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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Use personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges to provide ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Social Work Care Manager - PRN

New Roads, LA · On-site

$39.16 - $60.42/hr

... clinical counseling, diagnosis, brief therapeutic interventions, and necessary resources or ... Evaluates patients for transition planning, mental health, substance use, and goals of care. * Care ...

... clinical counseling, diagnosis, brief therapeutic interventions, and necessary resources or ... Evaluates patients for transition planning, mental health, substance use, and goals of care. * Care ...

Social Worker 4

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$3.9K - $7.1K/mo

... substance use, and co-occurring disorders. Provide individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, and supportive counseling to help clients achieve their treatment goals.

Social Worker 4

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$3.9K - $7.1K/mo

... substance use, and co-occurring disorders. * Provide individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, and supportive counseling to help clients achieve their treatment goals.

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Substance Use Counselor information

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Baton Rouge, LA is $22.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.24 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.

What do you need to be a substance use counselor?

To become a substance use counselor, you typically need a relevant bachelor's degree or higher in fields like psychology, social work, or counseling, along with specialized training in addiction treatment. Certification or licensure, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), is often required or preferred. Strong communication skills, empathy, and knowledge of addiction recovery are essential for success in this role.

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 helping others, though it may involve emotional challenges and variable work hours.
What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,380 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Behavioral Health Technician

Beacon Behavioral Partners

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Behavioral Health Technician
The Maples | Fort Worth Residential Treatment Center
Position Summary
The Behavioral Health Technician supports the daily care, safety, and supervision of clients in a residential behavioral health setting. This role helps maintain a structured, therapeutic environment while supporting clients through daily routines, programming, meals, activities, and transitions throughout the day.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide direct supervision and support to clients in the residential treatment environment.
  • Maintain awareness of client location, behavior, safety needs, and overall milieu activity.
  • Support daily routines, including wake-up, meals, groups, activities, school or programming schedules, hygiene, and bedtime routines.
  • Assist with admission, orientation, and discharge-related activities as directed.
  • Observe and document client behavior, participation, incidents, and concerns accurately and timely.
  • Use calm, professional communication and de-escalation skills to support client needs.
  • Follow program policies, safety protocols, confidentiality standards, and mandated reporting requirements.
  • Partner with clinical, nursing, dietary, education, and leadership teams to support coordinated client care.
  • Participate in shift change communication, team meetings, trainings, and assigned program initiatives.
  • Help maintain a clean, organized, safe, and supportive treatment environment.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, education, or a related field preferred.
  • Prior experience in behavioral health, residential treatment, mental health, substance use treatment, eating disorder treatment, youth services, or a similar care environment preferred.
  • Experience working with adolescents or young adults strongly preferred.
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries, remain calm under pressure, and respond appropriately to safety concerns.
  • Strong communication, documentation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
  • Must be able to meet background check, training, and compliance requirements.
Preferred Experience
  • Residential treatment, inpatient, PHP/IOP, group home, school-based, or crisis support experience.
  • Experience supporting clients with mental health concerns, eating disorders, substance use concerns, trauma, anxiety, depression, or emotional dysregulation.
  • Training or experience in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, crisis prevention, or behavior management.

Work Environment
This position works in a residential treatment setting and requires active engagement with clients throughout the shift. The role may require standing, walking, monitoring common areas, responding to client needs, and supporting program activities across the facility.
Schedule
Full-time and part-time schedules may be available. Evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday availability may be required based on program needs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Maples is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.