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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$98K - $107K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing exceptional nursing care and support. Oversee nursing services, manage staff, and ensure compliance with regulations while fostering patient-centered care in...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $88K *

Champion behavioral health excellence by overseeing program operations, managing budgets, training staff, and ensuring compliance with agency and regulatory standards to foster a collaborative environ...

1 month ago

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

$75K - $87K *

Transform lives by providing essential mental health therapy, guiding clients through recovery, and leading a dedicated team in a supportive environment focused on resilience and empowerment...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $87K *

Champion client recovery by evaluating and treating mental health disorders, ensuring comprehensive care and support in a dynamic outpatient setting while leading a dedicated team of professionals...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $87K *

Empower individuals on their recovery journey by providing compassionate mental health therapy. Collaborate with a diverse team to foster resilience and support clients in overcoming challenges and ac...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $87K *

Transform lives by providing expert mental health therapy, guiding clients through recovery, and fostering resilience in a supportive environment. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure comprehen...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$166K - $200K *

Empower individuals in crisis by providing comprehensive psychiatric care across various settings. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure effective treatment and stabilization, while adhering to...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through in-home therapy. Collaborate with families to enhance youth well-being, utilizing evidence-based practices in a supportive environment. Enjoy...

2 weeks ago

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

$85K - $90K *

Empower a dedicated team by overseeing clinical supervision and enhancing service delivery. Ensure compliance with standards while fostering communication and providing essential support to members in...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Empower our team by overseeing clinical operations and ensuring compliance. Lead staff supervision, manage treatment units, and coordinate services while maintaining a strong community presence and st...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $88K *

Engage in a leadership role where you will develop and oversee clinical programs, manage staff, and ensure efficient service delivery, all while fostering a supportive and therapeutic environment for...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing vital mental health services to youth and families in schools. As a Mobile Clinician, you'll deliver direct clinical support, collaborate with educational sta...

Today

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

$83K *

Champion youth mental health by delivering direct clinical services in schools, collaborating with families and educators to foster inclusive learning environments and support emotional well-being for...

2 days ago

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

$96K - $106K *

Advance comprehensive behavioral health services by leading clinical assessments, ensuring fidelity to evidence-based practices, and providing supervision to interns and staff, while fostering interdi...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$96K - $117K *

Join a team that's dedicated to making a difference in youth behavioral health. Collaborate within a secure environment, providing assessments and therapy while leading efforts for trauma-informed car...

3 weeks ago

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

$89K - $106K *

Join our team to provide compassionate care by assessing and coordinating patient needs, developing nursing plans, and ensuring quality treatment in a supportive environment. Your expertise will help...

2 days ago

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

$72K - $89K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team providing essential nursing care in a supportive environment. Engage with patients through individualized treatment plans, ensuring their physical and behavioral h...

3 days ago

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

$93K - $104K *

Engage in transformative recreation therapy by leading innovative programs that enhance client well-being. Collaborate with a dedicated team to create personalized activities that foster recovery and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $93K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care. As a Licensed Outpatient Therapist, you'll deliver individual and family therapy, manage caseloads, and collaborate with...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$64K - $96K *

Transform member care by coordinating services for individuals with chronic illnesses. Engage directly with clients to assess needs, develop care plans, and collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure...

2 weeks ago

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

$64K - $96K *

Engage in impactful case coordination for members with chronic conditions. Utilize your clinical expertise to assess needs, develop care plans, and collaborate with healthcare teams to enhance member...

2 weeks ago

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

$64K - $96K *

Help us coordinate care for members with chronic conditions, ensuring comprehensive support through assessments and collaboration with healthcare teams. This field-based role emphasizes flexibility an...

2 weeks ago

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

$64K - $96K *

Transform care coordination by managing member cases, conducting assessments, and collaborating with healthcare teams to address physical and behavioral health needs, ensuring high-quality, person-cen...

2 weeks ago

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

$64K - $96K *

Engage in comprehensive care coordination for members, addressing physical, behavioral, and psychosocial needs. Collaborate with healthcare teams to optimize service delivery and ensure effective mana...

2 weeks ago

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

$81K - $97K *

Unlock your potential as a Utilization Specialist, optimizing patient services and reimbursement. Collaborate with clinical staff and managed care organizations to enhance care quality and streamline...

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.