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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$70K - $95K *

Lead the charge in providing essential counseling and support for clients recovering from addictions. Utilize your expertise to guide treatment plans, conduct assessments, and educate families, while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $90K *

Contribute to impactful substance abuse programs by leading clinical teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting innovative treatment approaches within a dynamic care continuum from Det...

3 weeks ago

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

$84K - $93K *

Advance your career by providing ethical mental health care in diverse settings. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support individuals and families in achieving optimal health through asse...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $82K *

Elevate your career as a Clinical Supervisor overseeing an outpatient MAT program. Guide a clinical team to provide high-quality care, ensuring adherence to standards and fostering collaboration for o...

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of behavioral health by leading daily operations, ensuring compliance, and fostering a positive culture. Drive growth initiatives and manage key functions to deliver quality care in a...

Yesterday

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

$100K - $120K *

Inspire change by leading daily operations at a dynamic treatment facility. Drive compliance, foster team culture, and enhance patient care while managing key functions in behavioral health. Your lead...

2 weeks ago

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

$300K - $400K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional psychiatric care for children and adolescents. Oversee clinical operations, ensure compliance, and mentor staff while driving quality improvement initiatives...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Drive impactful change by providing clinical and operational leadership for crisis response programs. Collaborate with teams to enhance service delivery, ensure compliance, and foster a culture of con...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Transform clinical operations by leading and supporting a dedicated team of clinicians. Oversee performance improvement, ensure compliance with regulations, and foster a collaborative environment to e...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Transform behavioral health services by leading clinical operations and ensuring high-quality care in outpatient settings. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement policies, support staff...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $93K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing youth mental health through effective supervision of Intensive Home-Based Treatment therapists across multiple counties. Drive program success and foster comm...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $93K *

Lead a dedicated team of therapists, enhancing intensive home-based treatment across multiple counties by supervising, engaging with community partners, and ensuring high-quality service delivery whil...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $93K *

Inspire positive change by supervising a dedicated team of IHBT therapists across multiple counties, ensuring effective service delivery and compliance while fostering community relationships and supp...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $93K *

Oversee a dynamic team of therapists, ensuring effective service delivery and client engagement while fostering community relationships and maintaining compliance within a multi-county behavioral heal...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Champion clinical excellence by overseeing licensed clinicians, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing outpatient care for adolescents and adults with behavioral health needs in a supportive, t...

2 weeks ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Lead clinical excellence by supervising a multidisciplinary team, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering high-quality outpatient care for adolescents and adults with behavioral health needs in...

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Oversee nursing personnel to ensure compliance with policies and regulations, enhancing client care. Engage in staff recruitment, training, and quality improvement initiatives while managing controlle...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$81K - $94K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to provide essential outpatient clinical services, including assessments and therapy, while adapting to a fast-paced environment and meeting productivity goa...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K - $94K *

Transform the lives of clients by providing essential outpatient clinical services. Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team to deliver assessments, therapy, and crisis support while adhering to c...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$300K - $350K *

Lead the charge in enhancing patient care within a dual-diagnosis residential program, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based treatment while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to foster a support...

1 week ago

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

$83K - $97K *

Empower a clinical program by supervising staff and ensuring compliance with standards. Oversee daily operations, enhance service delivery, and drive program performance to achieve optimal client outc...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Lead and inspire multidisciplinary clinical teams to enhance patient care, ensure regulatory compliance, and implement evidence-based treatment programs. Drive quality outcomes and foster a culture of...

2 days ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Advance your career by leading impactful clinical services, overseeing multidisciplinary teams, and driving evidence-based practices. Shape exceptional patient care and operational success at a renown...

3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Champion high standards of clinical excellence by leading program development, ensuring patient-centered care, and fostering a culture of accountability. Collaborate with teams to optimize outcomes an...

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Lead and inspire a clinical team delivering exceptional behavioral healthcare. Drive program development, ensure quality patient outcomes, and foster a culture of compassionate care while navigating r...

4 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.