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Substance Abuse Counselor 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 ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Pico Rivera, 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

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$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 ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$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 ...

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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Substance Abuse Counselor information

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How much do substance abuse counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse counselor 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 does a substance abuse counselor do?

A Substance Abuse Counselor helps individuals struggling with drug, alcohol, or other substance dependencies to overcome their addictions and lead healthier lives. They provide counseling, support, and treatment planning, often working with clients individually and in group settings. These counselors also educate clients on coping strategies, coordinate care with other healthcare professionals, and may assist with crisis intervention. Their work is essential in supporting recovery and preventing relapse.

What does a substance abuse counselor do?

A substance abuse counselor works with patients who struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol. A substance abuse counselor provides treatment with the goals of crisis care, prevention, and recovery. Part of a substance abuse counselor’s work is to conduct individual and group counseling sessions. A substance abuse counselor also interviews potential patients for treatment programs, reviews and maintains patient records, and develops treatment plans for patients on their caseload.

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 background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often requiring at least a bachelor's degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with case management software and standardized assessment tools is typically expected. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust are crucial for supporting clients through recovery. These competencies enable counselors to provide effective treatment, foster client engagement, and navigate complex emotional and behavioral challenges.

What are some common challenges substance abuse counselors face when working with clients, and how are they addressed?

Substance Abuse Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and managing high caseloads. To address these, counselors employ evidence-based techniques like motivational interviewing, engage in continuous professional development, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including social workers, medical professionals, and family members. Regular supervision, peer support, and self-care practices are also essential to manage the emotional demands of the role and maintain effectiveness in supporting clients through recovery.

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

AspectSubstance Abuse CounselorMental Health Counselor
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CADC, CAC)Licensing (e.g., LMHC, LCSW)
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, clinics, outpatient programsHospitals, clinics, private practices
Employer & IndustrySubstance abuse treatment facilities, healthcare providersMental health clinics, hospitals, community agencies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Substance Abuse Counselors primarily focus on helping clients overcome addiction and substance-related issues, often working in specialized treatment centers. Mental Health Counselors address a broader range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, in various settings. While both roles require counseling skills and relevant certifications, Substance Abuse Counselors typically hold specific credentials related to addiction treatment. Understanding these differences can help individuals choose the right career path or find appropriate support services.

Is a substance abuse counselor a good career?

A substance abuse counselor is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from addiction through counseling and support. It typically requires relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in various settings such as clinics or community programs. Job growth in this field is steady, and it offers opportunities for personal fulfillment and professional development.

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 or require a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work for advanced positions and licensure eligibility.

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, such as urban areas or states with well-funded healthcare systems. Experience, certifications, and working in private practice or specialized facilities can also increase earning potential.
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Substance Abuse Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% 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 14 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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