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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$210K - $250K *

Champion integrated care by leading a team to enhance quality and access to healthcare for underserved communities. Drive innovation, manage staff, and ensure compliance while fostering a collaborativ...

Today

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

$85K - $100K *

Elevate mental health care by providing integrated psychiatric services and medication management. Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to assess client needs and improve community mental healt...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $152K *

Champion high-quality nursing care by leading a dedicated team, ensuring compliance, and driving operational excellence. Influence strategy and enhance nursing practices while managing resources and s...

1 week ago

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

$76K - $97K *

Join a dedicated team providing mental health services to children and families. Utilize your skills in assessment, therapy, and case management while collaborating with community resources to enhance...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming behavioral health through strategic business development. You'll connect with healthcare communities, drive patient admissions, and expand market share in...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$114K - $131K *

Drive the coordination and delivery of psychiatric care within a correctional facility, ensuring continuity and safety in treatment. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcome...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $250K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming behavioral healthcare. As a visionary leader, you'll oversee operations, build a compassionate team, and foster strategic partnerships to enhance patient c...

3 weeks ago

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

$210K - $250K *

Drive transformational change in behavioral health by leading a dedicated team to enhance patient care, foster community partnerships, and elevate service quality while ensuring financial sustainabili...

3 weeks ago

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

$200K - $250K *

Join a team that's dedicated to leading a premier behavioral healthcare organization, overseeing operations, financial performance, and clinical excellence while championing patient-centered care and...

3 weeks ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Pioneer a new era in behavioral health as CEO, driving operational excellence and strategic growth with community engagement, fostering a culture of quality care and collaboration to transform patient...

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $115K *

Inspire a dynamic Medical Cannabis Program by overseeing operations and strategy, ensuring efficient service to patients and healthcare professionals while driving continuous improvement and maintaini...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Drive the development and administration of comprehensive rehabilitation programs, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while leading a dedicated team in a dynamic healthcare environment...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming behavioral healthcare by overseeing 24/7 nursing operations, ensuring safe patient management, and leading a compassionate staff in crisis support services...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team of licensed professionals providing high-quality behavioral health services. Deliver individual and group therapy, conduct assessments, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$68K - $114K *

Join a team that's committed to enhancing lives through treatment and support. As a Clinician, you'll deliver assessments, treatment plans, and care coordination while engaging with multidisciplinary...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$89K *

Join a dynamic team to lead clinical operations at a Behavioral Health Urgent Care, ensuring exceptional customer experiences, staff development, and compliance with standards while driving quality in...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Empower patients by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Join a dynamic team of licensed therapists dedicated to clinical excellence, work-life balance, and professional growth in a supporti...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K *

Help us provide trauma-informed case management for high-needs populations. Work with a multidisciplinary team to enhance recovery, stability, and court compliance in youth and adults navigating the c...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$83K *

Elevate the lives of high-needs individuals by providing trauma-informed clinical case management, collaborating in a multidisciplinary team to foster stability and recovery while navigating complex s...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$60K - $129K *

Transform patient care by providing evidence-based behavioral health support. Collaborate with care teams to assess needs, develop treatment plans, and deliver short-term counseling, enhancing mental...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$97K - $110K *

Manage and optimize the Employee Assistance Program, overseeing clinical operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading a team of professionals dedicated to employee well-being and supp...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$97K - $110K *

Empower organizational wellness by managing the Employee Assistance Program, overseeing clinical operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing expert guidance to support employee men...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $150K *

Shape the future of psychiatric care by delivering high-quality healthcare, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and advocating for patients' needs while managing treatment plans and documentat...

1 week ago

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

$75K - $90K *

Join a dynamic team as a Clinical Supervisor, responsible for guiding resident clinicians in delivering evidence-based care. This role supports both telehealth and in-person sessions while fostering a...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Optimize your impact in mental health as a Clinical Supervisor, providing guidance and support to emerging clinicians while maintaining a diverse clinical caseload. Join a collaborative community dedi...

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.