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Substance Abuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides relevant Substance Abuse information for class curriculum in our Relapse Prevention Program. * Facilitates didactic educational presentations including Living ...

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 ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$22.25 - $30/hr

As a Substance Abuse Counselor on the team, you will be handling a manageable caseload of patients looking to you for treatment and help to overcome a wide variety of addiction issues. Your role will ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$22.25 - $30/hr

As a Substance Abuse Counselor on the team, you will be handling a manageable caseload of patients looking to you for treatment and help to overcome a wide variety of addiction issues. Your role will ...

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 information

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How much do substance abuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse in the United States is $20.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance abuse counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Counselor, you need a solid understanding of addiction, counseling techniques, and mental health, typically supported by a relevant degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with case management systems, assessment tools, and documentation software is crucial for tracking client progress and maintaining compliance. Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust are essential soft skills for motivating clients and supporting recovery. These competencies are vital to effectively guide individuals through treatment, foster lasting behavioral change, and ensure ethical, compliant care.

What is a substance abuse counselor?

Substance abuse counselors are professionals who help individuals struggling with addiction to drugs, alcohol, or other substances. They provide support through counseling, treatment planning, and recovery strategies to help clients overcome their dependencies. These counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, private practices, or community organizations. They often collaborate with families, doctors, and other health professionals to create comprehensive care plans. Their main goal is to guide clients toward lasting recovery and healthier lifestyles.

How to work in substance abuse?

To work in substance abuse, individuals typically need a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in social work, psychology, or counseling. Certification or licensure, like becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), is often required, along with strong communication skills and experience in counseling or healthcare settings.

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

AspectSubstance AbuseSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsNone required, but certifications can enhance job prospectsCertification or licensure often required (e.g., CADC, LADC)
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, community clinics, hospitals, rehab centersRehab centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, community organizations
Job RoleFocuses on the condition of substance abuse itselfProvides counseling, support, and treatment planning for clients

Substance Abuse refers to the condition involving harmful or hazardous use of substances, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a professional who helps individuals overcome substance abuse issues through counseling and support. The counselor role requires specific credentials and involves direct client interaction, whereas substance abuse as a condition can be diagnosed and treated by various healthcare providers.

What are some common challenges faced by substance abuse counselors in their daily work?

Substance abuse counselors often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, addressing relapse among clients, and navigating complex emotional situations. Building trust with clients who may be resistant to treatment is a key aspect, as is maintaining professional boundaries while offering empathetic support. Counselors also collaborate closely with healthcare providers, social workers, and family members to create comprehensive treatment plans, which requires strong communication and organizational skills.
More about Substance Abuse jobs
What cities are hiring for Substance Abuse jobs? Cities with the most Substance Abuse 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for Substance Abuse jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,175 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

The GEO Group

Johnson City, TN

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


The GEO Group rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 43 rated prisons


Job description

Benefits Information

** Hiring with Sign On Bonus Paid in Quarterly Installments**

Full-time employees will enjoy a competitive benefits package with options for you and your family including:

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401(k) Matching

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discount

Reduced Tuition Rates

Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401(k)

Pet Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Training

Flexible Spending Account

The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.  

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 groups to provide education and treatment for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. Learns, uses and models principles of the "What Works" system through evidence-based practices in all interactions with clients and other staff members.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • The Substance Abuse Counselor provides relevant Substance Abuse information for class curriculum in our Relapse Prevention Program.
  • Facilitates didactic educational presentations including Living in Balance collection, and group counseling.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor coordinates substance abuse program at an office or group of offices using principles of the "What Works" system. Schedules intakes, and group and individual sessions. Discusses specific cases with case managers to determine if they are appropriate for substance abuse treatment. May assist with the assignment of cases.
  • Facilitates psycho-educational and behavior modification groups using principles of the "What Works" system. Documents participants' attendance, participation and progress in Company database.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts risk and need assessments and creates individual treatment plans for each assigned participant. Meets regularly with participants and documents participants' progress or regress in Company database.
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with outside referral sources, such as in-patient substance abuse facilities or detox facilities. Actively pursues and develops referrals from probation and evaluating agencies.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor provides re-entry follow up services at regular intervals, in coordination with other re-entry center programs staff, to ensure released inmates are keeping appointments and determining whether additional services and support networks are needed.
  • Maintains accurate clinical documentation including intake summaries, group notes, discharge summaries, treatment plans and updates. Updates therapeutic logs in a timely manner. Enters pertinent information into Company database.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor identifies problem areas that may impact participants' ability to successfully complete treatment. Guides participants to develop strategies to overcome obstacles to success completion of treatment.
  • May advise Customer of participants' progress regularly or at completion of treatment.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor collects participants' fees for program participation. Tracks fee collection for office or group of offices Ensures that participants' records are accurately completed in a timely manner.
  • Maintains a specific substance abuse treatment case file for every program participant.
  • 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.
  • Maintains a collegial relationship with other substance abuse professionals, programs, and associations.
  • Participates in related training for substance abuse.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent; and a minimum of three (3) years of full-time experience of counseling duties with a criminal justice or human services population in a substance abuse program.
  • Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor ("LADAC"), licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health; Tennessee Code Annotated 68-24-606 is required.
    • A waiver for LADAC may be granted only if all three (3) of the following criteria are met and is further subject to approval by the Tennessee Dept. of Corrections:
    • The individual is currently engaged in formal supervision with appropriate supervision outlined by health-related boards and;
    • The individual is actively pursuing licensure, and enrolled in core classes if still needed, and;
    • A letter from the supervisor indicating current ongoing supervision with current placement and confirmation of the supervisor's current license would be required.
    • Or, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) or LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) credentials in the state in which the position resides.
  • 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.
  • Effective communication skills with internal and external contacts at all levels.
  • Problem solving ability.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) may be required as well as experience dealing with specific cultural group.
  • Problem solving ability.
  • Good presentation, public speaking and facilitation skills.
  • Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of client record management.
  • Basic computer skills.
PayPay USD $28.00/Hr.Bonus (if applicable)$2,000.00Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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