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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$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...

6 days ago

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

$75K - $90K *

Engage in leadership and clinical supervision within community Mental Health & Substance Use services, fostering strong relationships and ensuring high-quality, client-focused care across multidiscipl...

Grand Forks, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$124K - $135K *

Empower individuals to achieve personal and career goals through expert counseling and tailored therapeutic interventions while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in a supportive environment...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$96K - $149K *

Elevate mental health care by providing trauma-informed therapy and case management to adults with serious mental illness. Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive, cultura...

1 week ago

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

$81K - $106K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing compassionate care to diverse populations. As a Registered Nurse, you'll assess, plan, and implement nursing care while ensuring patient safety and well-being...

1 week ago

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

$63K - $98K *

Empower individuals with disabilities by supervising a dedicated team of counselors, ensuring effective vocational rehabilitation services are delivered. Collaborate with community partners to enhance...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $138K *

Transform child welfare operations by leading a critical response center, ensuring safety and compliance while managing high-stakes situations. Drive collaboration and decision-making to enhance servi...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $143K *

Join our team to lead and supervise multidisciplinary clinical programs, ensuring quality care and improvement initiatives. Collaborate with staff to enhance mental health services while participating...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $110K *

Transform public health policy by researching, developing, and advocating for impactful tobacco-related initiatives. Collaborate with experts and stakeholders to shape effective strategies at communit...

Yesterday

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

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leading data governance and strategy to enhance decision-making and performance across the organization. Collaborate with leaders to ensure data accuracy and drive continuous impro...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $187K *

Engage with patients by diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Create personalized treatment plans, conduct ongoing assessments, and collaborate with families while planning community outrea...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Grow your career with a leadership role that drives exceptional nursing care in behavioral health. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, manage staff operations, and ensure compliance while delive...

3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Help us support the mental health of military personnel by providing comprehensive psychological assessments and evidence-based treatments in a collaborative healthcare environment, ensuring a balance...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Champion comprehensive psychological care by providing assessments, diagnoses, and evidence-based treatments in a military healthcare setting. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance behav...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Shape the future of military mental health by providing comprehensive psychological services. Collaborate with healthcare teams to deliver evidence-based treatment and support for military personnel...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic behavioral health team, enhancing clinical programs, and driving patient-centered care. You'll oversee operations, compliance, and quality improvement, shaping...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$102K - $141K *

Elevate mental health care by providing intensive clinical services to high-risk patients. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to create holistic treatment plans and ensure comprehensive care in...

Today

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead rehabilitation services by overseeing operations, ensuring quality care, and driving team performance in a skilled nursing environment. Collaborate with leadership to enhance patient outcomes and...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $114K *

Empower the next generation of clinicians by providing essential supervision and training. This role ensures high-quality clinical development and adherence to standards while supporting a diverse tea...

2 days ago

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

$95K - $114K *

Lead the charge in providing clinical supervision and training for behavioral health trainees and clinicians. Ensure adherence to professional standards while delivering high-quality mental health ser...

2 days ago

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

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.