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.
$110K - $130K *
Reimagine medical communication by leading a team of writers to craft regulatory and scientific documents. Oversee projects, ensuring clarity and quality for diverse audiences while adhering to timeli...
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Support clinical trial operations by monitoring lab services, engaging with sites, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes and deliver timely results for...
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$150K - $200K *
Lead the charge in delivering impactful ABA services remotely, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and guiding behavior technicians to foster meaningful progress for children and famil...
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$100K - $125K *
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Virtual Diagnostic Specialist - West
$80K - $95K *
Elevate healthcare by educating providers on genetic testing initiatives through virtual platforms. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance diagnostic strategies and advocate for stakeholder educati...
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Account Supervisor - Market & Patient Access
$90K - $105K *
Advance your career managing high-visibility projects while fostering strong relationships. Lead a dynamic team to ensure exceptional delivery aligned with client expectations and budgetary goals in a...
3 weeks ago
Customer Success Operations Manager
$100K - $110K *
Drive operational excellence by leading the Customer Success Operations team, ensuring efficient service delivery, performance management, and continuous improvement across multiple programs to enhanc...
Reposted 6 days ago
Clinical Trials Medical Writer
$77K - $92K *
Join a dynamic team as a Medical Writer, where you'll interpret complex clinical protocols and create essential documentation for clinical studies, ensuring high-quality standards and regulatory compl...
1 week ago
$125K *
Lead the charge in medical strategy by collaborating with teams to shape innovative brand tactics, enhancing agency-client relationships and driving research initiatives in a fast-paced environment to...
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Senior Counsel, Employment Law
$126K - $264K *
Contribute to a dynamic legal team by advising on employment law and contracts. This remote role requires independent judgment and offers a chance to engage with diverse legal issues in a collaborativ...
6 days ago
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$135K - $185K *
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Pharmacy Operations Specialist (PharmD)
$100K - $120K *
Empower health systems with your PharmD expertise, driving effective implementations and customer success in our AI-driven pharmacy platform. Shape workflows, maximize ROI, and enhance adoption throug...
Reposted 1 month ago
Senior Director, State Partnerships - U.S. Based Remote Opportunity
$174K - $196K *
Join a team that's driving strategic partnerships with state education systems to enhance access and equity in higher education. Lead initiatives that influence policy and expand organizational impact...
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$150K - $200K *
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2 days ago
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) - Surprise, AZ (Remote)
$85K - $105K *
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Senior Specialist, Health Plan Provider Engagement (Remote in KY)
$80K - $95K *
Optimize provider engagement strategies to enhance quality and risk adjustment outcomes. Collaborate with healthcare providers to drive value-based care initiatives, ensuring performance goals are met...
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Reposted 3 weeks ago
Advanced Practice Provider - Pittsburgh East area
$102K - $164K *
Partner with us to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care through comprehensive assessments and effective management of chronic health conditions, promoting optimal health outcomes for diverse po...
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Associate Director, Pharmacovigilance (US)
$112K - $223K *
Lead global pharmacovigilance initiatives, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while guiding teams through complex safety reporting challenges across diverse therapeutic areas and trial pha...
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$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining endpoint management by designing and optimizing Active Directory, Group Policy, and Intune solutions for a global organization, ensuring seamless integration and user pro...
2 weeks ago
Chief Scientist, Director, Clinical Research Lab
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading a cutting-edge Clinical Research Laboratory, driving innovation in testing services, and ensuring regulatory compliance while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to enh...
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$85K - $120K *
Elevate client relationships by managing healthcare accounts, leveraging product knowledge, and driving adoption of solutions to enhance outcomes and satisfaction. Collaborate with teams to address cl...
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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.