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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$74K - $90K *

Lead the charge in delivering compassionate clinical treatment services to clients in our Detox unit. Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to provide individualized therapy and ensure comprehens...

Today

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

$75K - $100K *

Empower patients by providing integrated behavioral health care in a dynamic setting. Collaborate with primary care teams to deliver evidence-based therapies, addressing a range of mental health conce...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $97K *

Innovate in client-focused therapy by providing individual and group sessions, conducting assessments, and ensuring effective treatment plans while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team...

3 weeks ago

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

$75K - $115K *

Help us deliver impactful therapy to teens in a collaborative environment. Engage with adolescents facing mental health challenges through innovative, evidence-based approaches while working alongside...

3 weeks ago

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

$375K - $430K *

Lead the clinical team in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, ensuring compliance with medical protocols while providing compassionate care to patients through various therapeutic methods and me...

2 weeks ago

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

$67K - $111K *

Empower patients by delivering compassionate mental health care. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to assess needs, provide therapy, and coordinate support, ensuring optimal outcomes for indi...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $90K *

Make your mark at a dynamic healthcare facility focused on adolescent mental health by providing essential nursing care and education while collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to support pati...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$82K - $96K *

Champion access to public benefits by empowering staff and clients through hands-on training, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners to dismantle barriers and foster equity in service del...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Shape the future of outpatient services by leading clinical teams, ensuring compliance, and enhancing patient satisfaction through strategic management and collaboration with stakeholders...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $113K *

Shape the future of clinical services by leading strategic initiatives, managing senior leaders, and ensuring compliance and excellence across programs. Drive innovation and quality improvement while...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $105K *

Drive the future of outpatient services by leading clinical and administrative operations, ensuring high-quality care, financial sustainability, and measurable outcomes for children and families in a...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Drive impactful change by overseeing daily operations and staff in a dynamic mental health program. Ensure compliance, promote recovery-oriented care, and lead a dedicated team to support adults facin...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Optimize clinical documentation processes across facilities while ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing reimbursement efficiency. Leverage your expertise in behavioral health and audit readines...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$145K - $166K *

Unlock potential by providing expert mental health support in a collaborative environment. Engage with clients and families, manage tasks independently, and uphold confidentiality while adhering to Or...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $90K *

Inspire change by providing therapeutic services to students facing emotional challenges. Collaborate with educators and families to foster supportive environments that enhance social and academic gro...

Yesterday

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

$80K - $90K *

Grow your career with us by providing vital therapeutic services to students facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Collaborate with educators and families to foster supportive environments that...

3 days ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Join a dedicated team to provide therapeutic services in schools, supporting students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Collaborate with staff and families to foster safe, trauma-informed envi...

3 days ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Transform the lives of students by providing essential therapeutic services, collaborating with educators and families to foster emotional and academic growth in a supportive, trauma-informed environm...

3 days ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Inspire positive change by providing therapeutic services to students facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Collaborate with school staff and families to foster supportive environments that enha...

3 days ago

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

$69K - $100K *

Empower quality care by managing and evaluating behavioral health service requests, utilizing critical judgment in decision-making. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $100K *

Lead the charge in providing essential behavioral health support to children and adolescents in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, ensuring quality care through assessments, interventions, and col...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $102K *

Grow your career with a crucial role supporting client treatment through therapy, planning, and collaboration. Engage actively in both individual and group settings to enhance lives within a dynamic t...

3 weeks ago

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

$194K - $224K *

Transform patient care by leading a team in psychological assessments, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations while fostering collaboration and enhancing treatment progra...

2 days ago

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

$100K - $117K *

Lead the charge in transforming adolescent mental health care by guiding a dedicated clinical team. Oversee therapy delivery, program development, and ensure compliance, all while providing direct sup...

3 weeks ago

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

$75K - $100K *

Transform lives by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare in a supportive, outpatient group practice. Enjoy a balanced work environment while growing your professional skills and earning potent...

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.