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Substance Abuse Prevention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Under limited supervision, performs a variety of substance abuse prevention in elementary, middle, and/or high schools. Assists in developing, implementing, and facilitating quality substance abuse ...

Under limited supervision, performs a variety of substance abuse prevention in elementary, middle, and/or high schools. Assists in developing, implementing, and facilitating quality substance abuse ...

Shall provide information briefing (Quarterly) on State and National level Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention. * Shall input SAP and SP training and applicable information into the Drug and ...

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Substance Abuse Prevention information

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$36K

$55.5K

$78K

How much do substance abuse prevention jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance abuse prevention in the United States is $55,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $67,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance abuse prevention?

A Substance Abuse Prevention job focuses on reducing drug and alcohol abuse through education, community outreach, and policy advocacy. Professionals in this field design and implement prevention programs, work with at-risk populations, and collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Their goal is to promote healthy behaviors, raise awareness about the dangers of substance use, and prevent addiction before it starts.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a substance abuse prevention professional?

Substance Abuse Prevention professionals often spend their days organizing and facilitating educational workshops, developing outreach materials, and collaborating with schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers. They may conduct needs assessments, analyze community data, and implement evidence-based prevention programs targeted at various populations. Additionally, they often provide referrals to supportive services, track progress toward program goals, and evaluate outcomes. The work frequently requires balancing direct community engagement with administrative tasks and staying current on best practices in prevention science.

How many years does it take to become a substance abuse prevention professional?

Becoming a substance abuse prevention professional typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field such as social work, psychology, or public health, which generally takes about four years. Additional certifications or training in substance abuse prevention may be needed and can take several months to a year to complete, depending on the program and state requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the substance abuse prevention position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Substance Abuse Prevention, a background in public health, social work, psychology, or a related field is typically required, along with strong knowledge of addiction science and prevention strategies. Familiarity with data collection tools, program evaluation methods, and professional certifications like Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) are often valued. Exceptional communication, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration skills help practitioners engage with individuals, families, and communities. These abilities are crucial for developing effective prevention programs and fostering positive behavioral change.

More about Substance Abuse Prevention jobs
What cities are hiring for Substance Abuse Prevention jobs? Cities with the most Substance Abuse Prevention job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Abuse Prevention jobs? The most popular types of Substance Abuse Prevention jobs are:
What states have the most Substance Abuse Prevention jobs? States with the most job openings for Substance Abuse Prevention jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Substance Abuse Prevention jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Abuse Prevention jobs are:
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Prevention job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,463 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Wake County Public School System rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

514th of 624 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

OverviewPOSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

COUNSELOR

WORKING TITLE

Substance Use Prevention Specialist

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

School Counseling

LOCATION

Crossroad II, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

School Counselor/Social Worker salary scale

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Yes

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a Hybrid Telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Under limited supervision, performs a variety of substance abuse prevention in elementary, middle, and/or high schools. Assists in developing, implementing, and facilitating quality substance abuse prevention programs for students. Collaborates with school personnel, other support staff, parents, students, and various community agencies to deliver effective substance use prevention education and tobacco cessation services to students and staff. Performs other duties in student services and monitors prevention and intervention services in the elementary, middle, and/or high schools. Performs special projects, as needed. The position and grant are scheduled to end at the completion of the 2030-2031 school year.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of substance use prevention and intervention programs;
  • Comprehensive knowledge of current local, state, national, and global trends in substance use prevention and intervention;
  • Considerable knowledge of program evaluation to support continuous improvement;
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
  • Effective skills in creating and managing effective presentations, including the capability to use relevant technology;
  • Effective crisis response skills;
  • Effective strategic planning skills and experience supporting system-level improvement;
  • Effective time management and organizational skills;
  • Strategic problem-solving skills;
  • Ability to facilitate effective meetings;
  • Ability to support a collaborative working environment;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, community groups, vendors, external agencies, and the public.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, Health Education, or a related field;
  • Five years of successful experience working with adults and/or adolescents on substance abuse education, prevention, and intervention issues; OR
  • Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator's License for school social work, school

counseling, or related area;

  • Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of NC requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree in social work, counseling, education, or a related field.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assists elementary, middle, and/or high school administrators, school support staff, and other school personnel in developing, implementing, and evaluating substance abuse prevention services.
  • Collaborates with schools and departments to discuss issues related to substance abuse prevention services in the schools.
  • Provides consultation to school personnel on identification and intervention strategies for students identified as having substance abuse problems.
  • Provides services to high-risk students in the alternative and other special schools on an as needed basis.
  • Provides substance abuse prevention education classes in the schools.
  • Provides tobacco cessation services to students and staff, as needed.
  • Intervenes with students and families to coordinate substance abuse services, as needed.
  • Consults with community agencies in providing outside services to schools.
  • Maintains records and provides reports of services rendered.
  • Provides substance abuse prevention workshops for schools, parents, and the community.
  • Reviews various publications and attends workshops, seminars, etc. to continuously upgrade professional knowledge.
  • Performs other related duties, as assigned.
  • WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, external agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force. The work requires driving automotive equipment.

    EFFECTIVE DATE: 9/2025

    DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

    What Wake County Public School System employees say

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    Hours and flexibility

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    About Wake County Public Schools

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

    Industry

    Education

    Company size

    201 - 500 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Cary, NC, US

    Year founded

    1976