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

$197K - $277K *

Drive your career forward by providing essential medical care and treatment to patients at a psychiatric hospital. Collaborate with healthcare professionals, assess conditions, and ensure quality heal...

1 week ago

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

$114K *

Inspire student success by assessing and addressing psychological needs. Collaborate with educators to develop interventions and provide therapy, ensuring every student has access to quality education...

3 days ago

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

$108K - $162K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team providing integrated behavioral health services. Collaborate with medical professionals to deliver evidence-based care in a fast-paced outpatient setting...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Transform the lives of students by providing essential mental health services, including therapy and crisis intervention, within a collaborative team. Engage with families and community resources to f...

2 weeks ago

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

$75K - $100K *

Champion mental health services for students in grades 4-8. Provide evidence-based therapy, crisis intervention, and case management in a collaborative environment. Engage with families and community...

2 weeks ago

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

$75K - $100K *

Join a team that provides trauma-informed mental health services to students and families, fostering social-emotional well-being through therapy, case management, and collaboration within a community...

3 weeks ago

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

$60K - $105K *

Elevate patient care by delivering individual, group, and family therapy in a collaborative environment, contributing to innovative behavioral health programs that address diverse mental health condit...

4 weeks ago

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

$145K - $210K *

Drive clinical excellence and operational performance as a key executive leader. Oversee nursing strategy, mentor teams, ensure compliance, and lead quality improvement initiatives in a dynamic behavi...

2 weeks ago

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

$79K - $118K *

Contribute to the growth of our clinical team by providing essential oversight and support, ensuring adherence to ethical standards, and fostering professional development in a dynamic, hybrid work en...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$300K *

Strategize comprehensive clinical goals and policies to enhance psychiatric services. Lead multidisciplinary teams ensuring quality care, supervise physician staff, and reinforce community partnership...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$75K - $87K *

Champion patient care by joining a dedicated team of licensed therapists. Enjoy a flexible hybrid schedule, competitive earnings, and a supportive environment focused on clinical excellence and work/l...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $87K *

Transform patient care by delivering exceptional therapy services. Collaborate with a dedicated team to provide evidence-based treatment for diverse populations, ensuring clinical excellence and a sup...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $87K *

Empower your career as a licensed therapist, providing exceptional patient care in a supportive environment. Enjoy competitive earnings, flexible schedules, and a collaborative team dedicated to clini...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $87K *

Unlock your potential as a licensed therapist, providing exceptional patient care in a supportive, collaborative environment. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive earnings, and a focus on work/life b...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $87K *

Join our dedicated clinical team to provide exceptional therapy services. Collaborate in a supportive environment, offering flexible schedules and competitive compensation while making a meaningful im...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $138K *

Transform your career by providing essential behavioral health support to a diverse campus community. Collaborate with a dedicated team to assess, intervene, and navigate complex mental health needs i...

3 weeks ago

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

$70K - $92K *

Transform the lives of youth by providing essential counseling and support. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure effective treatment planning and quality assurance, while fostering family invol...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$77K - $97K *

Join a team that's redefining behavioral health, providing innovative support and care to adolescents and their families in crisis through comprehensive therapy programs...

1 month ago

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

$94K - $107K *

Manage and lead a team of crisis outreach professionals to ensure prompt, effective, and coordinated field responses. Provide real-time supervision, support training, and facilitate compliance with po...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$158K - $201K *

Deliver comprehensive psychiatric care by evaluating patients, prescribing treatments, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure quality medical services and compliance with regulation...

Yesterday

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

$94K - $107K *

Advance your career by leading a dedicated team in crisis outreach, ensuring effective operational oversight and real-time support while responding to community mental health needs with compassion and...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$82K - $120K *

Optimize fiscal strategies as a key analyst, guiding budget management and compliance for the Commerce & Compliance Division. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective financial operations and suppor...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$74K - $111K *

Advance your career by managing clinical psychology internships, ensuring compliance with APA standards, and guiding students through their professional transition while maintaining a small clinical c...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K - $89K *

Lead the charge in providing crisis intervention and support to individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges, ensuring timely outreach and effective service connections in diverse comm...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $115K *

Join a dedicated team overseeing clinical programs for adolescents facing severe mental health challenges. Lead staff, enhance service quality, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards in a...

Today

  •   5 - 7 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.