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Substance Abuse Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phaxis

Substance Abuse Counselor

Bronx, NY · On-site

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

... substance abuse counseling experience. Experience with individuals with HIV/AIDS, chronic mental illness, and/or chemical dependence and their families a plus. Bilingual - Spanish, a plus. Plusses:

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Long Beach, CA

$25 - $28/hr

SAC II is hired with substance abuse counseling experience. SAC III position has experience supervising substance abuse counselors and in directing and treating crisis situations related to substance ...

Clarvida - California

Substance Abuse Counselor

Orange, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

SAC II is hired with substance abuse counseling experience. SAC III position has experience supervising substance abuse counselors and in directing and treating crisis situations related to substance ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Orange, CA

$25 - $28/hr

SAC II is hired with substance abuse counseling experience. SAC III position has experience supervising substance abuse counselors and in directing and treating crisis situations related to substance ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM

$31.50/hr

Facilitates and co-facilitates didactic educational presentations, group counseling, and individual counseling sessions. * The Substance Abuse Counselor selects and recommends new instructional ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Pico Rivera, CA

$25 - $28/hr

SAC II is hired with substance abuse counseling experience. SAC III position has experience supervising substance abuse counselors and in directing and treating crisis situations related to substance ...

Cape Fox SS

Substance Abuse Counselor

Camp Pendleton, CA

$70K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM

$31.50/hr

Facilitates and co-facilitates didactic educational presentations, group counseling, and individual counseling sessions. * The Substance Abuse Counselor selects and recommends new instructional ...

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Substance Abuse Counseling information

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How much do substance abuse counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse counseling in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is substance abuse counseling?

Substance abuse counseling is a specialized form of therapy focused on helping individuals overcome problems related to drug or alcohol misuse. Counselors in this field assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide individual and group therapy, and offer support through recovery. They also educate clients and their families about addiction, coping strategies, and relapse prevention. Substance abuse counselors may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, or community organizations. Their goal is to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety while improving their overall well-being.

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

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Counselor, you need a solid understanding of addiction, counseling techniques, and human behavior, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling or a related field, along with state licensure or certification. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR), assessment tools, and treatment planning software is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and a nonjudgmental attitude are crucial soft skills for building trust and motivating clients. These competencies are vital for providing effective support, ensuring ethical practice, and facilitating positive outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

What are some common challenges faced by substance abuse counselors, and how can new professionals prepare for them?

Substance abuse counselors often encounter challenges such as managing client relapse, navigating emotionally charged situations, and maintaining professional boundaries. New professionals can prepare by developing strong self-care practices, seeking regular supervision, and engaging in ongoing training to stay current with evidence-based treatment methods. Building resilience and maintaining a supportive peer network within the workplace can also help counselors handle the emotional demands of the role effectively.

What is the difference between Substance Abuse Counseling vs Mental Health Counseling?

AspectSubstance Abuse CounselingMental Health Counseling
Required CredentialsCertification or licensure in substance abuse counseling, such as CADC or LADCLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or similar mental health licensure
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, community programsPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, schools, community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on addiction treatment within healthcare and social servicesAddresses a broad range of mental health issues across various settings
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping skills in counseling and client support

While both Substance Abuse Counseling and Mental Health Counseling involve helping clients improve their well-being, Substance Abuse Counselors specialize in addiction treatment and recovery. Mental Health Counselors address a wider range of psychological issues. The choice depends on your focus area and desired work environment.

Is a substance abuse counselor a good career?

Substance abuse counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from addiction and improve their mental health. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth expected to be steady due to ongoing demand for addiction treatment services.

What degree is best for a substance abuse counselor?

A bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field is typically required to become a substance abuse counselor. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, which can also lead to licensure and higher earning potential.

Where do substance abuse counselors make the most money?

Substance abuse counselors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and work setting, such as hospitals or private practices, which can offer higher compensation. Generally, counselors working in urban areas or specialized facilities tend to earn more than those in rural or community-based settings.
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The top searched job categories for Substance Abuse Counseling jobs are:

Substance Abuse Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Counseling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor-(OTDA)

Comunilife Inc

Bronx, NY

$55K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Comunilife Inc is looking to fill a new position of Substance Abuse Counselor under the OTDA Program. The Substance Abuse Counselor completes initial and annual substance abuse assessments for all clients, participates in the development of the initial service plan and its revisions, and provides individual, family and group substance abuse counseling and advocacy and referrals to community programs as needed. The Substance Abuse Counselor monitors clients’ attendance at programs and provides documentation of all contacts. This position is eligible for Comuniilife's generous paid time off package and benefits and is salaried up to $55,000 a year. The program sites are located in the Bronx and Brooklyn boroughs. Travel within those locations will be required.

Essential Functions

  1. Conduct initial and annual substance abuse assessments including substance abuse assessments.

  2. Collaborate with clients and staff in the development of the initial comprehensive service plans and plan revisions, including identifying mutually agreed upon long and short-term substance abuse related goals.

  3. Provide individual, family and group substance abuse counseling.

  4. Advocacy and referrals to community-based substance abuse programs as needed.

  5. Documents all services provided in a timely manner as required.

  6. Participate in training, workshops, seminars and case conference as well as meetings was required.

  7. Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or Associates degree and Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) with five (5) years of substance abuse counseling experience; Bachelor’s degree with CASAC-T and 2 years of experience. Experience with individuals with HIV/AIDS, chronic mental illness, and/or chemical dependence and their families a plus.  Bilingual - Spanish, a plus.

Comunilife is an EEO employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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