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 - $96K *

Transform patient care by coordinating medical services and enhancing daily operations in a residential program. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality nursing care and suppo...

Yesterday

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

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in providing clinical supervision and support for mental health treatment, managing a caseload while mentoring clinicians. Ensure quality care through assessments, treatment planning...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $180K *

Join us to lead a dynamic healthcare facility, driving operational success, financial performance, and patient care excellence while fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring regulatory comp...

2 days ago

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

$75K - $90K *

Join a dynamic team to deliver impactful evaluations for children with developmental differences. Leverage your expertise and clinical skills while enjoying flexible scheduling and a collaborative env...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Transform the mental health landscape by diagnosing and treating emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. Collaborate with patients to develop tailored treatment plans and provide ongoing support...

Reposted 5 days ago

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

$85K - $102K *

Join a team that's dedicated to redefining mental healthcare by providing exceptional outpatient services. Collaborate with a diverse clinical team to enhance patient outcomes while enjoying a flexibl...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $102K *

Unlock potential by providing comprehensive behavioral health services, including assessment, treatment planning, and psychotherapy for diverse populations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to...

1 week ago

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

$76K - $102K *

Join a dedicated team providing comprehensive behavioral health services, including assessment, treatment planning, and psychotherapy for diverse populations. Engage in crisis intervention and collabo...

1 week ago

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

$76K - $88K *

Transform outpatient service delivery by providing clinical and operational leadership. Oversee program managers, ensure high-quality care, and foster a mission-driven team while enhancing access and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $220K *

The North Dakota State Hospital is seeking a staff Psychiatrist to join a 20-member clinical team. The role involves daily patient rounds, participation in hospital-wide call, and providing leadership...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Empower a dedicated team by providing executive leadership in a detox and residential treatment facility, overseeing operations, staffing, and compliance to enhance patient care and organizational suc...

6 days ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing patient care within an inpatient behavioral health unit. Lead clinical and administrative staff to maintain high standards of care, oversee policy implementat...

Reposted yesterday

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead the strategic development and oversight of community behavioral health programs, ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive services. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance community wellness...

1 week ago

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

$124K - $144K *

Drive the rehabilitation program's success by ensuring compliance, delivering comprehensive mental health services, and leading a dedicated team. Your expertise will shape client care and program deve...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $167K *

Shape the future of mental health services by overseeing our rehabilitation program, ensuring compliance, and leading a dedicated team to provide comprehensive care for clients with severe mental disa...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $140K *

Join a dynamic team to provide critical care and support in a dual inpatient setting, focusing on adolescent mental health. Lead nursing staff, manage patient care, and ensure compliance while fosteri...

3 weeks ago

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

$93K - $149K *

Lead the charge in providing compassionate mental health support to older adults and their families. This flexible role allows you to build your private practice while serving clients in elder care fa...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $89K *

Transform the mental health landscape by providing remote outpatient therapy services. Collaborate with a diverse team to deliver quality care through telehealth, ensuring patient safety and satisfact...

New York, NYRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Join our team to deliver high-quality behavioral healthcare with flexible schedules and a supportive environment. Enjoy a competitive income and the opportunity for professional growth while maintaini...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Champion transformative residential services for individuals receiving SMI/IDD support. Lead compliance, enhance service quality, and drive strategic planning to ensure optimal care for members across...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $89K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional patient care as an Admissions RN, ensuring a seamless admissions process through clinical expertise and collaboration with healthcare teams, while making a me...

2 days ago

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

$80K - $115K *

Advance your career by joining a dynamic clinical team as a Licensed Therapist, providing essential support to diverse populations while enjoying uncapped earnings potential in a fee-for-service model...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$77K - $118K *

Champion outpatient assessment and brief intervention services for patients, collaborating closely with medical providers in a dynamic, team-oriented environment focused on crisis intervention and evi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Champion nursing excellence by leading operations, ensuring quality care, and fostering a collaborative environment. Drive strategic initiatives, manage resources, and uphold compliance to enhance cli...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by providing high-quality psychiatric care to patients. Engage with a multidisciplinary team in a supportive environment, offering comprehensive evaluations and managing treatment for...

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.