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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$100K - $120K *

Lead the transformation of outpatient services by driving clinical excellence and operational success. Oversee PHP and IOP programs, ensuring high-quality care and patient satisfaction while fostering...

2 weeks ago

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

$90K - $96K *

Empower individuals on their recovery journeys as a key member of a dynamic team, providing essential nursing assessments and support to those with serious mental illness. Engage in collaborative care...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $96K *

Transform lives as a Psychiatric RN, providing essential nursing care and support to individuals with serious mental illness. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance recovery journeys through asses...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $90K *

Shape the future of behavioral health by providing clinical oversight and support. Collaborate with diverse populations to develop and implement individualized treatment plans, ensuring a therapeutic...

2 weeks ago

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

$90K - $114K *

Lead the charge in enhancing data systems by coordinating upgrades, ensuring compliance, and providing training to stakeholders. Collaborate across divisions to maintain accurate reporting and support...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K *

Empower clients by providing comprehensive therapy and support across multiple programs. Collaborate with clinical teams to assess needs, develop treatment plans, and deliver high-quality care, ensuri...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $95K *

Transform clinical services by leading, mentoring, and innovating within a supportive environment, fostering individual and organizational growth while ensuring quality client care and staff developme...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$105K - $115K *

Make your mark at a leading residential treatment center by providing strategic leadership and clinical excellence. Guide dedicated teams to support adolescents facing behavioral health challenges, fo...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $115K *

Optimize patient care by delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare. Join a dynamic team of licensed therapists committed to clinical excellence, work-life balance, and professional growth in a sup...

Providence, RIRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K *

Transform the delivery of high-quality care as a Clinical Supervisor, leading a team of counselors to achieve clinical excellence and implement innovative protocols while ensuring compliance and foste...

Kentucky, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K *

Lead the delivery of exceptional mental health care by assessing client needs, developing treatment plans, and facilitating therapy sessions. Collaborate with a clinical team to ensure comprehensive s...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing psychiatric social work in a correctional setting. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for individuals...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing high-quality residential treatment services. As the director, you'll oversee operations, ensure compliance, and support staff development while fostering a nu...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a dedicated team as you deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care for patients with substance use disorders. Utilize your expertise in diagnosis and treatment planning, while fostering a culture...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$104K - $124K *

Elevate mental health care by leading our clinical team, ensuring compliance, and fostering a collaborative environment. Drive program excellence and positive patient outcomes through effective oversi...

3 days ago

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

$74K - $104K *

Join us to provide comprehensive behavioral health management services, conducting assessments and treatments in a collaborative hospital environment, while supporting both patients and healthcare tea...

4 weeks ago

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

$80K - $83K *

Engage with students to provide brief, solution-focused wellness support, crisis intervention, and referrals. Collaborate with faculty and community partners to enhance student well-being and academic...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $125K *

Develop and execute strategic sales initiatives to drive revenue growth through relationship-building and prospecting in the Maryland region while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $125K *

Engage with regional teams to drive strategic sales initiatives and relationship management. Foster connections with key referents, represent the organization professionally, and collaborate on commun...

3 weeks ago

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

$131K - $164K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team providing critical behavioral health crisis services. As a frontline clinician, you'll deliver rapid assessments, crisis interventions, and care coordinat...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of patient care by leading clinical operations and strategy. Drive innovation, enhance quality, and ensure compliance while fostering collaboration across teams to improve outcome...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$60K - $100K *

Manage behavioral health programs and provide outpatient counseling services, focusing on addiction recovery. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to assess and address client needs, ensuring eff...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Oversee and enhance nursing services in a residential treatment facility, ensuring quality care, staff development, and compliance with regulations while managing medical emergencies and budgets effec...

6 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Champion the delivery of exceptional nursing care in a residential treatment facility, overseeing medical services, staff management, and compliance with healthcare standards to enhance patient recove...

6 days ago

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

$100K - $140K *

Transform client care by delivering comprehensive therapeutic services in an Intensive Outpatient Program, focusing on assessments, therapy sessions, and care coordination to support treatment goals a...

3 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.