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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Chimes

Substance Abuse Counselor

Newark, DE

$19/hr

Conduct substance use assessments and develop individualized treatment plans. * Provide individual, group, and family counseling services as clinically appropriate. * Support clients through case ...

Chimes

Substance Abuse Counselor

Newark, DE · On-site

$19/hr

Conduct substance use assessments and develop individualized treatment plans. * Provide individual, group, and family counseling services as clinically appropriate. * Support clients through case ...

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All JobsSubstance Use Counselor JobsSubstance Use Counselor Jobs in Delaware

Substance Use Counselor information

See Delaware salary details

$14

$25

$35

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Delaware is $25.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $28.89 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?

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.

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 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.

Is it worth becoming a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor helps individuals recover from addiction by providing therapy, support, and education. The role often requires relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and empathy, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of substance abuse issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in mental health and community service.

What degree is best for a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many states also require certification or licensure, which may involve completing a master's degree and supervised clinical hours. Relevant skills include counseling techniques and knowledge of addiction treatment methods.

What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Counselor jobs in Delaware?

For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,024 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor - CAADC, CADC

VitalCore Health Strategies

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

VitalCore Health Strategies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join the VitalCore Team in Delaware! We’re people fueled by passion, not by profit!


VitalCore Health Strategies (VCHS), an industry leader in Correctional Health Care, has an opening for a Substance Use Disorder Counselor at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington, DE for Full-Time!


Pay is based on experience and having a CADC.


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 USE DISORDER 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
  • Health Savings Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term/Long Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K & Plan Matching
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR POSITION SUMMARY:
The SUD 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. Flexibility of working days, evenings and weekends
 
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Graduation from a Bachelor's level program or higher
  • 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) or must be actively working towards attaining a substance use certification and must obtain the certification within two years of hire. 
  • Individuals who are not certified must be under the direct supervision of a certified clinical supervisor with written documentation of supervision.
  • Flexibility of working days, evenings and weekends


SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Professionals will provide crisis stabilization, complete intakes and on-going evaluations, and provide consultation to in-house and community services.
  • Participate in monthly behavioral health calls, work collaborative with the medical team to best determine overall treatment for each individual.  
  • The SUD Counselor performs risk assessment of inmates; coordination of care with interdisciplinary team including medical staff, community providers, psychiatric hospitals and corrections; and discharge planning. 
  • The SUD Counselor assists in planning and implementing the goals and objectives of programs and projects. 
  • The SUD Counselor provides the necessary preparation of documentation, necessary records and reports.
  • The SUD 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


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