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Substance Use Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Liberty Resources is seeking a full-time Substance Use Counselor for our Maxwell House program supporting adults living with chemical dependency in Oneida, NY. Our employees have passion around the ...

Liberty Resources is seeking a full-time Substance Use Counselor for our Maxwell House program supporting adults living with chemical dependency in Oneida, NY. Our employees have passion around the ...

Substance Use Counselor

Bangor, ME · On-site

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

Substance Use Counselor * Maine CADC or LADC is required * CCS also considered Full Time Hours: * Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM Our Benefits: * Semi-Annual Bonus Program * Medical, Dental, and ...

Liberty Resources is seeking a Substance Use Counselor for our Next Step Apartments program supporting adults living with chemical dependency in Oneida, NY. Our employees have passion around the ...

Substance Use Counselor

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Substance Use Counselor * CADC, CADC-I, CADC-S, LADC, or LADC-S preferred Full Time Hours: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM Our Benefits: * Semi-Annual Bonus Program * Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Substance Use Counselor

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20 - $26.75/hr

Substance Use Counselor (Licensed) * LAC, LAC-T, LMAC, LCAC, LPC, LMSW, LCSW, or LMFT is required Full Time Hours: Monday - Friday, 5:00 AM - 1:30 PM Our Benefits: * Semi-Annual Bonus Program

Substance Use Counselor

Charleston, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Substance Use Counselor Full-Time Hours: Monday - Friday 5 AM - 12:30 PM Our Benefits: * Semi-Annual Bonus Program * Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance * Competitive 401(k) plan * Paid vacation ...

Liberty Resources is seeking a Substance Use Counselor for our Next Step Apartments program supporting adults living with chemical dependency in Oneida, NY. Our employees have passion around the ...

Substance Use Counselor

Pinehurst, NC

$18 - $24.50/hr

Substance Use Counselor * CADC-I, CADC, LCAS-A, LCAS, LCSW-A, LCSW, LCMHC-A, or LCMHC Full-Time Hours: * Monday - Friday 4:45 AM - 1:15 PM * Monthly rotating Saturday shift 5:45 AM - 8:45 AM Our ...

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Substance Use Counselor information

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Substance Use Counselor?

A Substance Use Counselor is a mental health professional who helps individuals struggling with drug, alcohol, or other substance dependencies. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and support clients through recovery. Substance Use Counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community organizations, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to help clients understand their addiction, develop coping strategies, and maintain long-term sobriety.

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

To thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, you need a background in counseling, psychology, or social work—often with a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, assessment tools, and evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT or motivational interviewing is common. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies are essential for providing effective support, fostering recovery, and navigating the complexities of addiction treatment.

How much does Cadc make?

In North Carolina, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) typically earns between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, certification level, and work setting. Salaries can increase with additional credentials, specialized skills, and supervisory responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Substance Use Counselors face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed within the team?

Substance Use Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and co-occurring mental health disorders. These issues are typically addressed through regular team meetings, case consultations, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals like social workers and psychiatrists. Counselors also receive ongoing training and supervision to stay updated on best practices and to ensure they have the support needed to manage complex cases. This team-based approach helps provide comprehensive care and promotes the counselor's professional growth.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs for substance use counselors are uncommon, as most earn significantly less than $2000 daily. However, experienced or specialized professionals in private practice, consulting, or executive roles in healthcare may reach high daily earnings, especially with advanced certifications and a strong client base.

What is the difference between Substance Use Counselor vs Addiction Therapist?

AspectSubstance Use CounselorAddiction Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CADC, CAC)Licensed or certified in addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinicsRehab facilities, mental health clinics
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and community programsOften used interchangeably with Substance Use Counselor

Both roles focus on helping individuals overcome substance abuse, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology preference, with 'Addiction Therapist' sometimes implying a broader scope of mental health treatment. However, in practice, these titles are often used interchangeably in the industry.

What type of counseling gets paid the most?

In the field of substance use counseling, specialized roles such as addiction program directors or clinical supervisors tend to have higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and experience requirements. Counselors with advanced certifications, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or those working in private practice or inpatient facilities, often earn higher wages. Salary also varies based on location, education level, and years of experience.

What is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors are often those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or who work in specialized settings such as private practice or healthcare facilities. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, with some senior or specialized roles earning higher compensation depending on location and employer.
More about Substance Use Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:
What states have the most Substance Use Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Substance Use Counselor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 12% Full Time, 83% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
Substance Use Counselor

Substance Use Counselor

Acadia Healthcare

Salt Lake City, UT

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Acadia Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

691st of 871 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program

Seeking: Substance Use Counselor

  • SUDC, ASUDC, LSUDC, SSW, CSW, ACMHC, LCSW, CMHC, or LMFT

Full Time Hours: 

  • Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Our Benefits: 

  • Semi-Annual Bonus Program
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Competitive 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Employer-paid clinical supervision (free to employees)
  • Free and unlimited access to 500+ accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering continued support to employee lifestyle and well-being
  • Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
  • Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry

Our Team:

Salt Lake City Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, the leading provider of medication-assisted treatment in the nation. Our counseling team provides compassionate, high-quality counseling and therapy to patients that are seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.

Your Job as a Substance Use Counselor:

The Substance Use Counselor is instrumental in our patient’s treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder. Substance Use Counselors provide high quality, compassionate care through various mediums which include both individual and group counseling sessions.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
  • Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
  • Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
  • Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
  • Initial assessments as well as follow up assessments.
  • Evaluate patient needs and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
  • May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
  • Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
  • Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care as needed.
  • Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients, as needed.

Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibilty here: HRSA Eligibility


Required Education, Skills, and Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree in social or health services field required; 
  • Degree must be from an accredited college or university. 
  • Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.

  • Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

  • Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.

  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.

  • Documentation experience, including maintaining clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

  • Familiarity with state regulatory standards (e.g., 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, Joint Commission standards).

  • Experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary team with medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Required Licenses/Certifications: 

One of the following credentials (active in Utah) are required:

  • SUDC – Substance Use Disorder Counselor
  • LSUDC – Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor
  • ASUDC – Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor
  • SSW – Social Service Worker
  • CSW – Certified Social Worker
  • LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • ACMHC – Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • CMHC – Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

AHCTC

#LI-CTC

#LI-AM2


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About Acadia Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider in the healthcare and hospital industry, based in Franklin, Tennessee, United States. The company is recognised for its commitment to creating a behavioural health network that provides accessible, high-quality treatment options for individuals suffering from mental health issues, addiction, eating disorders, and PTSD. Acadia Healthcare was founded in 2005, with the mission to create a world-class organization that sets the standard of excellence in the treatment of specialty behavioural health and addiction disorders.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2005

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