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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$64K - $147K *

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Lansing, MIRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$210K - $250K *

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Texas, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$107K - $199K *

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Oregon, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$89K - $148K *

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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Reposted 1 week ago

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$95K - $115K *

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3 days ago

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$70K - $117K *

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1 week ago

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$78K - $119K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$88K - $154K *

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$88K - $154K *

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United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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...

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $100K *

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United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Oakland, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$241K - $402K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Ohio, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

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4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$91K - $163K *

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Richardson, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

New Hampshire, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

South Carolina, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Illinois, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

New Hampshire, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

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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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$222K - $303K *

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...

New Jersey, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.