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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Port Richey, FL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Port Richey, FL is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $25.58 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 cities near Port Richey, FL are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near 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 Port Richey, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,968 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Masters Level-Outpatient Counselor

Phoenix House Florida

Tampa, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform mental health screening and biopsychosocial assessments on potential admissions and make judgments on admission acceptance or rejection.

  • Provide individual, group, and family therapy, and recommend follow-up treatment for new admissions with Axis I or II diagnosis.

  • Maintain current, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation and reports in a timely manner.

Job description

OUR MISSION:
We are passionate about healing individuals, families and communities challenged by substance use disorders and related mental health conditions.

Job description:
Full-Time Master Level Counselor needed!
This is a substance use treatment facility providing individualized services with a legacy spanning nearly 30 years.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform mental health screening and biopsychosocial assessments on potential admissions and make judgments on admission acceptance or rejection.
  • Recommend follow-up treatment for new admissions with Axis I or II diagnosis.
  • Provide individual, group, family therapy, and other clinical services.
  • Perform urine drug screening.
  • Maintain current, accurate and confidential clinical documentation and reports in a timely manner.
  • Hold clients accountable when necessary for inappropriate or negative behaviors and utilize effective confrontation techniques and behavior interventions to help improve behavior.
  • Ensure debriefing with staff at the beginning and end of each shift with the oncoming staff.
  • Ensure immediate communication with program leadership on outstanding incidents involving absconders, physical violence, suicidal threats, and physical accidents involving staff or clients, and extreme negative behavior.
  • Adhere to all Phoenix House policies and procedures.
  • Ensure program quality and integrity through the effective compliance with contracting and licensing agency established guidelines.
  • Participate in staff meetings and training exercises as directed.
  • Represent Phoenix House in court, interagency meetings, and community affairs as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Knowledge of emotional and physical needs of substance abusers.
  • Ability to work with a diverse criminal justice population.
  • Ability to establish appropriate boundaries and non-possessive, professional relationships with all clients in treatment, including former clients served.
  • Working knowledge and ability to apply effective crisis intervention techniques.
  • Ability to assess clients for lathery and self-harm.
  • Working knowledge of commonly described anti-depressants, anti-anxiety agents, and commonly used psychotropic medications.
  • Working knowledge of therapy approaches for substance abuse clients possessing co-occurring disorders.
  • Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills.
  • Must possess excellent time-management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to maintain a good working relationship with all co-workers and the general public and to use good judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Ability to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns. This includes the ability to help build a constructive team spirit where team members are committed to the goals and objectives of the team.
  • Must be computer-literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
  • Ability to operate general office equipment in the completion of job responsibilities.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the electronic health record system (Welligent) sufficient to fulfill the duties required by this position within 30 days of employment.

Education/Experience:
Must have a master's degree in counseling, Mental Health, Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university. Previous experience in a Therapeutic Community (TC) setting preferred.

Benefits:
  • 401(k).
  • 401(k) matching.
  • Dental insurance.
  • Employee assistance program.
  • Employee discount.
  • Flexible schedule.
  • Flexible spending account.
  • Health insurance.
  • Health savings account.
  • Life insurance.
  • Paid time off.
  • Parental leave.
  • Professional development assistance.
  • Referral program.
  • Retirement plan.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Vision insurance.

Job Type: Full-time.

Education:
  • Master's (Required).

Experience:
  • Individual / group counseling: 1 year (Preferred).
  • Addiction counseling: 2 years (Preferred).

Work Location: In person.