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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Lexington, SC (NOW HIRING)

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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 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Lexington, SC is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $24.71 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 Lexington, SC?

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

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Lexington, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Lexington, SC are:

What cities near Lexington, SC are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Lexington, SC with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Lexington, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,347 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Mental Health Professional I / ACT Substance Abuse Counselor (Catawba)

State of South Carolina

Cayce, SC • On-site

$51K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Responsibilities Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives. Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor for the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness.

If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply. This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Catawba Community Mental Health Center (CCMHC), 205 Piedmont Blvd, Suite 100, Rock Hill, SC 29730 As a Mental Health Professional I / Substance Abuse Counselor, on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, you will provide evidence-based services in an intensive non-residential treatment and rehabilitative services. This is a single fixed point of responsibility for treatment, rehabilitation, and support needs for patients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who require higher levels of community care and have not been well supported in lower level of care options.

Responsibilities for this Mental Health Professional I / Substance Use Counselor: Provide direct services to patients using cognitive behavioral approaches and relapse prevention and use outreach and motivational interviewing techniques in earlier stages of change readiness. Facilitate access to 12 step groups and other community groups. Conduct comprehensive substance use assessments and assesses and tracks beneficiary's stages of change readiness and stages of treatment.

Ensure patients are seen in accordance with their needs and the team's treatment approaches are consistent with beneficiary's stages of change readiness. Facilitate the person-centered planning process for beneficiaries assigned to them. Participate in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, and pursue professional development.

Serve as a consultant and educator to ACT team members on the topic of integrated dual disorder treatment. Complete documentation according to Office of Mental Health / Quality Assurance standards, comply with Corporate Compliance Policy and Risk Management Plan, and Ensure timely completion of prior authorizations. Complete all annual required trainings to include Safety, MAPS, Cultural Affairs, and clinical trainings.

Minimum and Additional Requirements A Masters' degree in guidance, counseling or the social sciences or a related field. Licensed as an Addiction Counselor in SC or Master Addiction Counselor. Preferred Qualifications Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments Post hire, employees must: Practical therapeutic knowledge of principles, methods and counseling practices and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of addictions and mental disorders. Ability to listen, understand and communicate information and ideas so that others will understand. Knowledge of psychopathology, family dynamics, family and group psychotherapy.

Ability to identify and effectively utilize resources available in the community to accomplish objectives. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families and representatives of other professional disciplines. Be able to deliver services in the community and patients' homes.

Perform all job duties and provide all services and documentation in compliance with CARF, OMH, CCMHC, Quality Assurance, Compliance, HIPAA, Transcultural and Productivity Standards, Policies and Procedures. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.

Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information. 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave S.C

Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation) Retirement benefit choices * State Retirement Plan (SCRS) State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) *Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.


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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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