1

Drug And Alcohol Counselor Jobs in Rochester, MN

Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues. * Community Impact: Be a ... to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. All qualified applicants will receive ...

School Bus Driver

Rochester, MN · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues. * Community Impact: Be a ... to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Pharmacist

Racine, MN · On-site

$98K - $172K/yr

Counsel customers regarding healthcare and prescription medication needs. * Administer ... a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol ...

Pharmacist

Dexter, MN · On-site

$98K - $172K/yr

Counsel customers regarding healthcare and prescription medication needs. * Administer ... a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol ...

Pharmacist

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$98K - $172K/yr

Counsel customers regarding healthcare and prescription medication needs. * Administer ... a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Drug And Alcohol Counselor information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$14

$25

$37

How much do drug and alcohol counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug and alcohol counselor in Rochester, MN is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, knowledge of addiction counseling techniques, and relevant state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and evidence-based treatment models is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help counselors build trust and motivate clients through recovery. These competencies are vital for providing effective support, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting positive outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

Is it hard to be a drug and alcohol counselor?

Being a drug and alcohol counselor can be challenging due to the emotional demands of working with clients facing addiction and mental health issues. It requires strong communication skills, empathy, and often certification or licensing, along with the ability to handle stressful situations and maintain professional boundaries.

What is a drug and alcohol counselor?

Drug and alcohol counselors are professionals who help individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. They provide support, counseling, and treatment plans to help clients overcome their dependence on drugs or alcohol. These counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or private practices. Their responsibilities often include conducting assessments, facilitating group or individual therapy sessions, and educating clients about coping strategies and relapse prevention.

Is a drug and alcohol counselor a good job?

A drug and alcohol counselor is a rewarding profession that involves helping individuals recover from substance abuse. It typically requires strong communication skills, empathy, and relevant certifications or licenses, with employment often available in healthcare or community settings. The job can offer stable hours and opportunities for advancement, but may also involve emotional challenges and irregular schedules.

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

AspectDrug And Alcohol CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsState licensure, certification (e.g., CADC)State licensure, certification (e.g., CADC)
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitalsCommunity agencies, outpatient programs
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health servicesSubstance abuse treatment programs
Search & ComparisonOften searched interchangeably with Substance Abuse CounselorCommonly compared to Drug And Alcohol Counselor

Both roles involve helping individuals recover from substance dependency, often requiring similar credentials and working in healthcare or community settings. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, with slight variations depending on state licensing and employer terminology.

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

Drug and Alcohol Counselors often encounter challenges such as client resistance to treatment, relapse, and managing complex co-occurring mental health issues. To address these, counselors use evidence-based techniques like motivational interviewing to build trust and encourage engagement. They also work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including social workers, medical professionals, and family members—to develop comprehensive treatment plans and provide ongoing support. Continuous professional development and supervision help counselors stay resilient and effective in their roles.

What are popular job titles related to Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs in Rochester, MN?

For Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Drug And Alcohol Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Drug And Alcohol Counselor job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,358 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Alcohol & Drug Counselor - (Evenings, Bilingual)

MN Adult & Teen Challenge

Rochester, MN

$61K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

LADC with $5000 HIRING INCENTIVE!  Immediate need!

Be the backbone of hope and healing.
At Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, every role matters in helping people overcome addiction and find a new path forward. Whether you’re working directly with clients or supporting behind the scenes, your contributions make recovery possible. In return, we offer a values-driven workplace, supportive managers, and opportunities to grow. That commitment has earned us recognition from Newsweek as a Best Addiction Treatment Center and seven straight Star Tribune Top Workplace awards.

*Evening Groups*

*Must be fluent in Spanish*

Job Summary 

The Alcohol and Drug Counselor plays an important role in the delivery of treatment services to clients and is responsible for ensuring that all clients receive services mandated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). In addition, counselors provide essential services to support achievement of effective personal development by working with clients individually or in group settings to identify and resolve issues including substance use, mental health, personal and/or emotional challenges, including family issues. 

Essential Job Responsibilities: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The essential functions include the following: 

  • Evaluate and modify program design for the purpose of meeting licensure requirements and needs of clients. 
    Complete a comprehensive assessment and an assessment summary of the client's problematic chemical use within five calendar days after service initiation, utilizing ASAM criteria. 
  • Provide an individual treatment plan after completion of the comprehensive assessment which is subject to amendment until services to the client are terminated. The individual treatment plan must include treatment goals, specific methods to be used to address identified problems, resources to which the client is being referred, and client goals.   
  • Provide case management/file documentation for individual caseload, noting all treatment related activities and services in an accurate, professional, and timely manner including assessment of chemical use and mental health problems.  
  • Create and monitor individualized treatment plans, provide group therapy and individual counseling services to individuals with co-occurring chemical use and mental health problems. 
  • Facilitate groups regarding the disease of addiction and the recovery process consistent with maintaining good mental health. 
  • Facilitate psychoeducation in a lecture style to clients on topics related to addiction and recovery. 
  • Responsible for complying with federal and state statutes, upholding ethical standards established and implied by the profession, DHS regulations, etc.  
  • Participate in weekly treatment team meetings to review and update client progress notes. 
  • Initiate and maintain ongoing communication with client referrals, probation, and social service agencies, etc. 
  • Complete discharge summaries for each client at the conclusion of treatment services.  

Required Skills & Experience (Minimum Qualifications): 

  • Bachelor’s degree required. 
  • Current alcohol and drug counseling license in the state of Minnesota.  
  • Complete continuing education courses in current treatment concepts and methods as required by the state of Minnesota to maintain alcohol and drug counselor license. 
  • Must be at least 21 years of age or older. 
  • At least 1 year of freedom from problematic substances. 
  • Must be comfortable working with people with life-controlling challenges, including mental health and addiction. 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to effectively manage time.  
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients, staff, and leadership. 
  • The ability to live and work by MnTC’s culture of honor & core values – practicing compassion, honor, respect, integrity, servanthood, and trust.  
  • Must be able to meet specific requirements for licensure outlined in Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health & Therapy. Reference: BHHT LADC Licensure Requirements 
  • Must be able to meet specific staff requirements outlined in Minnesota Statutes 245G.11. Reference: Sec. 245G.11 MN Statutes 

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Able to stand and walk frequently during shift. 
  • Able to climb up and down multiple flights of stairs several times during a regular shift. 
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time. 

Target Compensation Range (Negotiable based on Qualifications):

$57,000-$60,000/year - ADC-T

$61,000-$64,000/year - LADC

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management may modify, change or add to the duties of this job description at any time without notice.

Our robust benefits package includes medical, HSA, dental, vision, PTO, dependent care FSA, disability, life insurance and 403b retirement plan.

We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool in order to successfully meet our mission of helping every Minnesotan find help and healing from addiction. 

Mn Adult & Teen Challenge is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any category protected by federal, state or applicable laws.

Reasonable accommodation can be provided upon request.