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Drug Addiction Counselor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor

Washington, DC · On-site

$28.13 - $29.13/hr

... addiction. Counselor conducts individual sessions and group sessions to assist with crisis ... Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen Salary Range: Salary ranges from $28.13 to ...

POSITION SUMMARY The ARK of DC CAC Certified Addiction Counselor, in collaboration with the Case Manager conduct screening interviews to determine the need for a drug and alcohol assessments and for ...

Peer Recovery Coach

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

... drug use. * Create recovery support plans and coordinate warm handoffs to community treatment ... Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Addiction Counselor; annual training. * Strong communication ...

Showing results 21-40

Drug Addiction Counselor information

See Reston, VA salary details

$33.8K

$56.4K

$73.9K

How much do drug addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug addiction counselor in Reston, VA is $56,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,300.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drug addiction counselor do?

A Drug Addiction Counselor helps individuals struggling with substance abuse by providing guidance, support, and treatment planning. They conduct assessments, develop personalized recovery plans, and offer individual or group counseling sessions. Counselors also educate clients and their families about addiction, help them identify triggers, and teach coping strategies for long-term recovery. Additionally, they may coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

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

To thrive as a Drug Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with assessment tools, treatment planning software, and evidence-based addiction intervention methods is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and resilience help counselors build trust and support clients through challenging situations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively guiding individuals toward recovery and ensuring positive treatment outcomes.

What are some common challenges drug addiction counselors face when supporting clients through recovery?

Drug Addiction Counselors often encounter challenges such as clients experiencing setbacks or relapses, resistance to treatment, and navigating complex emotional or mental health issues. Building trust with clients can take time, and counselors must use motivational interviewing and empathy to encourage progress. Additionally, collaborating with families, healthcare providers, and support groups is essential to create a comprehensive recovery plan. Continuous professional development and self-care are important to manage the emotional demands of the role.

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

AspectDrug Addiction CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CADC), relevant degreesCertification (e.g., CAC, CADC), relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitalsCommunity agencies, outpatient programs, rehab centers
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health servicesBehavioral health, social services
Common Search IntentDrug Addiction Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor

Both roles involve helping individuals overcome substance-related issues, often requiring similar certifications and working in healthcare or community settings. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but 'Drug Addiction Counselor' specifically emphasizes addiction to drugs, while 'Substance Abuse Counselor' covers a broader range of substances, including alcohol and drugs.

How much do drug addiction counselors make a year?

Drug addiction counselors typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in counseling or therapy tools.

How to be a drug addiction counselor?

To become a drug addiction counselor, you typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with specialized training in addiction counseling. Certification or licensure, such as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), is often required and involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing an exam. Strong communication skills, empathy, and knowledge of addiction treatment methods are essential for success in this role.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addiction counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use disorders. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, and offers opportunities in healthcare, mental health, and social services settings. The profession can be emotionally demanding but provides meaningful work and job stability due to ongoing demand for addiction treatment services.

What degree is best for a drug addiction counselor?

A drug addiction counselor typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in counseling or a similar discipline, along with relevant certification or licensure. Education combined with supervised experience and certification enhances job prospects in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Addiction Counselor jobs in Reston, VA?

For Drug Addiction Counselor jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drug Addiction Counselor jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Addiction Counselor jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Drug Addiction Counselor jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Drug Addiction Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Drug Addiction Counselor job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,414 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Substance Use Counselor

MedMark Treatment Centers

Washington, DC • On-site

$28.13 - $29.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Medmark Treatment Centers rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

Compassionate Substance Use Disorder Counselor

 Position Overview:

License Substance Use Disorder Professional/Intern will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting treatments and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts individual sessions and group sessions to assist with crisis management and coping strategies. Counselor will evaluate patients’ progress during counseling and collaborate with doctors, nurses and other counselors to assist the patients’ achieving overall outcome.

Responsibilities:

  • Completes Bio-psychosocial assessment
  • Provide individual and group counseling services; direct service hours at regularly scheduled intervals; coordinate all services throughout treatment
  • 55% of each workday provides direct services to clients
  • Develop aftercare plans and discharge plans
  • Conducts quality assurance file reviews
  • Ensures accurate and current clinical records are maintained in accordance with Federal and State Regulations governing NTP clinics
  • Other related duties as determined by supervisor

Qualifications:

  • Must hold a CAC I or higher.
  • A Certified CDP or a person who meets the requirements of a certified CDP in DC, and who is eligible to take the examination required for certification.
  • Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen

Salary Range:

Salary ranges from $28.13 to $29.13 an hour. 

The salary of the candidate(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including   but not limited to, experience, education, specialty and training.

BayMark offers excellent benefits:

  • 401K match
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Accident Injury, Hospital Indemnity and Critical Illness Plans
  • Company paid Short & Long Term Disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Sick Time
  • Employee Referral Program

Total compensation goes beyond the value on the paycheck. Please consider the total compensation package by contacting us at BayMark Health Services for more information

What to expect from us:

MedMark Treatment Centers, a BayMark Health Services company, is a progressive substance abuse treatment organization committed to the highest quality of patient care in a comfortable outpatient clinic setting.  Our ultimate goal is to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of opioid use disorder to help each of our patients achieve long-term recovery and an improved quality of life.  

BayMark Health Services is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, natural origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition, disability or veteran’s status or any other classification protected by State/Federal laws.


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