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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$85K - $133K *

Empower your career as you lead nursing operations, ensuring quality patient care and staff management in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with healthcare teams to enhance departmental performance a...

6 days ago

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

$85K - $133K *

Transform patient care as a Clinical Nursing Supervisor, leading operations and staff while ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with leadership to enhance departmental performance and support...

1 week ago

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

$68K - $92K *

Lead the charge in providing high-touch, person-centered care for Medi-Cal members facing complex mental health and substance use challenges, ensuring seamless coordination across various community re...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$68K - $92K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through compassionate care management. This role involves direct outreach and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring access to e...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K *

Join a team that’s dedicated to improving patient outcomes through proactive, patient-centered care. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, play a vital role in managing high-risk patients while integr...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing culturally responsive mental health services to students. Engage in clinical assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, and outreach initiatives to promote...

2 days ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Unlock potential by providing compassionate, individualized ABA care to children with autism. Collaborate with caregivers and maintain clinical integrity while fostering a supportive environment for p...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $102K *

Shape strategic clinical leadership for behavioral health services, ensuring best practices in supportive housing and trauma-informed care. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance service...

3 weeks ago

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

$85K - $135K *

Join a dedicated team to support K-12 students in enhancing their communication skills through evaluations, therapy, and collaboration with educators. Contribute to student success in a dynamic school...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Empower patients by leading clinical treatment strategies, developing tailored plans, and collaborating with caregivers. Drive positive outcomes through effective supervision and training of behaviora...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Empower the future of patient care by leading clinical treatment strategies, developing tailored plans, and training staff to enhance outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder across dive...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Empower patient care by overseeing clinical treatment plans, assessing skills, and training staff. Collaborate with caregivers and ensure adherence to protocols across various settings, fostering opti...

1 week ago

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

$106K - $131K *

Join a dedicated team as you supervise multidisciplines in crisis response, ensuring timely service and effective communication. Collaborate across agencies while honing your leadership skills in a su...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$267K - $383K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing compassionate outpatient behavioral health care. You'll deliver direct psychiatric and medical services, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to suppor...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through behavior analysis. You'll design and oversee programs, conduct assessments, and mentor future BCBAs, all while making a significant impact in...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $110K *

Transform community-based behavioral health services by providing clinical and operational leadership, ensuring compliance, enhancing staff development, and driving program growth for positive client...

2 weeks ago

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

$81K - $99K *

Lead the charge in providing comprehensive mental health services, including counseling, crisis management, and program development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance client care and...

Today

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

$103K - $114K *

Lead the development and management of medication-assisted treatment services, ensuring effective collaboration among healthcare teams. Drive program expansion, oversee clinical operations, and suppor...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$71K - $90K *

Empower individuals by delivering exceptional behavioral healthcare services in a collaborative environment. Engage with adult and child populations while enjoying professional growth and work-life ba...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $106K *

Elevate your therapy career by providing evidence-based care to diverse clients, maintaining a robust caseload while collaborating with a supportive clinical team in a flexible and hybrid environment...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $127K *

Champion patient access to vital rehabilitation services while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely and effective care transitions. Leverage your clinical expertise to advocate...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $192K *

Elevate telehealth access by providing evidence-based behavioral health care through clinical assessments and personalized treatment plans with a supportive multidisciplinary team in a fully virtual r...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $192K *

Shape the future of behavioral health by delivering evidence-based virtual care and personalized treatment for patients in crisis, utilizing your skills in assessments, medication management, and coll...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Join a dedicated team of Licensed Clinical Psychologists delivering integrated behavioral health services in a primary care setting. Contribute to patient-centered care by providing evidence-based int...

1 week ago

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

$90K - $110K *

Shape the future of mental health services by leading clinical oversight and staff development. Collaborate with professionals to enhance patient care and ensure compliance with standards, while foste...

6 days 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.