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Substance Abuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM

$31.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Primary Duties and Responsibilities * The Substance Abuse Counselor provides ...

Cape Fox SS

Substance Abuse Counselor

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$70K - $72K/yr

Cape Fox Concentric Methods, LLC is accepting resume for a Substance Abuse Counselor to provide services to our active-duty members and their dependents at Navy Hospital, Camp Pendleton, California.

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Long Beach, CA

$25 - $28/hr

Substance Abuse Counselor Location: Pico Rivera, CA Employment Type: Permanent Salary: $25 - 28.00/hour Date Posted: August 06, 2026 Summary Manages and coordinates the substance abuse clinical ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$31.50/hr

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 ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Orange, CA

$25 - $28/hr

Substance Abuse Counselor Location: Pico Rivera, CA Employment Type: Permanent Salary: $25 - 28.00/hour Date Posted: August 06, 2026 Summary Manages and coordinates the substance abuse clinical ...

Salem City Schools

Substance Abuse Specialist

Salem, VA

$28.12 - $43/hr

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SPECIALIST GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK:This position will collaborate with school administrators to implement and monitor evidence-based substance abuse prevention ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Savannah, GA

$49K - $63K/yr

Description ACT Substance Abuse Counselor Location: Savannah, Georgia (Community-based) Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $49,993 - $63,149/annually Date Posted: August 27, 2026 About the Role ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM

$31.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Primary Duties and Responsibilities * The Substance Abuse Counselor provides ...

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How much do substance abuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse in the United States is $20.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance abuse counselor?

Substance abuse counselors are professionals who help individuals struggling with addiction to drugs, alcohol, or other substances. They provide support through counseling, treatment planning, and recovery strategies to help clients overcome their dependencies. These counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, private practices, or community organizations. They often collaborate with families, doctors, and other health professionals to create comprehensive care plans. Their main goal is to guide clients toward lasting recovery and healthier lifestyles.

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

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Counselor, you need a solid understanding of addiction, counseling techniques, and mental health, typically supported by a relevant degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with case management systems, assessment tools, and documentation software is crucial for tracking client progress and maintaining compliance. Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust are essential soft skills for motivating clients and supporting recovery. These competencies are vital to effectively guide individuals through treatment, foster lasting behavioral change, and ensure ethical, compliant care.

What are some common challenges faced by substance abuse counselors in their daily work?

Substance abuse counselors often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, addressing relapse among clients, and navigating complex emotional situations. Building trust with clients who may be resistant to treatment is a key aspect, as is maintaining professional boundaries while offering empathetic support. Counselors also collaborate closely with healthcare providers, social workers, and family members to create comprehensive treatment plans, which requires strong communication and organizational skills.

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

AspectSubstance AbuseSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsNone required, but certifications can enhance job prospectsCertification or licensure often required (e.g., CADC, LADC)
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, community clinics, hospitals, rehab centersRehab centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, community organizations
Job RoleFocuses on the condition of substance abuse itselfProvides counseling, support, and treatment planning for clients

Substance Abuse refers to the condition involving harmful or hazardous use of substances, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a professional who helps individuals overcome substance abuse issues through counseling and support. The counselor role requires specific credentials and involves direct client interaction, whereas substance abuse as a condition can be diagnosed and treated by various healthcare providers.

How to work in substance abuse?

To work in substance abuse, individuals typically need a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in social work, psychology, or counseling. Certification or licensure, such as becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), is often required, along with strong communication and empathy skills. Experience in counseling, healthcare, or social services can also be beneficial.
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Substance Abuse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,175 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

The GEO Group

Los Lunas, NM

$31.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

The GEO Group rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 43 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 programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • The Substance Abuse Counselor provides relevant substance abuse information for class curriculum
  • Facilitates and co-facilitates didactic educational presentations, group counseling, and individual counseling sessions.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor 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.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor maintains a collegian relationship with other substance abuse professionals, programs, and associations.
  • Completes required testing, assessment, and psychosocial history on incoming residents as required.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor participates in related training for substance abuse.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • Associate degree in a behavioral science field such as Psychology, Sociology or Human Relations.
  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) certified OR
  • Licensed Substance Abuse Associate certification (LSAA) is required, subject to approval.
    • A waiver can be granted if the individual is currently working on acquiring the certification.
  • Preference given to experience within a correctional setting.
  • Working knowledge of the Twelve Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
  • 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.

GEO Reentry Services LLC.

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