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

$500K *

Join a dynamic team focused on delivering exceptional outpatient psychiatric care. Enjoy a supportive environment with flexible scheduling, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits while m...

Today

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

$125K - $140K *

Join a dedicated team delivering evidence-based mental health care to youth. Engage in diagnostic evaluations, develop care plans, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance the well-bein...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $93K *

Engage with our Mobile Crisis Response Team to provide vital crisis intervention services. This crucial role supports individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges, ensuring community s...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$124K - $155K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI governance, ensuring safe and compliant AI deployment. Collaborate across departments to manage projects, develop training, and maintain essential documentat...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$68K - $92K *

Join a dedicated Transplant Social Work team to conduct psychosocial assessments, support patients through the transplant process, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance patient care...

6 days ago

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

$72K - $87K *

Join our team to deliver compassionate patient care as a Registered Nurse, coordinating health needs and implementing care plans. You'll play a vital role in supporting patients’ recovery in a dynamic...

3 weeks ago

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

$74K - $91K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives by providing compassionate care. In this rewarding RN role, you will assess and coordinate care for adult patients with behavioral health and substan...

3 weeks ago

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

$59K - $100K *

Drive the delivery of Child and Youth Behavioral counseling services by providing direct support to military families and collaborating with schools and community resources to ensure needs are met eff...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$59K - $100K *

Transform the lives of military children and youth by providing vital counseling services, guidance, and support in diverse settings, while engaging with families and community resources to foster wel...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$59K - $100K *

Lead comprehensive Child and Youth Behavioral counseling for military families. Provide essential support and training to children and youth while fostering strong community relationships and ensuring...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$59K - $100K *

Join a team that's committed to providing essential counseling services to military children and youth. Your role will encompass assessment, brief interventions, and collaboration with schools, ensuri...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$59K - $100K *

Elevate the well-being of military children and families by delivering targeted behavioral counseling and wellness services in schools and community settings, ensuring access to vital resources and su...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $113K *

Oversee the development and implementation of Adult MI Services, ensuring high-quality care. Manage staff, monitor outcomes, and collaborate with the management team to achieve program goals in a fast...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $95K *

Accelerate progress at our organization by leading behavioral health contracting efforts. Drive strategic negotiations with payors, enhance revenue cycles, and collaborate with leadership to optimize...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$65K - $107K *

Engage with members by delivering exceptional evidence-based treatment for OCD. Collaborate within a dedicated team to enhance clinical excellence, focusing on therapy, documentation, and continuous p...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K - $85K *

Champion clinical oversight by guiding ICMS HFH staff, ensuring effective service delivery and individualized care plans while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance participant outcome...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K - $85K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing clinical oversight and support for mental health services. Collaborate with professionals to enhance care delivery and ensure compliance while fostering staff...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Champion comprehensive care for individuals with substance use disorders, providing evaluation, treatment, and ongoing support. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes an...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Inspire change by providing comprehensive care for individuals facing addiction. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver effective treatment and support, ensuring a positive impact on patients' l...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$296K - $401K *

Drive quality psychiatric care by conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications. Collaborate within a team to ensure compassionate support for a diverse patient popul...

Reposted yesterday

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

$90K - $110K *

Unlock potential by providing strategic leadership for inpatient and residential behavioral health services. Ensure high-quality, patient-centered care while collaborating with diverse teams and manag...

1 week ago

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

$90K - $115K *

Innovate patient care by providing exceptional therapy services in a supportive environment. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance clinical excellence and ensure flexible scheduling for work-li...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$69K - $110K *

Elevate mental health support by providing comprehensive therapy and case management for individuals with severe mental illness and addiction. Collaborate within an integrated team to deliver services...

1 week ago

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

$100K - $180K *

Transform the support system for justice-involved students by delivering comprehensive counseling services. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop programs, facilitate workshops, and enhance equity...

3 weeks ago

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

$500K *

Explore innovative treatment options as you drive patient recovery with advanced techniques. Collaborate in a supportive environment focused on achieving rapid results while enjoying a flexible schedu...

2 weeks ago

  •   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.