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Drug And Alcohol Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting TitleDrug & Alcohol Abuse Counselor Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor Location: Oconaluftee Job Corps Center - Cherokee, NC Employment Type: Full-Time About Oconaluftee Job Corps Center ...

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor Location: Trapper Creek Job Corps Center - Darby, MT Employment Type: Part-Time About Trapper Creek Job Corps Center The Trapper Creek Corps Center provides young ...

As a Drug & Alcohol Counselor, you will provide compassionate, evidence-based substance use treatment services while building meaningful connections with clients on their path to recovery. This role ...

As a Drug & Alcohol Counselor, you will provide compassionate, evidence-based substance use treatment services while building meaningful connections with clients on their path to recovery. This role ...

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Drug and Alcohol Counselor information

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$13

$25

$36

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

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug and alcohol counselor in the United States is $25.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.85 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.

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 Drug and Alcohol Counselors?

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.

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.

More about Drug and Alcohol Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Drug And Alcohol Counselor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs? The most popular types of Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs? The top employers for Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Drug And Alcohol Counselor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $52,492 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Drug & Alcohol Counselor

PA TREATMENT & HEALING

Milton, PA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description:

DEFINITION:


The Drug and Alcohol Counselor shall be hired for part-time or full-time services at the discretion of the President. The Drug & Alcohol Counselor shall serve under the direct supervision of the Program Manager and/or the Facility Director, and the indirect supervision of the President(s)/Project Director. The Drug & Alcohol Counselor provides direct service to both PA Treatment & Healing clients and private referrals for outpatient drug and alcohol counseling.


TASKS, DUTIES, & RESPONSIBILITIES:


The Drug & Alcohol Counselor's tasks and responsibilities shall include but not be limited to the following:


  1. Effectively supervise and train in how to perform their duties as set forth in their job descriptions.
  2. Train in and become familiar with the philosophy and treatment processes of PA Treatment & Healing.
  3. Train in and become familiar with DDAP licensure requirements and maintain the necessary written policies and procedures.
  4. Prepare, coordinate, and/or attend staff training programs to maintain DDAP-required training levels.
  5. Conduct client orientation.
  6. Perform Drug and Alcohol assessments, Social History, and Bio-Psychosocial assessments. Obtain all client medical and other treatment histories.
  7. Complete all treatment plans and case management documentation required to meet DDAP regulations and PATH policies.
  8. Schedule and complete individual, group, and family counseling in accordance with treatment plans.
  9. Attend clinical staffing and interact with staff regarding client progress and treatment plans.
  10. Conduct/coordinate client drug and alcohol testing.
  11. Provide crisis intervention as needed.
  12. Organize and implement group educational sessions for clients, parent meetings, etc. Complete all required discharge documentation and recommendations for follow-up care.
  13. Provide follow-up and aftercare as needed.
  14. Assume responsibility for the compliance of client files regarding OMSAS/OMAP, DPW, and the Department of Health licensure.
  15. Provide Quality Assurance to the center.
  16. Represent and model the values, ethics, and leadership principles of the agency to staff, clients, and agencies.
  17. Assist in the development and implementation of the following:
  18. a) Implement quality therapeutic services.
  19. b) Assist in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, supervising, scheduling, and orienting staff, interns, volunteers, and consultants.
  20. c) Develop special services/programs.
  21. d) Oversee the completion of appropriate reported and client file documentation.
  22. e) Perform regular public relations efforts with new and existing agencies and referring entities.
  23. f) Assist with ensuring counselor compliance as it relates to consumer engagement.
  24. Ability to complete and pass training in Safe Crisis Management and physically restrain aggressive youth.
  25. Ability to drive company transportation vehicles.
  26. Ability to complete all required Office of Drug and Alcohol Prevention training (DDAP regulations, Chapter 704)
Requirements:

EDUCATION AND SKILLS LEVEL:

  1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, nursing (with a clinical specialty in human services), or another related field. The President may waive this requirement for an "Exceptional Person" demonstrating equivalent experience and knowledge in the field, however, the individual must be qualified under BDAP education and training requirements.
  2. Previous experience in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting (minimum one year, 1,820 hours).
  3. Full certification as an addiction counselor by a statewide certification body which is a member of a national certification body or certification by another state government's substance abuse counseling certification board.
  4. Possess knowledge of basic child growth and development, including that of maladjusted youth.
  5. Knowledge of individual, family, and group counseling techniques.
  6. Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.