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

$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

$85K *

Drive comprehensive clinical operations for a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment team, ensuring high-quality care and support for clients with serious mental illness involved in the criminal justi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Advance patient care by collaborating with physicians and managing treatment plans. Engage in both inpatient and outpatient settings, assist in surgeries, and ensure comprehensive follow-up for optima...

6 days ago

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

$103K - $111K *

Shape the future of mental health support by supervising the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, ensuring effective crisis intervention strategies and collaborating with key stakeholders to enhance community...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $115K *

Champion excellence in emergency services by leading nursing staff, ensuring compliance, and enhancing patient care. Collaborate with management to implement departmental plans and oversee training, w...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Drive business growth by developing and retaining key referral sources, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and implementing strategic marketing plans to enhance service line visibility and r...

2 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Join our team to drive growth through strategic collaboration with healthcare professionals. You'll enhance service lines by generating referrals, implementing marketing plans, and leading initiatives...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Accelerate growth by developing key referral relationships and collaborating with healthcare professionals. Lead marketing efforts and analyze market data to enhance service line offerings and drive r...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Unlock opportunities by developing relationships with key referral sources and driving service line growth through collaboration and strategic marketing initiatives. Support management with data analy...

4 weeks ago

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

$150K - $160K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming behavioral health operations by implementing strategic initiatives, ensuring quality standards, and enhancing support for clinic leaders. Collaborate acros...

Boulder, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $160K *

Lead the charge in enhancing behavioral health operations by driving strategic initiatives, ensuring quality compliance, and supporting clinic leaders for effective implementation across programs whil...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $120K *

Elevate financial operations by overseeing accounting integrity, regulatory compliance, and team mentorship. Collaborate with leadership on strategic initiatives while ensuring accurate reporting and...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $120K *

Transform financial operations by overseeing accounting integrity, regulatory compliance, and team mentorship. Drive strategic initiatives and ensure accurate reporting while fostering a collaborative...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $86K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing student success through comprehensive psychological services. Serve ages 5 to 21 by conducting assessments, providing counseling, and collaborating with educa...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$64K - $102K *

Engage in comprehensive management of fraud investigations, utilizing analytical skills to develop strategies and present findings. Collaborate with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to ensure c...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $120K *

Lead the charge in financial oversight and compliance, partnering with leadership to ensure accurate reporting, regulatory filings, and team development. Drive strategic initiatives while maintaining...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$147K - $197K *

Advance mental health services by providing expert supervision and care for patients in a correctional facility, ensuring effective treatment and operational standards while leading a dedicated team o...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading the establishment of a groundbreaking research center dedicated to substance use and mental health, driving innovation, funding growth, and community engagement, while cult...

4 weeks ago

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

$88K *

Champion innovative community mental health services by leading multidisciplinary teams to enhance care for individuals with severe mental illness. Drive program growth, compliance, and community part...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing resident care as a Chief Nursing Officer, overseeing clinical operations, team development, and regulatory compliance while fostering a positive culture for staff and resi...

2 days ago

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

$83K - $103K *

Support mental health services by providing crisis intervention and coordination with teams and agencies. Engage with clients and families to ensure timely assessments and interventions, enhancing ove...

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.