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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$252K - $315K *

Shape the future of interventional psychiatry by leading innovative therapeutic programs, developing clinical protocols, and ensuring evidence-based practices that enhance patient outcomes and align w...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $103K *

Join a dynamic team to supervise multidisciplinary staff, coordinate services, and assess client needs in a supportive environment. Engage in on-call duties while fostering collaboration across agenci...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $123K *

Join us in transforming mental health care! As a Lead Mental Health Counselor, you will supervise a dynamic team, create impactful treatment plans, and promote an inclusive, creative environment that...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$78K - $92K *

Unlock your potential by providing vital behavioral health services, developing community partnerships, and enhancing access to care. Collaborate with teams to promote health equity and support progra...

1 week ago

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

$90K - $120K *

Tackle complex patient needs by providing psychotherapeutic services, including assessment and treatment planning in a hybrid role. Collaborate to enhance service access for children, adolescents, and...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $220K *

Unlock your potential as you provide comprehensive psychiatric care in both residential and outpatient settings, collaborating with mental health professionals to enhance treatment plans and improve p...

4 weeks ago

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

$83K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to improving health outcomes for underserved clients. As an RN, you'll conduct assessments, create care plans, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide ess...

3 days ago

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

$80K - $98K *

Join a team that's dedicated to improving patient outcomes through comprehensive assessments, tailored discharge planning, and supportive counseling. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to connec...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $98K *

Champion patient care by conducting assessments, formulating discharge plans, and providing counseling. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to connect patients with resources and ensure smooth tr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $90K *

Unlock potential by joining a dedicated team of pre-licensed therapists committed to delivering exceptional patient care and clinical excellence in a supportive, flexible environment...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $220K *

Drive high-quality, culturally sensitive psychiatric care in a collaborative team environment, providing psychopharmacology and therapy to patients in an acute care setting while supervising residents...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Elevate patient care by providing essential mental health services under physician supervision. Collaborate on treatment plans, manage medications, and ensure compliance with protocols to optimize pat...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $113K *

Engage in comprehensive case management for members with chronic conditions, ensuring person-centered care through assessments, care plan development, and coordination with healthcare teams to optimiz...

2 weeks ago

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

$75K - $113K *

Champion person-centered care by managing member cases, conducting assessments, and coordinating services to optimize health outcomes for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities across var...

2 weeks ago

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

$75K - $113K *

Optimize member care by coordinating services for individuals with chronic illnesses, ensuring person-centered support and effective health management across various settings. Engage directly with cli...

2 weeks ago

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

$75K - $113K *

Drive person-centered care by managing member cases, coordinating services, and optimizing health outcomes for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities across multiple counties in Eastern O...

2 weeks ago

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

$75K - $113K *

Champion person-centered care by managing member cases, conducting assessments, and coordinating services for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Drive health outcomes through collabo...

2 weeks ago

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

$84K - $91K *

Join us to provide vital mental health and substance abuse services, delivering assessments and treatment plans for diverse clients in a supportive environment. Collaborate with a dedicated team to en...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team in delivering impactful mental health services. Play a key role in diagnosing, treating, and supporting clients through tailored therapy sessions while collaborating with specialis...

Waipahu, HIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $120K *

Inspire change by delivering compassionate therapy services to individuals and families. Collaborate with specialists to diagnose and treat mental health challenges, while building trust and creating...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $120K *

Deliver exceptional patient care by assessing critical needs, implementing care plans, and managing treatment protocols. Collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure optimal outcomes in a fast-paced, 1...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $114K *

Lead the charge in supporting students' academic and emotional needs through comprehensive evaluations, collaboration with educators, and evidence-based interventions, ensuring a positive impact on th...

2 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Champion mental health care by providing comprehensive treatment for all ages. Collaborate with a dedicated team to manage acute and chronic conditions, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in a supporti...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $115K *

Grow partnerships across California by developing strategic relationships with school districts and behavioral health providers to enhance referral pathways for adolescent programs, ensuring effective...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $100K *

Join a dynamic team of therapists, offering flexible schedules and telehealth options. Shape the future of mental health care with autonomy, competitive compensation, and comprehensive support, while...

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.