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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$80K - $95K *

Join a dedicated team as you lead daily operations in an outpatient MAT program, ensuring high-quality care and regulatory compliance while fostering a compassionate environment for both staff and pat...

4 days ago

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

$93K - $117K *

Lead the charge in providing compassionate, culturally responsive counseling services. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support diverse clients through assessments, treatment plans, and cr...

6 days ago

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

$93K - $117K *

Elevate mental health support by providing compassionate counseling services. Collaborate with diverse clients through assessments, treatment plans, and crisis response, fostering a culturally respons...

6 days ago

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

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in enhancing clinical operations and supervision within a dynamic behavioral health program. Drive quality service delivery, develop engaging treatment plans, and foster a collaborativ...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $104K *

Transform the lives of individuals by managing comprehensive case processes, advocating for consumer rights, and ensuring effective service delivery. Collaborate with diverse populations to develop an...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $104K *

Develop and implement comprehensive case management plans for consumers, ensuring advocacy, monitoring, and evaluation of services while collaborating with diverse populations to meet their needs effe...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $106K *

Join a team that's dedicated to managing the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. You'll assess needs, develop re-entry plans, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure successful tra...

1 week ago

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

$76K - $97K *

Pioneer holistic mental health care by applying your expertise in therapy and assessment. As a vital team member, you'll shape treatment plans and advocate for patient needs, ensuring compliance and c...

4 weeks ago

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

$66K - $96K *

Empower your career by providing compassionate, person-centered support in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver therapeutic interventions for individuals facing...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Provide comprehensive psychological evaluation and treatment for veterans in a substance use disorder program, utilizing evidence-based practices and recovery-oriented services to address co-morbid me...

2 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Transform lives by leading a dedicated team in a residential substance use treatment program, ensuring compliance and quality care while fostering a supportive environment for both staff and patients...

2 weeks ago

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

$77K - $99K *

Transform lives by providing essential therapeutic services to adolescents. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement treatment plans, ensuring quality care and support for cl...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Manage and elevate the clinical department, overseeing staff, programs, and daily operations. Drive quality care and compliance while fostering a supportive environment for patient treatment and staff...

1 week ago

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

$83K - $116K *

Lead the delivery of professional behavioral health services to offenders, focusing on substance use and co-occurring disorders. Engage with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective treatment plann...

1 week ago

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

$67K - $95K *

Empower individuals by managing specialized substance use services in a state psychiatric hospital. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver evidence-based interventions, conduct assessmen...

1 week ago

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

$72K - $90K *

Unlock your potential as you collaborate on comprehensive treatment plans, provide support to individuals battling substance use disorders, and drive impactful outcomes in a dynamic healthcare environ...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$164K - $189K *

Transform the future of behavioral health by leading a dedicated team in delivering high-quality patient care, ensuring compliance, and fostering professional growth through effective training and men...

2 days ago

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

$67K - $108K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing critical support and intervention for individuals facing domestic violence. This role involves counseling, case management, and facilitating support groups to...

Today

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

$81K *

Lead the charge in enhancing outpatient substance use recovery services through clinical oversight and mentorship, ensuring adherence to standards while fostering collaboration and quality improvement...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Champion a high-performing team by leading, coaching, and developing Directors of Admissions. Drive strategic initiatives to enhance patient access and improve admissions processes while ensuring comp...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

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

$104K - $114K *

Shape the future of patient care by leading a dynamic case management team. Ensure excellence in admission reviews, care coordination, and compliance while fostering a culture of support and collabora...

3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Drive clinical excellence by overseeing program execution, staff training, and compliance. Collaborate with leadership to enhance patient care and ensure adherence to standards while fostering a cultu...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $95K *

Lead the charge in providing advanced clinical leadership and oversight for youth residential services, ensuring individualized, trauma-informed care while fostering team development and compliance wi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Contribute to the management of addiction treatment by evaluating patients, prescribing medications, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure effective care for vulnerable populations...

2 weeks ago

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

$71K - $97K *

Join a vital correctional healthcare team assessing and treating substance abuse issues among inmates. You'll design personalized treatment plans, provide therapy, and ensure compliance with security...

3 weeks ago

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

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.