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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$81K - $86K *

Unlock potential by providing comprehensive clinical services to clients, including assessments, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention, while collaborating within an interdisciplinary team to meet di...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $108K *

Lead the charge in enhancing corporate compliance practices, ensuring effective risk management and ethical operations. Collaborate with business units to navigate regulatory requirements and foster a...

1 week ago

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

$57K - $112K *

Empower individuals through comprehensive mental health services, ensuring culturally competent care to children and families. Collaborate with community partners to enhance service delivery and meet...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Shape the future of psychosocial services by leading a dedicated team, ensuring comprehensive support for patients and families throughout treatment and transition planning in a dynamic behavioral hea...

1 week ago

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

$71K - $88K *

Empower individuals by providing essential mental health support services. Collaborate with a dedicated team to coordinate care and resources, ensuring clients receive comprehensive assistance tailore...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $150K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional care by overseeing operations, ensuring compliance, and fostering a high-performing team in a dynamic residential facility dedicated to teen behavioral health...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$360K *

Transform lives as a Medical Director, leading a multidisciplinary team in addiction medicine. Oversee clinical protocols, ensure high standards of care, and support evidence-based treatment for patie...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Take ownership of clinic operations, ensuring high-quality care and compliance. Lead a dedicated team, manage budgets, and foster community partnerships to enhance patient experiences in a supportive...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Champion high-quality care as you lead daily operations, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment. Shape patient experiences and foster a supportive team culture while overseeing budget management...

1 week ago

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

$130K - $160K *

Join us to provide essential psychological services, conducting assessments and therapy for clients with mental health and substance use challenges. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance treatm...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K *

Drive impactful change by leading behavioral health initiatives within the court system. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance programs and policies, ensuring better outcomes for justice-in...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$88K *

Empower individuals and families through tailored behavioral supports, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to enhance community access and create personalized treatment plans, ensuring timely...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Explore a leadership role guiding clinical teams to enhance patient care. Drive effective programming, conduct audits, and ensure compliance with standards while collaborating on integrated outpatient...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$93K - $98K *

Help us enhance mental health care in a correctional setting by providing evaluations, counseling, and support. Join a dedicated team committed to improving patient outcomes and fostering a collaborat...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$84K *

Join a dedicated team as a Behavioral Health Practitioner Supervisor, leading clinical operations and substance use services in a correctional setting. Drive program excellence and foster staff develo...

6 days ago

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

$74K - $100K *

Lead integrated healthcare initiatives by providing critical behavioral health services, including screening and intervention, to enhance patient outcomes in a collaborative primary care environment...

1 week ago

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

$74K - $100K *

Transform healthcare by providing critical behavioral health services in an integrated team. Engage with patients through screening, intervention, and psycho-education to enhance mental well-being and...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Join a dedicated team as a clinical supervisor, mentoring therapists and ensuring high-quality care. Lead staff development, support client needs, and collaborate with professionals to enhance treatme...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K *

Empower individuals by providing essential mental health support and outreach services. Collaborate with community partners to enhance living skills and advocate for those transitioning from homelessn...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K *

Champion community outreach by providing essential mental health support, enhancing daily living skills, and advocating for individuals transitioning from homelessness to stable housing, while collabo...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $90K *

Transform behavioral health services by leading a dynamic team to integrate trauma-informed care and recovery support, ensuring access to quality services for individuals facing substance use and home...

1 week ago

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

$74K - $90K *

Empower individuals by providing clinical and recovery-oriented services in a 24/7 residential treatment setting, focusing on mental health and substance use disorders through a collaborative, evidenc...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $90K *

Champion clinical excellence by providing psychotherapy services to diverse populations, ensuring adherence to best practices and effective communication with clients and referral sources for optimal...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $90K *

Engage in impactful clinical services through individual, group, and family therapy. Collaborate with a dynamic team to implement best practices, maintain thorough documentation, and foster positive c...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $90K *

Help us shape the future of behavioral health by providing transformative clinical services. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver best practice interventions and engage effectively with client...

Reposted 1 week 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.