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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$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

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in clinical case management, developing and implementing comprehensive care plans for patients with brain injuries. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery a...

Today

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

$81K - $116K *

Empower individuals by providing comprehensive mental health care through assessment, therapy, and client education, while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards in a collaborat...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Empower our team by providing leadership and guidance to program staff, ensuring effective assessment and treatment for children and adolescents while maintaining compliance with accreditation standar...

1 week ago

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

$100K - $200K *

Empower patients by conducting psychiatric evaluations and managing treatment plans. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care and support mental health recovery. Drive i...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to provide comprehensive psychiatric care, manage treatment plans, and collaborate with healthcare professionals. Enjoy flexible scheduling and a supportive environment while makin...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Champion patient care by conducting psychiatric evaluations and managing treatment plans. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality psychiatric services in long-term care and r...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Join a collaborative team to provide psychiatric care in long-term settings. Enjoy flexible scheduling, no nights or weekends, and a supportive environment focused on patient well-being and profession...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $200K *

Champion mental health care by conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, and managing medications. Collaborate with a dedicated team to provide quality psychiatric services while enjoying a...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $150K *

Join a team that's committed to delivering exceptional mental health care through thorough evaluations, comprehensive treatment plans, and supportive collaboration with skilled professionals in a dyna...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Empower patients by assessing social and emotional factors to foster effective home health care. Collaborate with families and teams to develop support plans and connect with community resources for e...

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$90K - $100K *

Join our dedicated team to provide vital social support for patients and families. Leverage your expertise to assess needs, educate caregivers, and coordinate community resources to enhance care for t...

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$90K - $100K *

Optimize patient care by providing education and support to improve the lives of geriatric patients and their families. Coordinate interventions with home health teams and community resources to ensur...

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$180K - $220K *

Lead the charge in providing comprehensive mental health services to children and adolescents, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and managing psychiatric care in a collaborative envi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Serve as a key member of our team by delivering comprehensive behavioral health care, managing patient medications, and collaborating across departments to ensure quality treatment and compliance with...

4 weeks ago

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

$130K - $160K *

Champion patient-centered behavioral health care by leveraging your psychiatric expertise to assess and treat patients, ensuring evidence-based practices and collaboration with healthcare teams in a d...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic leadership team to oversee crisis services, ensuring high-quality mental health and substance abuse treatment. Drive program development, compliance, and operational excellence while fo...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $131K *

Champion high-quality behavioral healthcare by delivering exceptional therapy services. Join a dynamic clinical team focused on patient care, professional growth, and work-life balance in a supportive...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $131K *

Inspire excellence in behavioral healthcare by delivering high-quality services to diverse populations. Collaborate with a dedicated clinical team to enhance patient care while enjoying flexible sched...

Brunswick, MERemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $129K *

Lead the charge in providing clinical services and supervision for outpatient cases, while engaging in research initiatives and staff development to enhance behavioral psychology practices...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Unlock potential by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare in a flexible, supportive environment. Join a dynamic clinical team focused on patient care and professional growth, with opportunitie...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Elevate your career by joining our team as a key educator in Behavioral Health, driving the development of nursing staff while ensuring exceptional patient care and safety. Engage in clinical practice...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$67K - $100K *

Transform patient care by delivering comprehensive mental health services. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to enhance treatment outcomes, advocate for patients, and support their journey to...

3 weeks ago

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

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing crucial psychiatric care in a fast-paced crisis environment. Deliver assessments, coordinate treatment, and stabilize individuals through effective medication...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Pioneer support for patients and families by addressing social and emotional needs. Collaborate with healthcare teams to enhance care integration and improve quality of life for the geriatric populati...

Reposted 2 days 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.