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 *

Join a leading academic institution as a Program Director, overseeing the ACGME-accredited Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship. Shape future leaders in addiction psychiatry through clinical care, educatio...

Reposted today

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

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to patient care by evaluating and treating individuals, managing medications, and providing staff training. Contribute to case conferencing and emergency response while en...

6 days ago

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

$80K - $100K *

Lead transformative clinical programs, providing oversight and supervision in Developmental Services. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service quality and client outcomes while ensu...

North Bay, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Transform patient care by leading a dedicated clinical team, ensuring high-quality treatment and compliance with standards while fostering professional growth and collaboration across departments...

2 weeks ago

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

$72K - $130K *

Join us to enhance quality care through comprehensive audits and data analysis. You'll guide behavioral health providers, implement corrective actions, and collaborate on quality improvement initiativ...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $250K *

Join our clinical team as you lead inpatient care for children and adolescents. You'll provide psychiatric treatment and collaborate with dedicated professionals while ensuring effective communication...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$210K - $250K *

Unlock potential by leading clinical teams in providing integrated psychiatric care to children and adolescents. Engage in diagnosis, treatment, and medication management in various inpatient settings...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$300K - $345K *

Lead the charge in clinical leadership and oversight within a forensic psychiatric program, combining direct treatment with supervision, staff development, and a commitment to patient safety and recov...

Yesterday

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

$66K - $101K *

Join us to make a meaningful impact as a Medical Case Manager, facilitating recovery for injured workers through collaboration with patients, families, and healthcare providers. This role involves loc...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$70K - $100K *

The Custody and Removal Coordinator (CRC) assists ERO Field Office and detention facility staff in maintaining a safe detention environment while providing support to individuals affected by trauma, d...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K *

Drive continuous quality improvement and program evaluation in clinical settings. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and enhance client outcomes through effective tr...

1 week ago

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

$80K *

Shape your career by leading continuous quality improvement initiatives and program evaluations. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and enhance client outcomes in a...

1 week ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Shape the future of children's mental health by leading strategic initiatives, overseeing service transformation, and advocating for children with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) and their familie...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Shape pharmaceutical care in a community practice setting, ensuring safe and effective drug therapy. Collaborate with healthcare teams, oversee pharmacy technicians, and support clinical initiatives w...

6 days ago

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

$85K - $127K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing compassionate genetic counseling, ensuring ethical communication and patient care coordination for Medical Genetics patients while adhering to professional gu...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Transform behavioral health operations by leading initiatives to enhance service integration, drive quality improvement, and optimize performance. Foster collaboration among providers while managing s...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $220K *

Champion comprehensive mental health care for adults through evaluations, treatment plans, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Leverage a supportive environment to enhance patient outcomes and profes...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $220K *

Lead the charge in providing compassionate psychiatric care, diagnosing and treating adult patients while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to optimize mental health outcomes and enhance pat...

4 weeks ago

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

$146K - $180K *

Champion operational excellence as a senior leader overseeing program management, ensuring compliance and quality care while navigating regional travel, mentoring staff, and engaging with community st...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$146K - $180K *

Shape region-wide healthcare delivery by overseeing operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. Collaborate across multiple programs while mentoring administrators and promoting clinical excellence...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Shape the future of mental health care by providing compassionate therapy in a flexible, hybrid environment. Enjoy autonomy in scheduling while delivering evidence-based treatment to diverse clients a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $93K *

Grow your career with us by providing essential counseling and psychotherapy services. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support clients through crisis management, therapy sessions, and cas...

Today

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

$93K - $99K *

Empower patient care by delivering professional nursing services in detox and residential settings, ensuring quality treatment through collaboration and adherence to established standards and protocol...

3 weeks ago

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

$83K - $93K *

Unlock potential by providing compassionate care in a residential detox setting. Collaborate with a dedicated team to support patients through their recovery journey, ensuring safety and adherence to...

Yesterday

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

$95K - $115K *

Optimize patient care as a Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner, collaborating with physicians to manage treatment plans, assist in surgeries, and ensure comprehensive follow-up for both in- and out...

1 week 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.