1

Drug Abuse Counselor Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Counselor Sunrise Detox is a premiere center for drug and alcohol detox. Sunrise promises to give ... substance abuse field, detox preferred • Experience conducting group sessions • Minimum ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Drug Abuse Counselor information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do drug abuse counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug abuse counselor in Decatur, GA is $24.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $28.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drug Abuse Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drug Abuse Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, often supported by a relevant degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with clinical assessment tools, case management software, and evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT and motivational interviewing is typical. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and nonjudgmental communication help build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively supporting clients' recovery journeys and promoting long-term behavioral change.

What are some common challenges faced by Drug Abuse Counselors, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Drug Abuse Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally intense situations, supporting clients through relapses, and maintaining professional boundaries while building trust. Applicants should be prepared for high-stress environments and practice self-care to prevent burnout. Gaining experience with crisis intervention, developing strong communication skills, and participating in regular supervision or peer support groups can help counselors navigate these challenges effectively.

What is a Drug Abuse Counselor?

A Drug Abuse Counselor is a trained professional who helps individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. They provide support, counseling, and treatment plans tailored to each client's needs, often working in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices. Their goal is to help clients understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and achieve long-term recovery. Drug Abuse Counselors may also work with families and provide education about substance abuse prevention and recovery resources.

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

AspectDrug Abuse CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsState certification, CADC or CACState certification, CADC or CAC
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitalsRehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and addiction treatmentOften used interchangeably with Drug Abuse Counselor

Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in similar environments. The terms are often used interchangeably, focusing on helping individuals overcome substance-related issues. The main difference is often regional or institutional terminology, but their responsibilities and qualifications largely overlap.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Abuse Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA? For Drug Abuse Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drug Abuse Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Drug Abuse Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Drug Abuse Counselor jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Drug Abuse Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Drug Abuse Counselor job openings in Decatur, GA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,724 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Atlanta, GA • On-site, Remote

$112.56K - $146.33K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Performs duties consistent with the coordination of approved drug abuse programs, including Non-residential Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Education, Residential Drug Abuse Treatment, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
Exercises full professional responsibility for his/her findings, interpretations, decisions, recommendations and reports. The incumbent has professional autonomy in directing and supervising all clinical activities and staff in relation to the drug treatment of Bureau inmates, including: testing, test interpretation, clinical diagnosis, clinical staffing of inmates with staff and serving as the institution advocate for drug programs with all staff, including Executive staff.
Responsible for the provision of highly-skilled drug abuse treatment protocols and supervision of all drug abuse treatment staff, is the expert on offender drug treatment and therefore serves as the drug program resource person to other psychologists, staff members, and operating officials.
Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staffs correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section

Career Transition Programs (CTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
  • 1. Meet CTAP eligibility criteria;
  • 2. Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
  • 3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility:

    • A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter),
    • Most recent performance appraisal, and
    • Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
    • See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information.

NOTE: Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must complete all assessment questions to be rated under the established ranking criteria.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Basic Requirements:
Degree: Satisfactory completion of all the requirements for a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required.
NOTE: Applicants may have received this degree in either clinical or counseling psychology.
AND
In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must have:
Education:
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels.
OR
Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically be in or related to the position to be filled.
Some examples of the qualifying experience are:
  • Experience in evaluating need for substance use and/or mental health treatment.
  • Experience in supervising treatment staff in the provision of individual or group therapy and associated clinical documentation.
  • Experience in providing psychosocial treatment to individuals receiving medication for substance use disorders.
  • Experience in planning and implementing treatment programs for individuals with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders.

AND
Selective Factor:
Applicants applying for this position MUST also possess the following Selective Factor. In the event that you do not possess the Selective Factor, you will be found ineligible for the position.
  • Applicant must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.

NOTE: All applicants must electronically upload a copy of their license at the time they apply to the vacancy announcement. The documentation provided MUST show the expiration date of the license. Failure to provide this documentation will result in loss of consideration for this position.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**
Education
See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.
Additional information
Although 5 U.S.C. 3307 established a maximum entry age for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution, Applicants can be considered up to age 39. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.
The representative rate for this position is $123,812 per annum ($59.33 per hour).
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Initial appointment to a supervisory/managerial position requires a one-year probationary period.
The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet the needs of the agency.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a urinalysis, physical, and background investigation. All applicants are subject to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit checks.
All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques," three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
The addresses listed on the USAJOBS account/resume must be the primary residence at the time of application. You may be required to provide proof of residence.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
Although competitive and non-competitive applications are being accepted, the selecting official may elect to have only one group reviewed.
NOTE: A 25% RETENTION INCENTIVE MAY BE PAID TO SELECTEE(S) WHO MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR RETENTION INCENTIVES.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.