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Substance Abuse Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides direct counseling services, including evaluations and assessments as well as group and individual counseling in the areas of substance-related and addictive ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Bronx, NY ยท On-site

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

Provides 28 hours of direct care services each week * Orients clients about program rules and ... substance abuse counseling, etc. * Maintain ongoing cooperative relationship with other disciplines ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Bronx, NY ยท On-site

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

Provides 28 hours of direct care services each week * Orients clients about program rules and ... substance abuse counseling, etc. * Maintain ongoing cooperative relationship with other disciplines ...

Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) The Substance Abuse Counselor provides direct counseling, guidance and case management services to clients with specific substance abuse problems. The Credentialed ...

Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) The Substance Abuse Counselor provides direct counseling, guidance and case management services to clients with specific substance abuse problems. The Credentialed ...

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Substance Abuse Counselor

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Substance Abuse Counselor Location: 1733 Euclid Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 Reports To ... Program Director/Clinic Manager Time/Status Regular/Full Time: Schedule: Monday through Friday ...

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Substance Abuse Director information

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$40K

$93.8K

$145.5K

How much do substance abuse director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance abuse director in the United States is $93,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a substance abuse director do?

A Substance Abuse Director oversees programs and staff that provide treatment and support services for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Their responsibilities include developing policies, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supervising counselors and clinical staff. They also evaluate program effectiveness, implement best practices, and may coordinate with community organizations to improve service delivery. The goal is to create a safe, effective environment that helps clients on their path to recovery.

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

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Director, a strong background in addiction counseling, program management, and relevant licensure (such as LCSW or LPC) is essential. Familiarity with electronic health records, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications like CADC or similar are typically required. Leadership, conflict resolution, and strong interpersonal communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and supporting clients. These competencies ensure effective program delivery, regulatory compliance, and the creation of a supportive environment for both staff and clients.

What are some common challenges faced by substance abuse directors when managing multidisciplinary teams?

Substance Abuse Directors often oversee teams composed of counselors, medical professionals, and administrative staff, which can present challenges in aligning diverse perspectives and ensuring coordinated care. Balancing administrative duties with clinical oversight, managing high caseloads, and addressing staff burnout are also common concerns. Effective communication, strong leadership, and ongoing training are essential to foster collaboration and maintain a supportive work environment. Directors who proactively address these challenges help their teams deliver high-quality, client-centered services.

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

AspectSubstance Abuse DirectorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsMaster's degree in social work, psychology, or related field; licensure or certification often requiredHigh school diploma or bachelor's degree; certification or licensure preferred
Work EnvironmentAdministrative settings, overseeing programs, managing staffClinical settings, providing direct counseling to clients
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities, treatment centers, government agenciesRehabilitation centers, clinics, community health organizations
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, program management, policy developmentClient counseling, therapy, case management

The Substance Abuse Director typically holds a leadership role, managing programs and staff, requiring advanced degrees and certifications. In contrast, the Substance Abuse Counselor focuses on direct client therapy and support, often with less formal education. Both roles are essential in addiction treatment but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What cities are hiring for Substance Abuse Director jobs?

Cities with the most Substance Abuse Director job openings:

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

The most popular types of Substance Abuse jobs are:

What states have the most Substance Abuse Director jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,841 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor

County of Adams

Friendship, WI โ€ข On-site

$27.19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description Under general supervision, the Substance Abuse Counselor coordinates treatment, recovery, and support services to individuals with alcohol or other drug abuse problems. The Substance Abuse Counselor provides direct counseling services, including evaluations and assessments as well as group and individual counseling in the areas of substance-related and addictive disorders. Work is performed under the general direction of the Clinical Services Manager or Designee.

It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense it covers all the duties that an employee may be required to perform. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive. Examples of Duties Screens, assesses, and utilizes evidence based approaches to provide alcohol and/or other drug abuse (AODA) counseling to individuals and groups, by developing and implementing client centered treatment plans and referring to other appropriate treatment providers and community supports.

Conducts DOT required assessments, safety plan development, and treatment referrals. Manages electronic health record entries including treatment plans, case notes, discharges, and other relevant client records for all assigned clients according to applicable requirements, codes and policies. Maintains the confidential nature of client and business information.

Participates in staffing, consultation, supervision, and multi-disciplinary team meetings. Attends and completes approved continuing education training. Participates in the after-hours crisis system.

Complies with all local, state, and federal laws governing clients and the rendering of services. Performs other job duties as needed or required. Performs other related functions and duties as assigned or required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Qualifications Applicants must possess a current Substance Abuse Counselor credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a: Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training certificate (SAC-IT) (130) Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (SAC) (131) or a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (CSAC) (132) An applicant may also apply to be considered if: You have applied for a SAC-IT credential with DSPS Your application status on the DSPS site shows all criteria met or your only unmet criteria is the Employment Verification Form. You submit your PAR # to confirm your application status. Anyone hired with a pending SAC-IT application must obtain the SAC-IT credential during the first 12 months of employment.

Completion of a relevant Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree is preferred or any other combination of relevant AODA work experience and AODA education in addition to entry level AODA credential. Valid driver's license in the State of Wisconsin. Additional Information OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES This role requires comprehensive knowledge of alcohol and other drug abuse dynamics, treatment theories, programs, and methods, along with a thorough understanding of state and federal AODA confidentiality laws.

Strong interpersonal skills are essential to build positive relationships with clients, families, and professionals. The position demands the ability to assess, evaluate, and diagnose chemical dependency and related issues, follow oral and written instructions, communicate effectively in writing and verbally, and establish productive working relationships. Additionally, the individual must accurately maintain records and reports and reliably work the required hours of the position.

Thorough knowledge of County policies and procedures to include emergency and inclement weather policies; ability to prioritize and manage multiple, concurrent projects; attention to detail and ability to effectively organize time and anticipate, plan and successfully respond to changing circumstances; knowledge and ability to use standard office and position-specific software; ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors/managers, other departments and the general public. PHYSICAL DEMANDS This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic)

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is considered low for this position.