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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$78K - $95K *

Lead the charge in providing transformative family therapy to at-risk youth, utilizing evidence-based practices. Collaborate with families in their natural environments to foster sustainable change an...

1 week ago

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

$76K - $91K *

Advance your career by delivering impactful clinical care and leadership. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance residential programs, support staff, and ensure compliance while fostering a ther...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $128K *

Optimize clinical contract processes and program development through effective collaboration, leveraging expertise in healthcare regulations, behavioral health services, and compliance to enhance oper...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through therapeutic support, leading individual and group sessions, and collaborating with families to foster healing and growth in high-risk adolesc...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$99K - $142K *

Elevate your career by managing innovative behavioral health projects, overseeing strategic initiatives, and leading a dedicated team to enhance integrated health policies and practices. Drive impactf...

2 days ago

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

$82K - $117K *

Drive excellence by overseeing clinical quality and support for Behavioral Health Aides, ensuring compliance with standards while fostering community wellness in rural settings. Engage with diverse po...

2 weeks ago

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

$200K - $240K *

Unlock potential by leading high-quality, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment as a physician leader. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape clinical governance and enhance servic...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$96K - $118K *

Advance mental health support services by providing crisis response and coordination for individuals and families. Collaborate with teams and agencies to ensure timely interventions and professional c...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $83K *

Transform the residential care experience by leading a dedicated team, ensuring compliance, and fostering a safe, therapeutic environment for clients and staff alike. Your leadership will empower othe...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$77K - $105K *

Reimagine mental health support by providing essential services to clients and families. Collaborate with a dedicated team to coordinate care and enhance the well-being of individuals facing psychiatr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$68K - $96K *

Join a dedicated team providing therapeutic interventions for patients with severe emotional disturbances. Collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals to assess needs, plan treatments, and ensure...

1 week ago

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

$90K - $150K *

Join a team that's focused on business development and outreach. This role involves building relationships with healthcare partners, educating the community, and promoting clinical programs through st...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in enhancing sex offense-specific treatment services at multiple locations. Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure quality care, drive program development, and provide supervision...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Transform the landscape of drug abuse treatment by leading clinical programs, supervising staff, and ensuring effective treatment protocols for inmates. Utilize your expertise to advocate for and enha...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$80K - $95K *

Deliver expert drug abuse treatment and supervision in a correctional setting, ensuring high-quality care and compliance with protocols. Lead clinical activities, advocate for programs, and maintain i...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$90K - $150K *

Launch relationships with partners to drive new admissions and community engagement. Collaborate with clinical teams while promoting awareness of programs through effective local outreach and strategi...

4 weeks ago

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

$104K *

The Clinical Care Coordinator is responsible for delivering high-quality therapeutic interventions and services to support individuals' wellness and recovery. This role involves case management, crisi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $118K *

Drive exceptional patient care by connecting nursing and clinical teams, ensuring coordinated support and safety. Shape a healing environment through effective communication, assessment, and advocacy...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of mental health care by providing essential psychiatric support and medication management within a collaborative housing team, ensuring participants receive comprehensive, person-cen...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $93K *

Make your mark at a dynamic team providing in-home behavioral support to children and families. Utilize ABA practices to assess, develop, and implement strategies that foster positive change and skill...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$155K - $185K *

Transform nursing leadership by guiding a dedicated team in delivering exceptional patient care and fostering a culture of excellence in addiction recovery services...

Today

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

$210K - $250K *

Deliver exceptional psychiatric care to adolescent inpatients through comprehensive evaluations, individualized treatment planning, and crisis intervention within a collaborative interdisciplinary tea...

1 month ago

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

$90K - $110K *

Empower patient-centered healthcare delivery by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, evaluating clients, and educating families to enhance community health and informed decision-making in dive...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $92K *

Champion integrated care by delivering compassionate nursing support in a collaborative environment. Engage with clients and multidisciplinary teams to enhance health outcomes and promote recovery-ori...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$88K - $101K *

Explore opportunities to enhance employee well-being as you provide counseling and support services within a dynamic health system. Collaborate across disciplines to address complex workplace issues a...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.