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Substance Abuse Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Cape Fox Corporation

Substance Abuse Counselor

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$70K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Title Substance Abuse Counselor 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 ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Phaxis

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR WEST FARMS

Bronx, NY · On-site

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

Knowledge of and experience with substance abuse counseling. Community minded, patient, creative, flexible, compassionate, and culturally sensitive to persons who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, severe ...

Comunilife Inc

Counselor-Substance Abuse-(DHS) Safe Haven I

Bronx, NY · On-site

$24.25 - $32.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provides substance abuse counseling and support services to clients. * Facilitates weekly substance abuse groups including harm reduction, relapse prevention conflict resolution, etc. * Responsible ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM

$31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Comunilife Inc

Counselor-Substance Abuse-(DHS) Safe Haven II

Bronx, NY · On-site

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provides substance abuse counseling and support services to clients. * Facilitates weekly substance abuse groups including harm reduction, relapse prevention conflict resolution, etc. * Responsible ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Comunilife Inc

Counselor-Substance Abuse-(DOHMH) Woodhull

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Substance Abuse Counselor will assess clients' needs, create patient-centered treatment plans ... Provide individual and substance use disorder counseling and referral services to the clients of ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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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 18, 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

The GEO Group

Los Lunas, NM

$31.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

The GEO Group rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th 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.

What The GEO Group employees say

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