1

Addictions Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Substance Abuse Counselor

Durham, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

Compassionate Substance Abuse Counselor Needed! Position Overview: The Substance abuse counselor ... Previous experience working with Medically Assisted Treatment addiction patients for at least one ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Durham, NC

$21.50 - $29/hr

Additionally, counselors will evaluate patients' progress during therapy. Substance abuse ... Previous experience working with Medically Assisted Treatment addiction patients for at least one ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Durham, NC

$21.50 - $29/hr

Compassionate Substance Abuse Counselor Needed! Position Overview: The Substance abuse counselor ... Previous experience working with Medically Assisted Treatment addiction patients for at least one ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Durham, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

Additionally, counselors will evaluate patients' progress during therapy. Substance abuse ... Previous experience working with Medically Assisted Treatment addiction patients for at least one ...

New

Substance Abuse Counselor

Durham, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

Additionally, counselors will evaluate patients' progress during therapy. Substance abuse ... Previous experience working with Medically Assisted Treatment addiction patients for at least one ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Durham, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

Additionally, counselors will evaluate patients' progress during therapy. Substance abuse ... Previous experience working with Medically Assisted Treatment addiction patients for at least one ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Durham, NC

$21.50 - $29/hr

Compassionate Substance Abuse Counselor Needed! Position Overview: The Substance abuse counselor ... Previous experience working with Medically Assisted Treatment addiction patients for at least one ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Addictions Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$31.6K

$52.7K

$69K

How much do addictions counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for addictions counselor in Raleigh, NC is $52,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $59,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an addictions counselor?

Addictions Counselors are trained professionals who help individuals overcome substance abuse and behavioral addictions. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and support recovery efforts. Addictions Counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices. Their role also includes educating families and communities about addiction and supporting relapse prevention.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addictions counselor?

To thrive as an Addictions Counselor, you need a solid background in psychology or social work, typically supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with counseling software, electronic health records, and assessment tools is often required. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and strong communication skills help build trust and motivate clients through recovery. These abilities are crucial for providing effective support, ensuring ethical treatment, and fostering positive outcomes for individuals overcoming addiction.

What are common challenges addictions counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Addictions Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to change, and emotional burnout. Building strong rapport and trust with clients is crucial to encourage openness and commitment to recovery. Counselors can address these challenges by employing evidence-based techniques like motivational interviewing, maintaining professional boundaries, and actively participating in supervision or peer support networks. Self-care and ongoing professional development also play important roles in managing stress and maintaining effectiveness in this rewarding, yet demanding, field.

What is the difference between Addictions Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddictions CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure (e.g., CADC)Similar certifications, often overlapping with addictions counselors
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitalsRehab facilities, outpatient clinics, community health centers
Industry UsageCommonly used term for professionals treating addictionOften used interchangeably, but sometimes more focused on substance abuse

Both Addictions Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors typically hold similar certifications and work in similar environments. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Addictions Counselor' may encompass a broader scope of addiction issues beyond just substances. Understanding these nuances can help in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addictions counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use and behavioral issues. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth driven by increasing awareness of mental health and addiction treatment needs.

Is it hard to be an addictions counselor?

Being an addictions counselor can be challenging due to the emotional nature of the work and the need for strong interpersonal skills. It often requires specialized training, certification, and the ability to handle difficult situations with empathy and professionalism.

What degree is best for addictions counseling?

Addictions counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many employers prefer or require a master's degree in counseling or a similar discipline, along with relevant certifications or licensure such as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Practical experience and strong interpersonal skills are also important for success in this role.

Where do addictions counselors make the most money?

Addictions counselors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services, such as urban areas or states with well-funded healthcare systems. Salaries can also increase with advanced certifications, experience, and working in private practice or specialized treatment centers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Addictions Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Addictions Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Addictions Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Addictions Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Addictions Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Addictions Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Infographic showing various Addictions Counselor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,712 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR - 40010879

Durham County

Durham, NC • On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assists clients in developing cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills related to their treatment plan for substance use addiction.

  • Screens clients referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders, conducts assessments, and develops individual treatment plans.

  • Performs case management, conducts individual and group counseling sessions, and collaborates with community-based agencies to provide services.


Job description

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov
DEPARTMENT:
JUSTICE SERVICES
DATE POSTED:
DECEMBER 5, 2025
CLOSING DATE:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
HIRING RANGE:
$55,366.00 - $66,000.00
POSITION NUMBER:
40010879
JOB TYPE:
FULL-TIME, NONEXEMPT, PROVISIONAL
**THIS POSITION IS PROVISIONAL (GRANT) AND BENEFITS ELIGIBLE WITH POTENTIAL FUNDING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29, 2028**
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The work performed is professional and provides counseling to clients to develop their cognitive, behavioral, and social skills related to the treatment plan for their substance use addiction(s) and behavioral health needs.
This position works under general supervision.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.
  • Assists clients develop their cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills as those skills relate to the treatment plan for their substance abuse addiction(s).
  • Screens clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders. Uses standardized tools to screen clients and conduct intakes, orientations, and assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories).
  • Develops individual treatment plans (daily regimens, behavioral goals, and after care); conducting individual and group counseling sessions; performing crisis interventions; providing client education and making referrals.
  • Collaborates with community-based agencies to assist in providing enhanced services for clients in the community.
  • Performs case management including record-keeping and report submissions to the supervisor and the treatment team.
  • Develops and completes person-centered plan with intake or comprehensive clinical assessment. Provides and engages clients in individual counseling in accordance with their person-centered treatment plan.
  • Serves as a member of the facility's multidisciplinary team and provides an initial diagnosis, recommended treatment, and follow-up and discharge plans.
  • Uses discretion and judgment to determine a substance use diagnosis.
  • Conducts psycho-educational groups using evidenced based treatment models when assigned.
  • Works exclusively with the Justice Services involved populations who have diagnosable substance use disorders (and often co-occurring mental health conditions).
  • Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for diagnosing substance use disorders.
  • Knowledge of addiction processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.
  • Knowledge of psycho-pharmacy and drug interactions.
  • Knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy.
  • Knowledge of community resources.
  • Skilled in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.
  • Skilled in formulating clear, goal-oriented treatment plans, and to concisely record documentation.
  • Skilled in developing and maintaining effective communication and rapport with clients, their families, and other health/therapy providers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Requires credentials as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or as a Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP) with a minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience to practice under the provisions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Act.
Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist - Associate (LCAS-A), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC or LCMHC-S), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW or LCSW-A) or Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) with substance abuse work experience of two (2) years will be considered.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:
  • None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
  • None

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer