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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$85K - $100K *

Advance the well-being of individuals and families as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, providing essential therapy and supervision in a supportive environment addressing substance abuse and domestic...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Drive impactful change by providing clinical services to individuals and families affected by substance abuse and domestic violence, while supervising emerging clinicians and collaborating with a mult...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$128K - $130K *

Transform clinical services by leading a dedicated team, ensuring quality care, compliance, and continuous improvement while fostering community partnerships and strategic planning...

2 weeks ago

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

$74K - $124K *

Champion clinical excellence by supervising therapy teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing treatment outcomes while managing a diverse caseload and fostering evidence-based practic...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $173K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing expert clinical care for patients with substance use disorders. This role involves psychiatric assessments, treatment planning, and collaboration with a multi...

4 days ago

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

$95K - $110K *

Lead the charge in enhancing clinical quality management across treatment centers, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards while supporting and training clinical teams to deliver exceptional...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $105K *

Empower inmates by providing essential substance use disorder services, including assessments and clinical interventions. Collaborate with mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive care and...

1 week ago

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

$119K - $139K *

Transform community health by leading substance use programs, guiding staff, and securing funding to enhance service delivery. Drive policy implementation and performance analysis to support statewide...

1 week ago

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

$105K - $115K *

Champion comprehensive nursing care and medication oversight in a substance use disorder treatment setting, ensuring client compliance and holistic support through effective collaboration and manageme...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Lead the Admissions Department by driving strategic initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring quality management in intake processes. Your leadership will be pivotal in delivering ex...

2 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of admissions by leading a dynamic team, implementing strategic plans, and enhancing quality management in a renowned healthcare facility dedicated to exceptional mental health servic...

2 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead a dynamic Admissions Department, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring quality management in intake processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance patient experiences and operational efficienc...

6 days ago

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

$82K - $88K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing exceptional mental health care. As a Primary Therapist, you'll assess client needs, set treatment goals, and deliver quality therapy while collaborating with...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $123K *

Transform addiction services by leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing program operations. Drive quality improvement and fiscal stewardship to deliver effective...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Pioneer the operations of a new outpatient treatment center, leading a dedicated team to deliver high-quality, harm-reduction care. Shape clinic culture and ensure compliance while driving financial s...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$67K - $97K *

Empower individuals on their recovery journey by providing assessments, treatment, and counseling as a Substance Use Disorder Professional. Collaborate with community resources to ensure effective car...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Unlock your potential as a leader in clinical services, enhancing patient care and developing your team. Oversee staff, manage schedules, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders while ensu...

Reposted today

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

$100K - $120K *

Lead a successful clinical operation, ensuring quality care, regulatory compliance, and financial integrity. Cultivate professional interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance community relations, and ma...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead a dynamic clinic by overseeing clinical and administrative operations, ensuring quality of care, compliance, and financial performance. Build a collaborative environment to enhance patient health...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$82K - $119K *

Join a team that oversees the daily operations of behavioral health programs, ensuring high-quality patient care, staff management, and regulatory compliance while driving program development and effe...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$68K - $93K *

Empower patients by providing therapy and support in a collaborative primary care setting. Engage with diverse populations, conduct assessments, and develop tailored treatment plans while maintaining...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career by providing clinical leadership and support in a dynamic residential program. This role combines direct care with staff supervision, fostering a collaborative environment to enhan...

2 weeks ago

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

$100K - $140K *

Empower the future of mental health by providing focused therapy and assessments. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance resident care and ensure compliance while enjoying a supportive work envi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $140K *

Empower individuals by joining our clinician-led behavioral health team, providing focused therapy and collaborating with healthcare professionals to enhance resident care and well-being...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Lead daily operations at a dynamic outpatient treatment center, ensuring high-quality care and regulatory compliance. Shape patient experiences and foster a supportive team culture while driving strat...

4 days ago

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

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.