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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$210K - $250K *

Lead the charge in transforming addiction care by spearheading innovative outpatient services and clinical excellence in a rapidly growing behavioral health division. Collaborate with a dedicated team...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $175K *

Unlock potential by providing compassionate psychiatric care in an outpatient setting. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance the health of individuals facing mental health and substance use cha...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K *

Optimize family well-being by leading the Family Centered Treatment Program. Oversee service quality, ensure adherence to best practices, and provide clinical supervision to create lasting positive ch...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Transform your career with flexible outpatient therapy roles offering autonomy, competitive compensation, and a supportive environment. Enjoy hybrid schedules, telehealth options, and comprehensive be...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $89K *

Support patients by conducting assessments and developing tailored treatment plans. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective care and facilitate recovery for individuals facing beh...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$93K - $119K *

Lead the charge in enhancing clinical quality and compliance for mental health and substance use programs. Oversee staff, develop policies, and ensure adherence to regulations while driving performanc...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing exceptional mental health care. As a Licensed Therapist, you'll support diverse populations, lead clinical initiatives, and enjoy a flexible work environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$86K - $116K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing compassionate outreach services for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to deliver integ...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Elevate behavioral health services by providing executive leadership and operational direction. Ensure compliance with regulations, manage fiscal responsibilities, and collaborate with leadership to e...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Analyze and lead operational management of comprehensive behavioral health programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and fiscal oversight. Collaborate with executive leadership to promote high-qu...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing clinical leadership in behavioral healthcare across multiple correctional facilities, ensuring quality psychiatric services and collaboration with diverse tea...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $112K *

Transform lives by conducting forensic evaluations and providing expert insights in a hybrid role that spans various regions of Georgia. Collaborate with teams to assess mental health competencies and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $99K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing community mental health services through effective management, oversight, and collaboration. Lead programs, ensure compliance, and support staff in delivering...

2 weeks ago

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

$93K - $120K *

Transform your career by providing innovative DBT therapy to adolescents through live video sessions. Collaborate with a supportive team, enhance client outcomes with digital tools, and engage in cont...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$84K - $93K *

The MHP Crisis Outreach Specialist is responsible for providing mobile crisis intervention services to adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises in the community. This role involves co...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$84K - $93K *

The MHP Crisis Outreach Specialist will respond to adults in the community experiencing mental health or substance use crises, providing timely outreach services and crisis intervention. This role inv...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$124K - $154K *

Drive innovative clinical technology transformation by managing platforms, workflows, and governance. Lead a multidisciplinary team to enhance clinical operations and foster cross-functional partnersh...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation and excellence in outpatient behavioral health services across multiple states. Oversee service line development, ensure patient safety, and enhance operational efficiency while leadi...

2 weeks ago

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

$90K - $144K *

Transform the Behavioral Health department by managing operations, staff relations, and patient care services. Drive departmental goals and ensure compliance while fostering a positive work environmen...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $86K *

Inspire change and growth as a BCBA, designing and supervising interventions for individuals with behavioral challenges. Collaborate with educational and clinical teams to deliver effective analysis a...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$86K - $116K *

Unlock potential by providing compassionate nursing care to clients with mental health and substance use challenges. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance client well-being through indi...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$117K - $134K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing high-quality behavioral healthcare while enjoying flexible schedules and professional growth opportunities in a supportive environment focused on work-life ba...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$119K - $179K *

Lead the development of state government relations strategies to advance healthcare policy. Engage with policymakers and stakeholders, providing strategic insights and legislative support to enhance o...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in strategic initiatives for Mental Health and Substance Use services, ensuring alignment with provincial goals. Drive project delivery, manage resources, and foster collaboration acro...

Surrey, BCIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$60K - $107K *

Join a dynamic team to deliver integrated behavioral health services in primary care settings. Collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals to provide evidence-based treatment, enhancing patient o...

2 weeks 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.