. Partner with various stakeholders to enhance patient care and servic...

Ontario, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $115K *

Contribute to the operational support of enterprise messaging systems, ensuring effective email administration, user issue resolution, and mobile device management while enhancing project-based messag...

Washington, USRemote

2 days ago

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

$206K - $282K *

Join a dynamic team to leverage clinical expertise in managed care, enhancing access to Neurocrine products. Collaborate with stakeholders, deliver impactful presentations, and drive strategic initiat...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $140K *

Transform your career by leading claims advocacy efforts, managing complex coverage issues, and providing expert guidance to brokers and clients. Collaborate with teams to ensure positive outcomes and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $152K *

Drive success by managing litigation and disputes in workers' compensation claims. Proactively analyze and resolve issues to reduce costs and improve outcomes, while collaborating with various stakeho...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$85K - $125K *

Unlock potential by driving revenue growth through new business development and client relationship management. This role demands expertise in local sales, strategic insights, and a proven track recor...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$180K - $215K *

Transform your career by leading regional sales efforts, driving product launch success, and building high-performing teams. Collaborate cross-functionally to achieve sales goals and foster strong cus...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Transform Medicaid programs by managing initiatives, coordinating stakeholders, and driving quality improvements. Leverage your expertise to implement policies and enhance operational efficiency in a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as a legal partner, advising cross-functional teams on diverse commercial and compliance matters in a dynamic renewable energy environment. Collaborate on innovative projects whi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$91K - $120K *

Lead the charge in financial reporting as you analyze complex data, prepare reports, and support audit requests. Your expertise will drive informed decision-making and enhance operational efficiency i...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$60K - $129K *

Tackle comprehensive care coordination for chronic conditions and mental health. Collaborate with healthcare providers to advocate for members, ensuring effective communication and positive outcomes t...

Arizona, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $210K *

Drive growth by leading a dynamic sales team in the oncology sector, focusing on strategy execution, client relationships, and market insights to achieve revenue targets and enhance service delivery...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $110K *

Accelerate progress at pediatric mental health care by leading clinical quality assurance and supervision, mentoring clinicians, and providing evidence-based therapy to children and families in a full...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $175K *

Empower mission success by managing COMSEC lifecycle functions, ensuring the security and integrity of communication systems through expert oversight and compliance with national standards...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $150K *

Champion clinical project success by leading operations, training teams, and ensuring compliance. Drive strategic planning and risk management while overseeing site performance and fostering collabora...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Unlock potential by delivering advanced risk control services, conducting evaluations, and developing value-added recommendations to enhance safety and risk management strategies for specialized comme...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$60K - $129K *

Transform behavioral healthcare for children by utilizing clinical expertise to assess and enhance care plans, ensuring effective and culturally competent support that promotes optimal outcomes and re...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$97K - $193K *

Transform clinical research by ensuring high-quality study execution and compliance. Collaborate with sites and teams to drive data integrity and patient safety, influencing successful outcomes throug...

Texas, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $220K *

Join a dynamic team to provide clinical oversight and support to Advanced Practice Providers in a fully remote role, ensuring high-quality patient care and compliance with medical standards in South C...

Myrtle Beach, SCRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Elevate client relationships by managing strategic accounts, driving retention and growth. Collaborate with internal teams to align solutions with client objectives, ensuring measurable impact and fos...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing remote ABA services, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and supervising technicians to support children and families in Georgia. Enjoy flexib...

Atlanta, GARemote

Yesterday

  •   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.