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Behavioral Disorder Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wexford Health

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Grants, NM

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Substance Use Disorder Counselor SCHEDULE: Opportunities available for day shift FACILITY: Western ... Working collaboratively with healthcare, behavioral health, and correctional staff, you will:

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Behavioral Disorder Counselor information

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$30K

$57.4K

$83K

How much do behavioral disorder counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral disorder counselor in the United States is $57,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral disorder counselor?

Behavioral Disorder Counselors are professionals who help individuals manage and overcome behavioral problems, such as addiction, eating disorders, or other destructive behaviors. They assess clients, develop treatment plans, and provide counseling through individual or group sessions. These counselors often work with people struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues, or other behavioral challenges to help them develop coping strategies and achieve long-term recovery. They may work in schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

What are some common challenges behavioral disorder counselors face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed?

Behavioral Disorder Counselors often work with clients who may exhibit resistance to treatment, have difficulty trusting others, or struggle to consistently apply coping strategies. These challenges are typically addressed through building strong therapeutic relationships, using evidence-based interventions, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. Counselors also engage in regular supervision and continuing education to stay current with best practices, which helps them adapt their approaches and provide the best possible support for their clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral disorder counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Disorder Counselor, you need expertise in behavioral intervention techniques, counseling theories, and a relevant degree (such as psychology, social work, or counseling) with appropriate state licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic health records (EHRs), and evidence-based treatment modalities is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, empathy, and the ability to build trust help counselors effectively support clients and families. These competencies are crucial for providing effective treatment, fostering client progress, and ensuring ethical, professional care.

What is the difference between Behavioral Disorder Counselor vs School Counselor?

AspectBehavioral Disorder CounselorSchool Counselor
CredentialsRequires a master's degree in counseling or psychology, state licensureRequires a master's degree in school counseling or related field, state certification
Work EnvironmentClinics, mental health centers, private practicesSchools, educational settings, community programs
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, mental health services

Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and licensure, but Behavioral Disorder Counselors typically work in clinical settings focusing on mental health treatment, while School Counselors operate within educational institutions supporting students' academic and emotional needs. The choice depends on the work environment and client focus.

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What states have the most Behavioral Disorder Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Behavioral Disorder Counselor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Disorder Counselor jobs?

For Behavioral Disorder Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Behavioral Disorder Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Disorder Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,425 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

LCAS - Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Charlotte, NC • On-site

VitalCore Health Strategies
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about VitalCore Health Strategiesexternal

$57K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Provide crisis stabilization, complete intakes and ongoing evaluations, and offer consultation to in-house and community services.

  • Perform risk assessments of inmates, coordinate care with interdisciplinary teams, and participate in discharge planning.

  • Utilize clinical skills such as prioritizing treatment needs, crisis management, and brief clinical interventions including CBT and Motivational Interviewing.

VitalCore Health Strategies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join the VitalCore Team in North Carolina! We’re people fueled by passion, not by profit!


VitalCore Health Strategies (VCHS), an industry leader in Correctional Health Care, has an opening for a Substance Use Disorder Counselor - LCAS at Mecklenburg County Detention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina for Full-Time!


We are seeking a Master's level professional with independent LCAS licensure (Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist) in the state of NC.


You will be given the opportunity to utilize your training, skills and experience in a face-to-face setting with people from a variety of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.  Being able to see the impact you are making with these individuals, when they are at their lowest, least hopeful points. You will be working as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team comprised of Medical, Psychiatry, Ancillary, Security, Legal, community providers and psychiatric hospitals. The best part of this – It is done in real-time with real people!


SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR PACKAGE TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term/Long Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K & Plan Matching
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR POSITION SUMMARY:
The SUD Counselor will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with all other disciplines on the Behavioral Health Unit to provide a proactive and collaborative approach in serving the patient population. Flexibility of working days, evenings and weekends
 
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Graduation from a Master's level program
  • Independent LCAS licensure (Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist) in the state of NC.
  • Employment in a clinician/counselor/social work capacity in a public or private agency or equivalent preferred.
  • Must have a substance use certification (i.e., CADC, CAADC) or must be actively working towards attaining a substance use certification and must obtain the certification within two years of hire. 
  • Individuals who are not certified must be under the direct supervision of a certified clinical supervisor with written documentation of supervision.
  • Flexibility of working days, evenings and weekends


SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Professionals will provide crisis stabilization, complete intakes and on-going evaluations, and provide consultation to in-house and community services.
  • Participate in monthly behavioral health calls, work collaborative with the medical team to best determine overall treatment for each individual.  
  • The SUD Counselor performs risk assessment of inmates; coordination of care with interdisciplinary team including medical staff, community providers, psychiatric hospitals and corrections; and discharge planning. 
  • The SUD Counselor assists in planning and implementing the goals and objectives of programs and projects. 
  • The SUD Counselor provides the necessary preparation of documentation, necessary records and reports.
  • The SUD Counselor utilizes clinical skills such as prioritizing treatment needs; crisis management; brief clinical interventions including CBT and Motivational Interviewing. 
  • Excellent and timely documentation skills required. 
  • The ideal candidate is able to make independent clinical decisions, while utilizing assistance and supervisory intervention, as needed.

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.


Keywords: LPC, LSW, Correctional Facility, Behavioral Health, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, LCSW, LCPC, LMSW, LPC, substance use disorder, SUD, mental health



Full-Time

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