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Substance Addiction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do substance addiction jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance addiction in the United States is $57,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, 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, case management, and psychology, typically supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, counseling software, and standardized assessment tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and active listening abilities are crucial for building trust and effectively supporting clients. These skills are vital to guide individuals through recovery, develop effective treatment plans, and ensure the best outcomes for clients seeking help with addiction.

How to get a job in substance abuse?

To work in substance abuse, such as a substance abuse counselor or therapist, you typically need relevant education like a degree in social work, psychology, or counseling, along with state licensure or certification. Gaining experience through internships or supervised practice is also important, and strong communication and empathy skills are essential for working with clients in treatment settings.

What is a substance addiction counselor?

A substance addiction counselor is a trained professional who helps individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support, guidance, and treatment strategies through one-on-one or group counseling sessions. These counselors assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and teach coping mechanisms to aid in recovery. Their goal is to help clients overcome substance dependence and improve their overall well-being.

What jobs can help people with addiction?

Jobs that help people with addiction include addiction counselors, social workers, and healthcare providers such as nurses and physicians specializing in addiction medicine. These roles often require relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and experience in mental health or substance use treatment environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in substance addiction counseling, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in substance addiction counseling often encounter challenges such as managing emotional burnout, addressing client relapse, and navigating complex family dynamics. Building a strong support network among colleagues and participating in regular supervision can help manage emotional stress. Additionally, ongoing training and staying updated on evidence-based treatment approaches equip counselors to better support clients and maintain their own well-being. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams also provides opportunities to share insights and develop comprehensive care plans.

How long does it take to get CADC certification?

Substance addiction counselors seeking CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification typically need to complete 300 to 350 hours of approved education, accumulate 2,000 hours of supervised work experience, and pass a certification exam. The process generally takes several months to over a year, depending on the individual's pace and program schedule.

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

AspectSubstance AddictionSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsOften no formal degree, but certifications like Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)Typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, plus certification
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, hospitals, clinics, community programsCounseling centers, rehab facilities, outpatient clinics, hospitals
Industry UsageRefers to the condition or disorder involving substance dependenceRefers to the professional role providing treatment and support for those with substance addiction

Substance Addiction describes the condition of dependence on substances, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a professional who helps individuals overcome this condition through therapy and support. The counselor's role involves assessment, counseling, and treatment planning, whereas substance addiction is the issue they address.

What careers have the highest substance abuse rates?

Substance addiction rates tend to be higher in jobs with high stress, irregular hours, or physically demanding work, such as construction, mining, hospitality, and transportation. These roles often involve access to substances and may have environments that increase the risk of substance misuse. Awareness and prevention programs are important in these industries to address the risk factors.
What cities are hiring for Substance Addiction jobs? Cities with the most Substance Addiction job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Addiction jobs? The most popular types of Substance Addiction jobs are:
Substance Addiction Counselor

Substance Addiction Counselor

VitalCore Health Strategies

Norfolk, MA • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


VitalCore Health Strategies rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join the VitalCore Health Strategies Team! We’re people who are fueled by passion, not by profit.


VitalCore Health Strategies (VCHS), an industry leader in Correctional Health Care, has an opening for a Full-Time Substance Addiction Counselor at MCI-Framingham in Framingham, MA and MCI-Norfolk in Norfolk, MA! This position requires travel between Framingham, MA and Norfolk, MA.

You will be given the opportunity to utilize your training, skills and experience in a face-to-face setting with people from a variety of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Being able to see the impact you are making with these individuals, when they are at their lowest, least hopeful points. You will be working as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team comprised of Medical, Psychiatry, Ancillary, Security, Legal, community providers and psychiatric hospitals. The best part of this – It is done in real-time with real people!


SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR PACKAGE TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term/Long Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Animal/Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus

SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR POSITION SUMMARY
The Substance Addiction Counselor will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with all other disciplines on the Behavioral Health Unit to provide a proactive and collaborative approach in serving the patient population. The Substance Addiction Counselor is responsible for delivering quality treatment to justice involved individuals with varying levels of substance use/abuse issues, and who are using a variety of addictive substances. The Counselor will collaborate with all disciplines to attain effectiveness in serving the patient population.
SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Graduation from a Bachelor's level program or higher
  • Minimum of 2 years employment in a clinician/counselor/social work capacity in a public or private agency or equivalent preferred.
  • Must have a substance use certification (i.e. CADC, CAADC, LADC)
  • Must receive a satisfactory background investigation report


SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Professionals will provide crisis stabilization, complete intakes and on-going evaluations, and provide consultation to in-house and community services.
  • Assesses individual’s level of functioning, strengths and weaknesses related to primary substance use diagnosis
  • Orients individual to treatment process/program goal
  • Delivers and reinforces evidence-based treatment/curricula.
  • Develops treatment and discharge plans in conjunction with Qualified Behavioral Health Professionals
  • Performs individual and group therapeutic interventions as appropriate.
  • Delivers and scores/interprets pre and post-tests, to include post-program surveys, as indicated.
  • Maintains confidentiality
  • Possesses excellent communication skill
  • Provides the timely and necessary preparation of documentation, records and reports.
  • Educates individuals on the effects of substance use on their physical, social and emotional lives.
  • Participate in monthly behavioral health calls, work collaborative with the medical team to best determine overall treatment for each individual.
  • Works with other professionals to collaborate on treatment or management of the patient to include discharge into, aftercare program/community
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor performs risk assessment of clients; coordination of care with interdisciplinary team including medical staff, community providers, psychiatric hospitals and corrections; and discharge planning.
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor assists in planning and implementing the goals and objectives of programs and projects.
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor provides the necessary preparation of documentation, necessary records and reports.
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor utilizes clinical skills such as prioritizing treatment needs; crisis management; brief clinical interventions including CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
  • Excellent and timely documentation skills required.
  • The ideal candidate is able to make independent clinical decisions, while utilizing assistance and supervisory intervention, as needed.

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.


Keywords: LPC, LSW, Correctional Facility, Behavioral Health, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, LCSW, LCPC, LMSW, LPC, substance use disorder, SUD, mental health



Full-Time
Day Shift

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