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

$68K - $103K *

Join our multidisciplinary team to provide clinical care coordination and therapy for pediatric patients aged 4-21. Engage in psychosocial assessments and evidence-based interventions to enhance emoti...

Today

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

$100K - $120K *

Grow your career with us as you oversee mental health programs, providing clinical supervision and leadership to professionals while ensuring compliance with standards and delivering high-quality care...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$77K - $104K *

Shape the future of pediatric behavioral health by providing comprehensive, developmentally informed psychotherapy to children and families within a collaborative, mission-driven team of medical and m...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming behavioral health services through innovative leadership and integrated care. Oversee clinical operations, ensure compliance, and drive positive patient ou...

2 days ago

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

$62K - $111K *

Support patients in crisis through comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans, advocating for mental health services. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective crisis interventio...

3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead patient placement decisions by assessing clinical needs and coordinating care across facilities. Collaborate with teams to ensure efficient patient flow and high-quality care, while mentoring sta...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$69K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through community-based mental health services. As a Qualified Mental Health Professional, you'll provide essential support and crisis management to...

2 weeks ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Transform your career by leading Integrated Primary Prevention initiatives, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance well-being and address critical behavioral issues within the Coast Guard communi...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$85K - $100K *

Optimize Integrated Primary Prevention initiatives by consulting with commands, implementing effective strategies, and evaluating program impacts to enhance the well-being of active-duty members, civi...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$80K - $95K *

Drive integrated primary prevention initiatives by consulting with commands, evaluating program effectiveness, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance well-being and resilience across diverse p...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$85K - $100K *

Empower local commands by executing Integrated Primary Prevention strategies, ensuring effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs addressing critical behavioral issues for active-d...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$75K - $100K *

Champion mental health care by providing flexible outpatient therapy services. Enjoy autonomy with hybrid scheduling options while contributing to a supportive team focused on client well-being and pr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Take ownership of clinical supervision and foster collaboration across teams, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing patient care through effective leadership of therapy and social service...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Join us to lead clinical services, supervise a multidisciplinary team, and ensure compliance with regulations while providing high-quality support for patients through exemplary therapy and case manag...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$78K - $95K *

Engage in a collaborative care model to integrate behavioral health into primary care, providing essential support for mental health and substance use disorders through assessment, treatment planning...

3 weeks ago

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

$500K *

Elevate patient care by providing outpatient psychiatric services with a focus on innovative treatments. Enjoy a supportive environment with flexible scheduling, competitive compensation, and comprehe...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$500K *

Shape the future of mental health care by providing exceptional outpatient services. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver innovative treatments, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in a supporti...

Today

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

$500K *

Champion innovative outpatient psychiatric care by providing expert treatment, collaborating with a dedicated team, and ensuring optimal patient outcomes in a supportive environment with flexible sche...

Today

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

$500K *

Engage your expertise to provide exceptional outpatient psychiatric care, ensuring patient well-being through innovative treatment methods and a supportive clinical environment with a focus on work-li...

Today

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

$500K *

Shape the future of mental health care by providing outpatient psychiatric services with a focus on innovative treatments and exceptional clinical support, ensuring a balanced work-life environment an...

Today

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

$500K *

Join a dynamic team providing outpatient psychiatric care with flexible scheduling, excellent clinical support, and competitive compensation. Enjoy a collaborative environment focused on patient outco...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$500K *

Join us to redefine outpatient mental health care by focusing on patient healing, supported by a dedicated team and innovative treatment methods. Enjoy a fulfilling career with flexible scheduling and...

Today

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

$500K *

Unlock potential by providing exceptional outpatient psychiatric care with a focus on innovative treatments. Enjoy a supportive environment with flexible scheduling, competitive compensation, and a st...

Today

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

$500K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming mental health care by providing exceptional outpatient services. Enjoy a supportive environment with flexible scheduling, minimal administrative burdens, a...

Today

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

$500K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic outpatient team focused on mental health. Enjoy a supportive environment with flexible scheduling, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits while maki...

Today

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

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.