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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Transform clinical research by effectively monitoring sites, ensuring participant safety, and maintaining data integrity. Collaborate with teams while adapting to a fast-paced environment requiring st...
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Elevate compliance and product efficiency in Workers' Compensation by managing regulatory filings, implementing bureau changes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive operational succe...
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Lead the charge in transforming cardiovascular care. Oversee clinical teams, ensuring high standards, build partnerships, and shape value-based care strategies to improve patient outcomes and provider...
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After-Hours Charge Nurse - Remote
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Reimagine patient care after-hours by leading and coordinating nursing staff, ensuring compliance with clinical standards while fostering a supportive environment for both staff and patients. Join us...
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Workplace Safety Representative 9-12 - Safety Officer
$66K - $108K *
Drive workplace safety initiatives by investigating and analyzing operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations, fostering a secure environment for Michigan workers through effective practic...
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Engage in complex contract administration, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment. Collaborate with stakeholders to navigate contractual obligations and develop innovative solutions that support...
6 days ago
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Join a dynamic team to lead clinical operations, ensuring quality care and compliance across medical specialties. Collaborate with management and providers to enhance communication and operational eff...
4 days ago
Senior Litigation Counsel (Engineering / Construction)
$175K - $200K *
Lead the charge in managing complex litigation and advising on legal risks, ensuring compliance while collaborating with internal teams and outside counsel to drive effective case strategies and resol...
2 days ago
Complex/Severe Represented Litigation Adjuster - Florida - Remote
$65K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team to manage and negotiate complex bodily injury claims while providing exceptional customer service through innovative tools. Enjoy the flexibility of remote work while resolving cas...
3 weeks ago
Underwriter Specialist – Specialty Human Services
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Join a team that's shaping the future of insurance by analyzing risks, underwriting new and renewal business, and building strong relationships with clients. This remote position supports a diverse re...
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Bring your expertise to deliver exceptional telehealth psychiatric care while crafting individualized treatment plans and collaborating with clinical peers. Embrace the opportunity for remote practice...
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Elevate compliance standards by coordinating and executing key program elements, advising on policies, delivering training, and managing compliance risks, ensuring an ethical culture and integrity in...
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Senior Business Analyst - Claims module
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Advance your career by leading the Claims Domain for MMIS health care projects. Drive analysis, documentation, and quality processes while collaborating with clients and development teams to meet cust...
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Senior Claims Adjuster (Workers' Compensation)
$78K - $119K *
Engage in the management of complex workers' compensation claims, driving investigations and strategies from start to resolution. Build relationships, ensure compliance, and mentor team members while...
3 weeks ago
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Manage and optimize Epic Professional Billing workflows, focusing on Claims and Remittance. Serve as a key resource for end-users, troubleshooting issues and enhancing billing processes to ensure accu...
2 weeks ago
Staff Pharmacist - Accredo - Remote (FL, IN, OH, AZ, PA)
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Champion patient care by interpreting prescriptions, consulting with healthcare providers, and ensuring medication accuracy. Collaborate with teams to enhance service quality and train junior pharmaci...
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Drive growth and retention in community pharmacy business through consultative sales, strategic account management, and collaboration across teams. Engage with customers to deliver tailored solutions...
3 days ago
Long Term Care Account Specialist - Boston MA
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Drive growth and market success by building relationships with healthcare professionals, managing sales strategies, and educating key stakeholders on product benefits in a focused geographic territory...
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Clinical Retention Specialist (West)
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Transform customer experiences by providing expert clinical support and education for diabetes management. Engage with patients to enhance product adoption and health outcomes through proactive commun...
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What does a substance abuse counselor do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.