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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

SUD IOP OP Counselor

Detroit, MI · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

The Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Counselor provides support to individuals struggling with substance use disorder within an intensive outpatient program (IOP) setting. The counselor is ...

The position provides screening, assessment, and counseling services for individuals seeking treatment in our Medication Assisted Treatment Program for substance use disorder. Responsibilities:

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... Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment programs. The Clinical Supervisor provides leadership ... Monitor counselor caseloads, productivity, documentation, and treatment outcomes. * Review and ...

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... Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment programs. The Clinical Supervisor provides leadership ... Monitor counselor caseloads, productivity, documentation, and treatment outcomes. * Review and ...

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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 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Detroit, MI is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $26.73 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 Detroit, MI?

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

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Detroit, MI 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 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,069 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

SUD IOP OP Counselor

Detroit, MI • On-site

Elmhurst Home Inc
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 51 - 200 employees

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description


SUMMARY OF MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

The Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Counselor provides support to individuals struggling with substance use disorder within an intensive outpatient program (IOP) setting. The counselor is responsible for delivering individual and group counseling, developing treatment plans, and offering ongoing support to help clients achieve recovery goals. The role requires expertise in addiction counseling, a strong understanding of evidence-based therapeutic practices, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Assessment and Evaluation

-    Administer screening tools e.g. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ-7), Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS), etc. 

-    Complete Biopsychosocial History, client centered Individual Plan of Services (IPOS) inclusive of Strength Needs Abilities and Preferences (SNAP) to ensure authorization of services, and American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) in support of treatment.

-    Routinely monitor and document client progress in treatment e.g., making adjustments to IPOS as needed and referral source reports e.g. Probation Progress Report.

-    Assess readiness for change to inform CRSP changes, level of care, and discharge planning.

•    Individual and Group Counseling

-    Provide individual counseling sessions with clients, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

-    Facilitate group therapy sessions, addressing topics such as relapse prevention, coping strategies, anger management, and family dynamics.

-    Lead psychoeducational groups on substance use, addiction recovery, and mental health awareness.

-    Collaborate with clients, their families, and other professionals to develop and implement holistic care strategies.

-    Provide family counseling sessions as necessary and aligned to IPOS.

-    Provide crisis intervention and support as necessary, to include the development of Crisis Plans.

•    Case Management

-    Complete Case Management Needs Assessment and continually monitor for updates to services to be provided, linked, referred, monitored, etc. 

-    Collaborate with clients, their families, and other professionals to develop and implement 

holistic care strategies.

-    Participates as an active, cooperative, and collaborative member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team.

•    Documentation and Reporting

-    Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation and other required paperwork within the Electronic Health Record.

-    Ensure compliance with organizational policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards for confidentiality and record keeping.

-    Complete periodic progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.

•    Collaboration and Teamwork

-    Work closely with other counselors, social workers, medical staff, family members, and stakeholders to ensure comprehensive care.

-    Participate in case review meetings, team discussions, and supervision to ensure high-

quality client care.

-    Provide backfill support and coverage as determined by program needs e.g. including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

-    Participates in scheduled in-services and other appropriate training activities to ensure consistent adherence to all training requirements of the agency, for credentialing, and/or licensure

-    Performs other duties as related to direct service activity.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•    Work experience in the health, human services, or behavioral sciences field, or current enrollment toward a degree in these fields.

•    Preferred one year of Substance Use Disorder treatment experience.

•    Documented successful completion and/or development plan of the Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) or Certified Alcohol Advance Drug Counselor (CAADC) offered by the Michigan Certification Board of Addiction Professionals within 30 days of date of employment and continuously maintained CADC or CAADC credentialing or development plan.  

•    Must possess a B.A. degree (from an institution accredited by one of the Regional Institutional Accrediting Agencies recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and listed by the U.S. Government Office of Postsecondary Education) in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Human Services, 

•    If recovering, shall have at least (3) years of consistent, verifiable sobriety immediately prior to application.  No active police warrants.  May not be on probation or parole if the position requires work with EHI criminal justice system contracts.

•    Must not have been convicted of a felony for at least (2) years prior to application.

•    Must be able to pass LEIN check.