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Program Substance Abuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities Summary The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse.

Responsibilities Summary The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse.

Responsibilities Summary The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor coordinates substance abuse program at an office or group of offices using principles of the "What Works" system. Schedules intakes, and group and individual sessions.

Responsibilities Summary The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse.

The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. Conducts or assists in ...

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Program Substance Abuse information

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$40K

$93.8K

$145.5K

How much do program substance abuse jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for program substance abuse in the United States is $93,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Program Substance Abuse role, and how are they typically managed?

Professionals in Program Substance Abuse roles often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, working with clients facing relapse, and navigating complex family or legal situations. These challenges are typically addressed through strong teamwork, ongoing supervision, and regular training in evidence-based interventions. Many organizations also promote self-care practices and provide access to support resources to help staff manage workplace stress and prevent burnout. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including counselors, social workers, and healthcare providers, is essential for providing holistic care and achieving positive outcomes for clients.

What is a Program Substance Abuse Counselor?

A Program Substance Abuse Counselor is a professional who works with individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They assess clients, develop treatment plans, conduct individual or group counseling sessions, and help clients develop coping strategies for recovery. These counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or community organizations. Their goal is to support clients through recovery and help prevent relapse by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

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

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Program Counselor, you generally need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, along with relevant certifications or licensure such as CADC or LADC. Experience with assessment tools, treatment planning software, and electronic health records is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and support client recovery. These competencies are crucial for providing effective treatment, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering positive outcomes for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

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

AspectProgram Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsCertification in substance abuse programs, sometimes state-specificState licensure or certification as a substance abuse counselor
Work EnvironmentCommunity health programs, treatment centers, clinicsRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare providersRehab facilities, mental health clinics, private practices

Program Substance Abuse roles focus on coordinating and managing substance abuse treatment programs, often requiring certifications related to program administration. Substance Abuse Counselors provide direct client counseling, requiring licensure and counseling skills. While both work in similar environments and industries, their responsibilities differ: one manages programs, the other provides therapy.

What states have the most Program Substance Abuse jobs? States with the most job openings for Program Substance Abuse jobs include:
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

The GEO Group

Johnson City, TN • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


The GEO Group rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 41 rated prisons


Job description

Overview

Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.

Who We Are:

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

Why Work for GEO:

  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities

Summary:

The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting groups to provide education and treatment for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. Learns, uses and models principles of the “What Works” system through evidence-based practices in all interactions with clients and other staff members.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • The Substance Abuse Counselor provides relevant Substance Abuse information for class curriculum in our Relapse Prevention Program.
  • Facilitates didactic educational presentations including Living in Balance collection, and group counseling.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor coordinates substance abuse program at an office or group of offices using principles of the “What Works” system. Schedules intakes, and group and individual sessions. Discusses specific cases with case managers to determine if they are appropriate for substance abuse treatment. May assist with the assignment of cases.
  • Facilitates psycho-educational and behavior modification groups using principles of the “What Works” system. Documents participants’ attendance, participation and progress in Company database.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts risk and need assessments and creates individual treatment plans for each assigned participant. Meets regularly with participants and documents participants’ progress or regress in Company database.
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with outside referral sources, such as in-patient substance abuse facilities or detox facilities. Actively pursues and develops referrals from probation and evaluating agencies.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor provides re-entry follow up services at regular intervals, in coordination with other re-entry center programs staff, to ensure released inmates are keeping appointments and determining whether additional services and support networks are needed.
  • Maintains accurate clinical documentation including intake summaries, group notes, discharge summaries, treatment plans and updates. Updates therapeutic logs in a timely manner. Enters pertinent information into Company database.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor identifies problem areas that may impact participants’ ability to successfully complete treatment. Guides participants to develop strategies to overcome obstacles to success completion of treatment.
  • May advise Customer of participants’ progress regularly or at completion of treatment.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor collects participants’ fees for program participation. Tracks fee collection for office or group of offices Ensures that participants’ records are accurately completed in a timely manner.
  • Maintains a specific substance abuse treatment case file for every program participant.
  • Selects and recommends new instructional materials and programs for use in the substance abuse program.
  • Maintains knowledge of new developments in the field of substance abuse.
  • Maintains a collegial relationship with other substance abuse professionals, programs, and associations.
  • Participates in related training for substance abuse.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; and a minimum of three (3) years of full-time experience of counseling duties with a criminal justice or human services population in a substance abuse program.
  • Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (“LADAC”), licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health; Tennessee Code Annotated 68-24-606 is required.
    • A waiver for LADAC may be granted only if all three (3) of the following criteria are met and is further subject to approval by the Tennessee Dept. of Corrections:
      1. The individual is currently engaged in formal supervision with appropriate supervision outlined by health-related boards and;
      2. The individual is actively pursuing licensure, and enrolled in core classes if still needed, and;
      3. A letter from the supervisor indicating current ongoing supervision with current placement and confirmation of the supervisor’s current license would be required.
    • Or, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) or LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) credentials in the state in which the position resides.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group counseling settings.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work with a team of professionals and have the ability to implement team strategy approaches to work assignments.
  • Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.
  • Effective communication skills with internal and external contacts at all levels.
  • Problem solving ability.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) may be required as well as experience dealing with specific cultural group.
  • Problem solving ability.
  • Good presentation, public speaking and facilitation skills.
  • Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of client record management.
  • Basic computer skills.

What The GEO Group employees say

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