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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$95K - $130K *

Drive high-quality behavioral healthcare by collaborating with a dedicated clinical team. Leverage your expertise working with diverse populations while enjoying flexible schedules and supportive reso...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $130K *

Empower individuals by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Join a dynamic clinical team where you'll utilize your expertise with diverse populations to make a meaningful impact while enjoyi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering top-notch behavioral healthcare. As a licensed therapist, you'll provide care to diverse populations, enjoying flexible schedules and robust support in a col...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Collaborate with passionate professionals in a supportive environment while enjoying flexible schedules and ample growth...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $107K *

Pioneer clinical supervision by guiding and developing professionals in behavioral health. Oversee service quality, provide feedback, and collaborate on performance evaluations to enhance team effecti...

6 days ago

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

$90K *

Lead a team of clinicians and administrative staff to ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory standards while providing high-quality supervision and support in a dynamic clinical environment...

2 weeks ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Pioneer the development of a new outpatient clinical program, leading a dedicated team to establish quality care, innovative workflows, and a culture of excellence focused on long-term recovery and pa...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $98K *

Champion individualized mental health services for youth and families, fostering resilience and stability through collaborative treatment plans, therapy, and community support. Drive positive change i...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$103K - $127K *

Elevate mental health support by leading a Mobile Crisis Response Team, coordinating services, and ensuring timely interventions for individuals in crisis. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K *

Deliver educationally related mental health services to special education students, conducting assessments and therapy sessions while collaborating with school staff to support student IEP goals and o...

Today

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

$115K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team as you provide remote therapy to clients, conducting evaluations and ongoing counseling. Collaborate with colleagues to enhance client care while maintaining professional standards...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Innovate your career by providing remote therapy to clients across Indiana. Engage in meaningful counseling, conduct evaluations, and collaborate with a supportive team to enhance mental health outcom...

Indiana, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead transformative nursing initiatives in a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital, driving clinical excellence and workforce development while enhancing patient outcomes and strategic goals in behavi...

1 week ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Transform your career by leading nursing services with a focus on clinical excellence, employee engagement, and strategic growth. Drive quality improvement and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams...

1 week ago

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

$100K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing behavioral health outcomes for shelter residents. Supervise peer counselors, provide direct client services, and coordinate outreach efforts to support indivi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$65K - $100K *

Empower individuals through therapeutic interventions, conducting assessments and personalized treatment plans. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient care and support their jour...

2 weeks ago

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

$90K - $100K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team of Licensed Therapists dedicated to delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive compensation, and a supportive wo...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $90K *

Provide comprehensive mental health services to students, including therapy and crisis intervention, while collaborating with school staff and families to enhance student well-being and academic succe...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Empower our behavioral team by overseeing clinical services, enhancing care practices, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lead training initiatives and support staff in implementing effective b...

Today

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

$90K - $110K *

Join us to lead and enhance behavioral services, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices. Oversee assessments, develop training, and support a collaborative team environment to promote...

Today

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

$73K - $108K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing quality mental health care for children and adolescents. You'll deliver individual, group, and family therapy while managing cases and collaborating with fami...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$137K *

Provide comprehensive psychiatric assessments and medication management to clients with substance use disorders. Partner with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate recovery and wellness through eviden...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing transformative care for youth facing mental health challenges. Your role will involve assessment, treatment planning, and medication management, helping youth...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $250K *

Lead and innovate in behavioral healthcare by overseeing medical management, ensuring quality care, and guiding clinical staff. Drive organizational goals while providing direct patient care and maint...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$103K - $111K *

Lead the charge in providing clinical supervision and support for a Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, ensuring best practices in crisis intervention while collaborating closely with community resources and...

3 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.