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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$54K - $116K *

Lead the charge in enhancing member wellness through comprehensive case management, utilizing clinical expertise to assess needs, coordinate care, and implement strategies that address complex health...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $128K *

Provide comprehensive psychiatric care by conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality mental health services and support for di...

Columbus, GARemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-quality behavioral health care by reviewing and authorizing treatment for youth with behavioral and substance abuse issues, ensuring adherence to clinical standards...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $181K *

Empower your nursing career by providing compassionate care to diverse patients with mental health and medical needs. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment, utilizing DBT and CBT techniques to enh...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

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

$110K - $145K *

Empower hospital pharmacy teams to maximize ControlCheck and Diversion solutions. Leverage your clinical expertise to enhance workflows, deliver training, and drive analytics insights, ensuring effect...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $100K *

Transform the way we deliver mental health care to older adults through evidence-based teletherapy. Join a supportive team that prioritizes your autonomy and growth while you manage personalized treat...

South Dakota, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $90K *

Champion client well-being by providing emotional support and treatment plans in individual or group settings. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure integrated care and maintain accurate...

New York, NYRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$100K - $161K *

Advance your career by coordinating clinical trial budgets and coverage analyses. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and cost efficiency while mentoring junior staff and enhancing admi...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$80K - $120K *

Empower individuals by delivering intensive, evidence-based virtual care for high-acuity OCD. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide structured therapy, ensuring clinical excellence and...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to supporting disaster recovery efforts. Collaborate with leadership and clients to navigate complex recovery operations, ensuring effective management of multi-billion do...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$75K - $108K *

Transform educational outcomes by leading clinical programs and social work initiatives, fostering collaboration among staff and students to enhance academic success and behavioral development in a su...

Illinois, USRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

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

$88K - $98K *

Innovate with us to provide remote mental health therapy, utilizing evidence-based practices to support patients on their recovery journey. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure effectiv...

Oregon, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$119K - $186K *

Execute strategic legal counsel and project management for technology agreements, focusing on healthcare solutions. Collaborate with teams to navigate complex regulatory issues and negotiate high-volu...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $147K *

Champion evidence-based psychological services for diverse clients, managing a hybrid schedule that includes telehealth and in-office sessions. Collaborate in a supportive environment with a focus on...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $180K *

Join a dedicated team to provide telehealth psychiatric care, ensuring continuity and collaboration while managing a high client load. Enjoy a stable salary and structured schedule in a fully remote e...

New Mexico, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $180K *

Lead telehealth evaluations and medication management for clients in CA. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure integrated care, monitor patient outcomes, and maintain accurate documentation whil...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $180K *

Transform mental health care by conducting telehealth evaluations and collaborating with a dedicated team. Enjoy a stable salary and structured schedule while providing compassionate care to diverse c...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Create impactful therapy plans for older adults while working autonomously in a supportive, collaborative telehealth environment. Enjoy flexible hours, full caseloads, and comprehensive administrative...

Arizona, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Transform enterprise learning by leading a team to design impactful solutions. Drive employee development, align training with business goals, and optimize learning technologies for enhanced performan...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading virtual therapy sessions, enhancing client well-being through personalized strategies. Collaborate in a rewarding remote environment focused on impactful mental health supp...

Bend, ORRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $100K *

Transform the mental health landscape by delivering personalized psychotherapy to older adults in a supportive, remote environment. Join a collaborative team dedicated to enhancing lives through flexi...

Michigan, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$152K - $254K *

Shape the future of behavioral health by leading clinical programs, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering cross-functional partnerships to enhance member outcomes and operational excellence...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $105K *

Transform your career by analyzing complex workers' compensation claims, ensuring timely resolutions, and delivering exceptional client service in a dynamic, supportive environment. Enjoy professional...

West Hills, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $120K *

Engage as a licensed mental health professional providing telehealth services. Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and facilitate therapy sessions in a secure virtual environment, ensuring q...

Nicholasville, KYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of genetic testing by educating healthcare providers, driving awareness, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance diagnostic strategies in a remote, field-based role a...

Nashville, TNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.