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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Polk City, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR Post Date: Apr 24, 2026 Location: Polk City, FL, US, 33868Position Type: Full Time Requisition Number: 33965 Work Schedule: Monday - Friday Who is Gateway Foundation? Gateway ...

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Polk City, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting " Counselors are responsible for: * Conducts client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history. * Evaluates client response ...

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Polk City, FL

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting " Counselors are responsible for: * Conducts client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history. * Evaluates client response ...

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Polk City, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting " Counselors are responsible for: * Conducts client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history. * Evaluates client response ...

Monday - Friday * 8:00AM - 4:30PM Substance Use Counselor I responsibilities: * Conducts client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history. * Evaluates client response to ...

Monday - Friday * 8:00AM - 4:30PM Substance Use Counselor I responsibilities: * Conducts client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history. * Evaluates client response to ...

Substance Use Counselor

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Preference is given to candidates with experience counseling substance abuse or dual-diagnosed clients. Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 1. Complete bio-psychosocial assessment of assigned clients ...

Substance Use Counselor

Melbourne, FL

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Preference is given to candidates with experience counseling substance abuse or dual-diagnosed clients. Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 1. Complete bio-psychosocial assessment of assigned clients ...

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Substance Use Counselor information

See Florida salary details

$10

$19

$26

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Florida is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

Is becoming a substance abuse counselor worth it?

A substance use counselor helps individuals recover from addiction by providing therapy, support, and education. The role often requires certification, strong communication skills, and emotional resilience, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of substance abuse issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others and making a positive impact on community health.

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.

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 job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Florida as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,590 per year, or $19 per hour.
SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Gateway Foundation

Polk City, FL • On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR
Post Date:
Apr 24, 2026
Location:
Polk City, FL, US, 33868Position Type:
Full Time
Requisition Number:
33965
Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections

Perks of working in correctional healthcare:

  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
  • Exposure to diverse patient demographics
  • Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
  • Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting
"

Counselors are responsible for:

  • Conducts client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history.
  • Evaluates client response to treatment to recommend modifications to the treatment plan and assist with caseloads and development of individualized treatment plan and preparing individually appropriate goals, interventions, and necessary support.
  • Assists with and provides basic didactic group counseling, including psychoeducation, drug education, and family education to ensure peer support occurs.
  • Provides individual client counseling, educational programs and lectures to address relapse prevention, problem solving, behavior modification, anger management, etc., and to assist in overcoming substance use disorder, adjusting to pro-social life, and making cognitive and behavioral changes.
  • Under direct supervision and with supervisor's approval, carries case load, per State and contract requirements.
  • Collaborates with clients to develop discharge summary and plans for supervisor's approval to integrate aftercare treatment with referral resource services.
  • Coordinates required services to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations in support of continued recovery.
  • Collects and maintains treatment records and reports to ensure organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

  • Education / experience / certifications / licensure must meet contractual requirements:
    • Candidates with a Bachelor's/Master's degrees in a related field will also need at least 6 months of professional experience in substance use counseling and/or mental health counseling. If the degree is not in a related field then the candidate needs 1 year of professional experience.
    • Candidates with PhD degrees will need 1 year of experience if their degree is not in a related filed.
    • Candidates with an Associate degree will need at least 4 years of professional experience in substance use counseling and/or mental health counseling.
    • Candidates with a H.S. diploma/GED need 6 years of experience.
    • Candidates who hold the Florida certifications for addiction counseling (Certified Addiction Professional [CAP], Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional [CCJAP], Certified Associate Counselor [CAC]) would also meet the criteria.
  • Basic knowledge of the principles of human growth and psychosocial development
  • Basic knowledge of group and individual dynamics, conflict resolution and intervention techniques based on client maturation level
  • Basic understanding of mental health disorders requiring referrals
  • Basic communication skills to exchange information and interact with various internal and external audiences regarding client care
  • Active listening skills and social perceptiveness
  • Ability to read and interpret policies and instructions
  • Ability to understand side effects and impact of medications on client
  • Adaptability / flexibility: ability to shift priorities

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with clients
  • Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Ability to record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy, to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, read
  • Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data
  • Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:

  • 18 paid time off days per year - accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU's and job-related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.


Nearest Major Market: Lakeland