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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Medical Director / Senior Medical Director, Psychiatry
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Director, Health Plan Programs and Initiatives
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Senior Consultant - NERC CIP SME
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Partner with us to design and implement secure architectures for enterprise environments, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity best practices through expert collaboration a...
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$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Program Analyst, supporting program management and governance for a key initiative. Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze data, develop reports, and ensure documenta...
3 days ago
Commercial Casualty Adjuster - Represented
$70K - $117K *
Join a team that's dedicated to investigating and negotiating complex commercial vehicle claims, utilizing advanced analytical skills and a comprehensive understanding of insurance policies to drive e...
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$78K - $119K *
Champion the resolution of complex workers' compensation claims, driving investigations and strategies from start to finish. Build relationships, ensure compliance, and mentor team members while makin...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Subcontract Administrator (Remote)
$88K - $154K *
Join a team that's dedicated to excellence in subcontract management. Leverage your expertise in procurement to ensure compliance and foster collaboration, driving successful outcomes in our dynamic d...
1 week ago
Sr. Subcontract Administrator (Remote)
$88K - $154K *
Transform subcontracting processes by managing proposals, contracts, and vendor relationships. Leverage your expertise to ensure compliance and efficiency while guiding a team in a dynamic, remote env...
1 week ago
Medical Director - Inpatient Review
$223K - $313K *
Collaborate with a dedicated team of physicians to ensure high-quality inpatient care through clinical expertise, thorough reviews, and utilization management. Advance patient outcomes by utilizing st...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Account Specialist (Grand Rapids, MI)
$160K - $192K *
Partner with us to drive commercial performance as you engage healthcare providers, execute territory plans, and support product launches in a fast-paced remote role that fosters strong customer relat...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $100K *
Drive innovative palliative care solutions for members with complex needs, providing compassionate, evidence-based support through telehealth. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patie...
3 weeks ago
Trial Representative, Workers' Compensation (CA Bay Area)
$75K - $100K *
Unlock potential by representing clients in Workers' Compensation trials across the CA Bay Area. Leverage your litigation expertise to negotiate settlements, prepare trial files, and collaborate with...
2 days ago
VP, Claims Casualty - Excess & Surplus Specialty and Commercial Lines
$241K - $402K *
Join a team that's redefining the Casualty Claim landscape by leading strategic initiatives, managing high-severity claims, and collaborating with industry leaders to drive operational excellence and...
2 weeks ago
Epic Systems Analyst - Link, Care Everywhere, Compass Rose
$80K - $95K *
Grow your career by supporting the design, testing, and optimization of Epic applications to enhance clinical workflows, utilizing your expertise in healthcare IT and project management to improve pat...
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Senior Director, Patient Recruitment - Remote
$150K - $180K *
Inspire patient recruitment strategies by leading a dynamic team, collaborating with senior management, and leveraging innovative tools to enhance enrollment across clinical trials while ensuring dive...
4 days ago
Sr. Healthcare Consultant, Physician Medicare and Analytics - Remote
$91K - $163K *
Lead the charge in analyzing healthcare data to drive strategic decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop reporting tools and methodologies that enhance network strategy and optimi...
1 week ago
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Mobile Outpatient
$77K - $108K *
Join a dedicated team providing in-home outpatient rehabilitation services for older adults. Assess, develop, and implement individualized therapy programs to enhance patient independence and quality...
3 days ago
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Mobile Outpatient
$77K - $108K *
Transform your career by providing in-home occupational therapy services to older adults. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient rehabilitation and adapt care plans in a flexible...
6 days ago
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Mobile Outpatient
$114K - $135K *
Help us enhance the lives of older adults by providing in-home occupational therapy services. You'll evaluate, treat, and support patients in their own environments, ensuring personalized care and reh...
1 week ago
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Mobile Outpatient
$114K - $135K *
Deliver exceptional outpatient rehabilitation services in patients' homes, enhancing their functional abilities and quality of life. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to create personalized tr...
2 weeks ago
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Mobile Outpatient
$87K - $127K *
Empower the recovery journey by providing personalized in-home occupational therapy for older adults. Engage with patients to enhance their skills and adapt their environments, ensuring quality care a...
3 weeks ago
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Mobile Outpatient
$90K - $104K *
Transform the lives of older adults by providing personalized in-home occupational therapy services. You will evaluate, treat, and support patients, enhancing their daily living skills while collabora...
3 weeks ago
Remote Director of Clinical Reimbursement
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Unlock potential by leading clinical reimbursement strategies across skilled nursing facilities, ensuring compliance and optimal performance through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to enhan...
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Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs
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Optimize regulatory strategies for product development and submissions. Lead cross-functional teams, manage FDA communications, and ensure compliance with global regulations. Drive innovation in regul...
Today
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.