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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$105K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing patient independence through specialized PM&R services. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to optimize rehabilitative outcomes in a supportive post-acu...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $102K *

Partner with us to enhance patient rehabilitation outcomes in a collaborative environment. This full-time role focuses on providing expert PM&R services in a skilled nursing facility, fostering autono...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$118K - $144K *

Innovate within the post-acute care environment by providing specialized PM&R services that enhance rehabilitative outcomes and patient independence while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$112K - $132K *

Join a team dedicated to enhancing patient rehabilitation outcomes in post-acute care. Collaborate with a skilled, interdisciplinary team to promote patient independence and drive innovative care appr...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $85K *

Empower children through therapeutic interventions while collaborating closely with a dedicated team. Provide essential mental health services in a supportive environment, helping families overcome sy...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Elevate your career by providing compassionate, evidence-based care to adults with substance use disorders. Use your expertise to develop therapeutic relationships and help patients recover through ef...

1 month ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Empower adults on their recovery journey by delivering compassionate, evidence-based medical care for substance use disorders. Partner within an interdisciplinary team to implement best practices and...

1 month ago

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

$170K - $190K *

Lead the charge in transforming revenue cycle management through AI innovation, overseeing operations, and driving measurable performance improvements across facilities while collaborating with cross...

1 week ago

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

$66K - $100K *

Drive impactful change by providing therapeutic support and assessments to individuals and families. Collaborate with community resources to enhance patient care and ensure effective treatment plans i...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$86K - $121K *

Elevate your nursing career by providing high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse settings. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes while ensuring compliance wit...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$78K - $95K *

Engage with multidisciplinary teams to enhance behavioral health in primary care, facilitating patient assessments and delivering evidence-based treatments to address mental health and substance use c...

3 weeks ago

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

$90K - $100K *

Transform patient care by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Join a supportive team that values work-life balance and professional growth while utilizing modern technology in a flexible en...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $97K *

Inspire your career with a role that empowers licensed mental health therapists to deliver exceptional patient care while enjoying flexible schedules and a supportive environment focused on profession...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $97K *

Support high-quality behavioral healthcare by delivering professional care to diverse clients. Enjoy flexibility in your schedule while being part of a collegial environment focused on clinical excell...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to managing and enhancing clinical programs, ensuring quality patient care through effective leadership and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to drive positive he...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $145K *

Elevate integrated behavioral health services by leading program operations, ensuring compliance, and fostering staff development while maintaining direct clinical practice to model trauma-informed ca...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $121K *

Empower change by leading a multidisciplinary team in behavioral health services. Oversee operations at multiple clinics, ensuring compliance and quality care for justice-involved individuals. Drive p...

Yesterday

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

$147K - $197K *

Empower mental health services by overseeing operations and providing expert supervision. Lead assessments, treatment plans, and crisis interventions while ensuring quality care and compliance with st...

2 weeks ago

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

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing impactful telehealth therapy. This full-time remote role focuses on client care, clinical judgment, and documentation, helping individuals navigate emotional...

Norfolk, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$104K - $114K *

Elevate therapeutic recreation programs by planning and implementing activities tailored to client needs, fostering recovery and empowerment in a supportive environment...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of behavioral health leadership, overseeing program development and operational excellence while ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care in a collaborative envi...

6 days ago

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

$70K - $98K *

Partner with us to shape the future of behavioral health by providing essential clinical interventions and support to transition age youth, fostering their growth into adulthood through individual and...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming mental health care through telehealth. As a licensed professional, you'll provide essential therapy services, ensuring clients receive the support they nee...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$124K - $166K *

Join a team that's dedicated to making a positive impact in mental health. Collaborate with diverse clients, providing therapy to individuals and families while enjoying flexible schedules and ongoing...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $107K *

Transform patient care by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Engage with diverse populations while enjoying flexible schedules and a supportive work environment that fosters professional g...

3 days 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.