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Substance Abuse Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wellness resources Substance Abuse Counselor RES Home Care is seeking a compassionate, experienced ... planning, counseling, education, relapse prevention, and recovery support to TBI Waiver ...

As a Substance Abuse Counselor on the team, you will be handling a substance abuse treatment group sessions. Clients looking to you for treatment and help to overcome a wide variety of addiction ...

As a Substance Abuse Counselor on the team, you will be handling a substance abuse treatment group sessions. Clients looking to you for treatment and help to overcome a wide variety of addiction ...

As a Substance Abuse Counselor on the team, you will be handling a substance abuse treatment group sessions. Clients looking to you for treatment and help to overcome a wide variety of addiction ...

The Substance Abuse Counselor will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. These services will ... Providing screening, counseling, recovery support, care coordination, and case management services ...

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Substance Abuse Counseling information

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$14

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$35

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.
More about Substance Abuse Counseling jobs

What cities are hiring for Substance Abuse Counseling jobs?

Cities with the most Substance Abuse Counseling job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Abuse Counseling jobs?

The most popular types of Substance Abuse Counseling jobs are:

What states have the most Substance Abuse Counseling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Substance Abuse Counseling jobs include:

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 3

State of Nevada (NV)

Carson City, NV

$64K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


State Of Nevada rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 50 rated states


Job description

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*** Job Summary The Department of Corrections is seeking to fill a Substance Abuse Counselor 3 (SAC3) in Indian Springs. The Substance Abuse Counselor provides direct supervision over the Substance Use Disorder Program at Southern Desert Correctional Center TRUST, supervising up to eight clinical staff.

SAC3 takes lead on training staff, completing fidelity audits, and growing the program in accordance with research. SAC3 will also engage in direct clinical work be it completing screenings, intakes, assessments or facilitation of group therapy as well as individual counseling. Substance Abuse Counselors perform professional duties in areas of screening, assessment, case management, education, and treatment of clients and perform related administrative duties and recordkeeping in accordance with the standards and requirements of the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors.

Essential Qualifications Licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors and two years of experience as a journey level Substance Abuse Counselor which must have included leading treatment teams, conducting clinical counseling, and implementing an established substance abuse program; OR Licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors and two years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor II in Nevada State service; OR Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors and five years as a journey level Substance Abuse Counselor as described above; OR CADC by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors and five years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor II in Nevada State service. Job Duties Perform initial screenings and assessments of clients; review personal history files and court documents and conduct personal interviews; gather pertinent information with the use of screening and assessment instruments such as Nevada Risk Assessment System (NRAS), American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) standards; diagnose and/or classify substance abusers, extent of alcohol and drug abuse and personality traits; determine classification, level of care, treatment needs and continuity of care. Prepare written treatment plans; monitor and document client progress in relation to treatment plans, goals and objectives and adjust level of care accordingly; document contacts and services; prepare assessment, discharge, and progress reports and summaries as required.

Plan, develop, organize and conduct alcohol and drug abuse cessation and prevention classes; prepare course curriculum based upon the goals and objectives set by the facility; conduct orientation and individual and/or group counseling, intervention, education and referral; facilitate crisis and behavior intervention to include referral for mental health services and/or other resources; consult with and utilize other services, agencies, resources and professionals as needed. Provide in-service training regarding counseling programs, education and services related to alcohol and drug abuse. Prepare statistical documentation and reports on caseload activities and services.

Maintain ethics and confidentiality standards according to regulation. Perform related duties as assigned. Under general direction, incumbents supervise the clinical practice of subordinate Substance Abuse Counselors; provide information and recommendations regarding clinical aspects of the program to management; facilitate therapeutic program activities; maintain program records and prepare periodic reports; provide technical guidance to professional program staff; and may provide direct treatment services to clients as required and as described in the series concept.

This is the supervisory level in the series. Accept clients for clinical admission as recommended by medical/mental health intake staff; review lesson plans and treatment plans to ensure adherence to core curriculum requirements; monitor quality of care through review and evaluation of case records and activities; monitor the progress of clients through consultation with case managers and participation in treatment team meetings. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive.

Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. Working knowledge of: the principles, practices, and methods of substance abuse counseling and education; facilities, programs, and related resources available for rehabilitation, education, and training of substance abusers; policies and procedures pertaining to legal, medical and mental health programs; leadership and decision-making skills. Ability to: oversee the day-to-day clinical practice of subordinate Substance Abuse Counselors; effectively lead a treatment team; communicate effectively in conflict situations; organize work flow to accomplish established objectives; delegate responsibility.

Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Ashley - q.ashley@admin.nv.gov The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.


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About State of Nevada

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Nevada isn't a company in the traditional sense, but rather a governing body that manages and directs the operations of the state of Nevada. Its headquarters are located in Carson City, NV, United States. The organisation is engaged in various sectors like education, transportation, business and industry, health and human services, conservation and natural resources, and many more. It is responsible for implementing and maintaining the law and order of the state, in addition to providing essential services to its residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carson City, NV, US

Year founded

1864