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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$76K - $101K *

Unlock potential by joining a dedicated team of licensed therapists, providing exceptional mental health care to diverse populations. Enjoy flexible scheduling, competitive compensation, and a support...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$60K - $120K *

Transform mental health care by providing therapeutic services to diverse clients. Collaborate closely with a dedicated treatment team, ensuring compliance with regulations, while managing multiple ta...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$60K - $120K *

Drive your career with a rewarding opportunity to provide outpatient mental health services to diverse client populations. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver compassionate care and support i...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$60K - $120K *

Provide essential mental health therapy to diverse clients across various settings, ensuring high-quality care and compliance with standards while facilitating individual, group, and family sessions t...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$136K - $152K *

Unlock your potential by leading therapeutic programming and staff supervision. Ensure compliance and enhance mental health services while collaborating with the Clinical Director to implement core in...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K - $86K *

Elevate your career by providing essential clinical services within a dynamic interdisciplinary team, focusing on client assessments, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention to enhance community suppor...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

$74K - $85K *

Champion advanced clinical expertise to support youth with complex behavioral health needs. Collaborate with families and stakeholders to guide high-acuity cases using trauma-informed approaches, ensu...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $85K *

Reimagine care for youth with complex behavioral needs by providing clinical expertise and support. Collaborate with families and stakeholders to enhance care coordination and implement trauma-informe...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $85K *

Champion the care of youth with complex behavioral health needs by providing expert clinical guidance and support. Collaborate with families and community partners to ensure effective, trauma-informed...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $85K *

Join a team that's dedicated to supporting youth with complex behavioral health needs. Leverage your clinical expertise to guide high-acuity cases, collaborate with families and stakeholders, and ensu...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$57K - $112K *

Support individuals in crisis by providing culturally competent mental health treatment. Collaborate with community partners to assess, evaluate, and intervene effectively, ensuring the behavioral hea...

Today

  •   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

$74K - $90K *

Tackle clinical service delivery by providing psychotherapy for diverse populations. Collaborate with teams, maintain records, and implement quality practices to enhance mental health outcomes in your...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $90K *

Grow your career with a role focused on delivering clinical services through evidence-based interventions, fostering relationships with clients and community partners, and ensuring quality care for di...

Today

  •   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

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.