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 - $90K *

Unlock potential by leading a multidisciplinary team in delivering comprehensive treatment and support services for adults with severe mental illnesses, ensuring operational excellence and client-focu...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, providing comprehensive outpatient care. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver individualized treatment and make a meaning...

Today

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

$75K - $90K *

Optimize grant compliance processes by ensuring accuracy, providing technical support, and maintaining documentation. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and support the ag...

Yesterday

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

$100K - $120K *

Lead strategic and operational initiatives for Access and Therapy Services, enhancing client pathways and service delivery. Collaborate with clinical leadership to ensure quality care, compliance, and...

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $160K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mental health services for older adults. As a Licensed Mental Health Professional, you'll assess, diagnose, and treat patients, collaborating with interdiscip...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K *

Transform the future of mental health care by providing remote psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Collaborate with clinical teams, ensure quality care, and participate in after-hours c...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $220K *

Join a dedicated team to provide expert psychiatric care to children and adolescents. This role involves delivering therapeutic services and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure patie...

3 weeks ago

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

$114K - $124K *

Explore a fulfilling journey as a Clinical Therapist, delivering evidence-based therapy to diverse populations. Join a collaborative team that values holistic care and provides robust support for prof...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $112K *

Lead the charge in enhancing nursing education and training programs, fostering a positive learning environment, and promoting staff development to ensure high-quality patient care and compliance with...

3 weeks ago

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

$71K - $97K *

Inspire change by providing essential social work support to patients and families, addressing psychosocial challenges in a collaborative healthcare environment. Your expertise will enhance patient ca...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming mental health care by leading outpatient services. Drive operational excellence, enhance patient experiences, and foster community connections while ensuri...

2 weeks ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Optimize claims administration by providing strategic leadership and operational oversight. Ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency in processing provider claims while collaborating with stakehold...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Elevate outpatient behavioral health services by managing operations, supervising staff, and fostering community connections. Drive program growth through effective marketing and provide therapeutic s...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in enhancing men's residential behavioral health services, overseeing clinical staff and operations to ensure effective treatment and recovery pathways for clients seeking stability an...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$71K - $93K *

Transform the lives of youth by providing comprehensive mental health services, including therapy and case management. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies to ensure effectiv...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$73K - $87K *

Join a team that's committed to empowering individuals by providing intensive case management and outreach services to those experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges, fostering commu...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$73K - $87K *

Engage with individuals facing low-level offenses to provide intensive case management. Collaborate closely with community organizations, fostering relationships while supporting participants' needs f...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $127K *

Unlock potential by providing psychotherapeutic services to patients with complex needs. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver evidence-based interventions and case management, enhancin...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$104K - $114K *

Support families by providing therapeutic interventions for adolescents facing severe behavioral challenges. Engage with key participants in their natural environments to foster positive change and ma...

1 week ago

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

$220K - $240K *

Lead the charge in enhancing mental health services by overseeing multi-site operations, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving impactful program development while ensuring compliance and excel...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $90K *

Empower youth and families by providing strength-based therapeutic interventions in home settings. Collaborate with clients to unlock their potential and enhance their well-being through evidence-base...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $90K *

Champion the growth of individuals by providing in-home therapeutic services. Collaborate with clients to enhance their strengths and address behavioral health needs through evidence-based practices i...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $250K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming addiction treatment through leadership and clinical excellence. Oversee a multidisciplinary staff while managing a patient caseload in a supportive environ...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Engage with healthcare partners to drive growth in behavioral health services. This role focuses on building strategic referral relationships, optimizing patient placements, and enhancing community ou...

1 week ago

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

$120K - $155K *

Oversee legal transactions and partnerships vital for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, drafting enforceable agreements and managing legal risks, all while collaborating with diverse teams in a high-s...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

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.