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Substance Abuse Evaluation Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Disorder Counselor BHT

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

Substance abuse counselor will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting ... Conducts individual initial assessment and evaluation interviews for service eligibility ...

Behavioral Health Counselor

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$70.20K/yr

... substance abuse with diverse populations is strongly preferred. Experience working with underserved populations is also strongly preferred. * Bilingual in Spanish is preferred. Fluency evaluation is ...

... substance abuse with diverse populations is strongly preferred. Experience working with underserved populations is also strongly preferred. * Bilingual in Spanish is preferred. Fluency evaluation is ...

... substance abuse with diverse populations is strongly preferred. Experience working with underserved populations is also strongly preferred. * Bilingual in Spanish is preferred. Fluency evaluation is ...

Three years of specialized experience in mental health and/or substance abuse with diverse ... Fluency evaluation is required. * Possess valid current and unrestricted Arizona driver's license ...

Three years of specialized experience in mental health and/or substance abuse with diverse ... Fluency evaluation is required. * Possess valid current and unrestricted Arizona driver's license ...

Three years of specialized experience in mental health and/or substance abuse with diverse ... Fluency evaluation is required. * Possess valid current and unrestricted Arizona driver's license ...

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Substance Abuse Evaluation information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$9

$20

$26

How much do substance abuse evaluation jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse evaluation in Phoenix, AZ is $20.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substance Abuse Evaluator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Evaluator, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by relevant licensure or certification such as LCDC or CADC. Familiarity with assessment tools like the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, and electronic health record systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, nonjudgmental communication, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and accurately assess clients. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective evaluations, determining appropriate treatment plans, and supporting individuals on their path to recovery.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals conducting substance abuse evaluations, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals conducting substance abuse evaluations often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients who may be reluctant to disclose sensitive information, navigating complex cases involving co-occurring mental health disorders, and maintaining objectivity while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. To prepare, evaluators should develop strong communication and interviewing skills, stay updated on current assessment tools and best practices, and participate in ongoing training related to substance use disorders and cultural competency. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including counselors, medical professionals, and legal representatives, also supports more comprehensive and effective evaluations.

What is a substance abuse evaluation?

A substance abuse evaluation is a professional assessment used to determine if an individual has problems related to drug or alcohol use. The process typically involves an interview, questionnaires, and sometimes drug testing to gather information about a person's substance use history, mental health, and social circumstances. The results help professionals make recommendations for treatment, counseling, or other necessary support. Evaluations are often required by courts, employers, or treatment programs to guide decision-making and ensure appropriate care. The evaluation is confidential and conducted by trained and licensed professionals.

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

AspectSubstance Abuse EvaluationSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsLicensed or certified evaluator, often with clinical or counseling credentialsLicensed or certified counselor, often with a degree in counseling or social work
Work EnvironmentAssessment centers, clinics, courts, or treatment programsRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community agencies
Primary FocusConducting assessments to determine substance abuse issues and treatment needsProviding ongoing counseling and support for recovery
Usage in IndustryOften involved in legal or court-mandated evaluationsDirect client counseling and therapy sessions

Substance Abuse Evaluation specialists focus on assessing clients' substance use and determining treatment needs, often working in assessment centers or legal settings. Substance Abuse Counselors provide ongoing therapy and support to help clients recover. While both roles require relevant certifications, their primary functions and work environments differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching Substance Abuse Evaluation jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Abuse Evaluation jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Evaluation job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,876 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Substance Abuse Therapist EMPACT

Substance Abuse Therapist EMPACT

La Frontera Center Inc.

Maricopa, AZ โ€ข On-site

$50.70K - $63.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Who we are:

EMPACT- Suicide Prevention Center, part of the La Frontera family, is an industry leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing valued community services and resources for behavioral health counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention since 1987. We are an EEO/AA Employer.


What youโ€™ll do:

We are searching for a Substance Abuse Therapist for our City of Maricopa location. (The city of Maricopa, in Pinal county, is 25 miles southwest of Chandler, AZ.)

Provide therapy to adults and their families from various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, focusing treatment on substance abuse issues. The therapy shall include assessment, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and case management. It will also include maintaining client records in up-to-date and complete status.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Provide psychotherapy for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adults and their families, individualizing these services to meet unique needs. Facilitate IOP, SOP, & Aftercare groups, using agency Substance Abuse Program curriculum, which consists of a comprehensive, structured, step-down group program, and can also include individual and/or family therapy, as needed. Use community resources and referrals, as appropriate, to enhance and expand treatment.
  • Deliver at least 40 hours of work per week, with a goal of 30 hours of direct client contact, which includes case management as needed. Productivity standards established at a minimum of once a year and as needed due to contract changes. Complete all tasks agreed upon by timelines given.
  • Work independently and responsibly, and participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of treatment and prevention programs.
  • Produce complete, timely, thorough, quality clinical documentation of all services rendered, both billable and non-billable, as required. The documentation must include sufficient information about the activity being documented and the clientโ€™s participation in, and response to, the activity. Complete Monthly Families First spreadsheet, including services, narratives and deliverables as required in contract.
  • Ensure quality service delivery, including clinical care and all associated duties. Utilize Best Practice therapeutic approaches whenever possible. Maintain all client records in up-to-date status and in accordance with agency policies and procedures, as well as RBHA, state, and federal requirements. Participate in the agencyโ€™s Quality Management Program, as needed or requested.
  • Participate actively in regular supervision, accepting feedback and suggestions in a collaborative and strengths-based way.
  • Interact regularly and constructively with the clinical team, support staff, and administrative staff.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Participate in all regularly scheduled administrative, in-service, and staff meetings. Recommend changes that would improve service delivery.
  • Coordinate communication with other departments of the agency in accomplishing continuity of care.
  • Participate in standing and ad hoc committees and work groups, as requested. Provide instruction and training for interns and coworkers in his/her respective discipline, as requested.
  • Comply with the agency's standard of care for service delivery.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with state, community, and contracting organizations, and with collaborating partners.
  • Perform additional related duties and participate in agency fund-raising activities, as requested.

What youโ€™ll provide:

  • Masterโ€™s degree in Behavioral Health related field required. License is preferred.
  • Experience facilitating substance abuse groups and working with people who have a substance abuse diagnosis is required.
  • Detail oriented and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Substance Abuse certification is a plus.
  • Must have a valid AZ driver's license with no major infractions in the past three years.
  • Must have regular access to reliable transportation.
  • Bi-lingual (Spanish) Diff per hour available.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age at time of employment.

What weโ€™ll offer:

(Full-time employees)

  • Generous PTO
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • Medical plans (4 choices)
  • Dental plans (2 choices)
  • Vision plans (2 choices)
  • 403(b) retirement plan
  • Retirement Allowance
  • Company paid Life/AD&D and Long-term Disability
  • Voluntary additional Life and Short-term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Licensure Reimbursement
  • Elder Care assistance
  • Pet Insurance and much more!


EMPACT-SPC is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and accredited by the American association of Suicidology (AAS) and The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

EMPACT-SPC/La Frontera Arizona 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.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

All employees of EMPACT-SPC and La Frontera Arizona are employees "at will" as that term is understood in the State of Arizona. This means that employment may be terminated at any time without prior notice and for no stated reason.

EMPACT-SPC/La Frontera Arizona reserves the right to modify position descriptions as needed and without notice. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.