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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$90K - $110K *

Transform pediatric care by providing expert clinical, educational, and leadership support while assessing and managing health needs. Collaborate with healthcare teams to enhance patient outcomes and...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$60K - $104K *

Lead the charge in providing behavioral health assessments and interventions, coordinating treatment plans, and delivering crisis evaluations to individuals and groups with identified needs, ensuring...

Today

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

$77K - $82K *

Partner with us to enhance clients' well-being through innovative art therapy sessions. You'll create personalized treatment plans and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to foster self...

4 weeks ago

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

$77K - $82K *

Reimagine therapeutic practices through art; conduct sessions, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with professionals to enhance clients' well-being and self-expression while achieving their goal...

4 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Elevate the standard of care in substance use treatment by providing clinical leadership and oversight for an Acute Treatment Services program, ensuring compliance with regulations and fostering inter...

1 week ago

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

$115K - $120K *

Elevate clinical care by guiding a team of therapists in a virtual setting. Shape treatment quality and ensure ethical standards while delivering effective therapy services across Montana. Join us in...

Plentywood, MTRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Lead clinical care delivery while guiding a team of therapists in a virtual environment. Shape treatment quality and ensure ethical standards for effective client care across Montana, fostering a supp...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Advance mental health support by providing telehealth therapy to clients across Kansas. Engage in virtual sessions, assessments, and treatment planning to help adults navigate emotional challenges and...

Kansas City, KSRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Help us deliver exceptional counseling services while managing your own caseload and contributing to team discussions. This role is ideal for an experienced LCPC who thrives in a collaborative, remote...

Maryland, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing impactful telehealth counseling. Manage a diverse adult caseload, delivering therapy and maintaining clinical documentation while ensuring client confidential...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing and overseeing a comprehensive Corporate Compliance Program, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards while fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across t...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $102K *

Lead nursing operations in a detox program, ensuring quality care and compliance. Collaborate with staff, oversee patient intake, and provide clinical guidance while fostering a supportive environment...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Help us deliver high-quality behavioral healthcare while enjoying flexible schedules and a supportive environment. Join our team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults and children through...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $129K *

Drive student success by providing counseling, developing behavioral plans, and collaborating with staff to foster diverse, supportive environments for social and emotional growth. Engage families for...

1 month ago

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

$93K - $144K *

Lead the charge in overseeing the Pretrial Services unit, directing operations, training staff, and implementing policies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in a dynamic judicial environment. You...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $120K *

Transform the landscape of behavioral health by providing innovative care as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Collaborate with a dedicated team to develop individualized treatment plans and support p...

3 days ago

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

$84K - $94K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality mental health care through assessment, therapy, and intervention. Collaborate in a mission-driven environment to support individuals facing ment...

Reposted 1 month ago

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

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. We seek passionate therapists committed to clinical excellence, offering flexible schedules and a supportive work environ...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing impactful therapy for adolescents. You'll deliver individual, family, and group sessions in a supportive residential setting, fostering meaningful connections...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $250K *

Innovate in AI-native primary care by leading a dynamic medical group. Manage physicians, enhance care delivery, and shape clinical programs while maintaining direct patient care involvement. Drive ex...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$113K *

Join our team as a strategic leader in behavioral health services, focusing on program development and compliance while ensuring quality care for a diverse patient population across multiple clinic lo...

1 month ago

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

$99K - $122K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing critical mental health support services. As a Clinician, you'll coordinate crisis response efforts, collaborate with various agencies, and ensure timely inter...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$58K - $103K *

Transform lives by conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing therapeutic interventions. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and support clien...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$58K - $103K *

Join a dynamic team to conduct behavioral health assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide therapeutic interventions. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$58K - $103K *

Empower clients by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored treatment plans. Lead therapeutic interventions and coordinate care with healthcare professionals to ensure holistic sup...

1 week 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.