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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in New Port Richey, FL

Operation Par Inc.

Counselor

Largo, FL · On-site

$20.40 - $25.50/hr

Counseling includes discussion of issues associated with MAPS patient's substance use and other co ... occurring conditions to work toward a constructive resolution of those problems and ultimately ...

Westcare

Mental Health Counselor

Tampa, FL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

The Mental Health Counselor will be responsible for planning and coordinating the clinical activities related to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services. Mental Health Counselors are ...

Operation Par

Care Coordinator

Largo, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Knowledge of substance use, mental health, harm reduction, and trauma informed care * Identify ... Master's degree in counseling or a directly related field with two years of direct client service ...

Operation Par Inc.

Care Coordinator

Largo, FL · On-site

$19.08 - $20.40/hr

Knowledge of substance use, mental health, harm reduction, and trauma informed care * Identify ... Master's degree in counseling or a directly related field with two years of direct client service ...

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Substance Use Counselor information

See New Port Richey, FL salary details

$12

$22

$31

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in New Port Richey, FL is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $25.67 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 are popular job titles related to Substance Use Counselor jobs in New Port Richey, FL?

For Substance Use Counselor jobs in New Port Richey, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in New Port Richey, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in New Port Richey, FL are:

What cities near New Port Richey, FL are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near New Port Richey, FL with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in New Port Richey, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 66% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,187 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Counselor

Operation Par Inc.

Largo, FL • On-site

$20.40 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Operation PAR, Inc. is a non-profit organization offering the full continuum of services for individuals with substance use and/or mental health disorders.  PAR has been providing comprehensive behavioral health treatment in west Florida since 1970 through advocacy, education, clinical services, and research.


BENEFITS:

  • 9 paid holidays per year
  • 3 weeks of PTO per year (on top of holidays).  PTO increases to 4 weeks/year after 2 years of employment, and then to 5 weeks/year after 5 years of employment.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
  • 401k matching
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Continuing education, reimbursement for professional certifications, licensure and qualified supervision.


GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Performs substance abuse and mental health counseling work on an individual patient basis and in a group setting. Duties primarily consist of conducting and documenting services such as counseling, psycho-educational groups, psychosocial assessment, case management, and treatment planning. Counseling includes discussion of issues associated with MAPS patient’s substance use and other co-occurring conditions to work toward a constructive resolution of those problems and ultimately toward recovery. May be required to use telehealth services to provide clinical screenings, assessments, and counseling.


SCOPE OF PRACTICE: Clinical services are limited to the following:

  • Screening and psychosocial assessment
  • Treatment planning and referral
  • Service coordination and consultation
  • Continuing assessment and treatment plan reviews
  • Recovery support services
  • Crisis intervention
  • Individual, family, and community education
  • Documentation of progress
  • Counseling, including:
    1. Individual counseling
    2. Group counseling
    3. Counseling with families, couples, and significant others


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Commitment to workplace of dignity and respect
  • Compliance with all Equal Employment Opportunity rules and guidelines
  • Ability to work with others cooperatively and cordially in a spirit of teamwork
  • Ability to appear at work as scheduled, mindful of the company’s attendance policies
  • Ability to accept direction from managers and supervisors in a respectful and collaborative manner


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Bachelor's or Master’s degree from an accredited university or college with a major in counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or a related human services field.
  2. Registered marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, and mental health counseling intern.
  3. Certified master’s degree level addiction professional (MCAP) certified by the Florida Certification Board
  4. Certified addictions professional (CAP) certified by the Florida Certification Board
  5. Certified addiction counselor (CAC) certified by the Florida Certification Board


ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/TECHNICAL SKILLS:

  • Ability to write accurately and legibly
  • Moderate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Windows-based computers
  • Ability to accurately type at least 40 words per minute.
  • Ability to sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time

• Ability to bend, stoop and reach

• Ability to sit in meetings for extended periods of time

  • Ability to move throughout program facilities both indoors and outdoors

• Ability to lift and carry 10 pounds

• Good hearing and vision

Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must pass a level II background check (https://info.flclearinghouse.com) and drug screen
  • Must maintain current training as required by Operation PAR, Inc. policies

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

  • Treatment program / Office
  • Fast paced environment
  • Exposure to individuals who may be experiencing emotional distress or agitation
  • Possible exposure to clients with communicable diseases