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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Racine, WI (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 Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Racine, WI is $23.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $27.07 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 job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Racine, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Racine, WI are:

What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Racine, WI with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 55% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,677 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Substance Use Counselor/Case Manager - Glover

Wisconsin Community Services

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$21 - $28.25/hr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Substance Use Counselor/Case Manager
 Position Summary:
This position provides ongoing individual and group counseling, case management and supervision of adult male ex-offenders within a Residential Reentry Center. The position oversees all aspects of an assigned caseload of individual residents throughout their participation in the residential service program.

Essential Functions:

  • Conduct all Substance Use related functions of intake/assessment/education/individual and group counseling/referral/treatment planning utilizing Evidence Based Cognitive Therapies that incorporate the principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI), the Stages of Change and Trauma Informed Care, and maintaining fidelity to these models.
  • Conducts Intakes using ASI, ASAM, and URICA assessments
  • Maintain all resident records as required by the residential program, funding sources, and other licensing bodies.
  • Coordinate community referrals and maintain follow-up to document progress.
  • Provide case management to the residents by giving them a programming schedule and ensuring all of their needs are met.
  • Collaborating with the resident’s DCC Agent and providing notifications of any Accident/Incident Reports.
  • Participates in weekly Community Reintegration Plan meetings with other treatment staff and DCC Agent to create initial Community Reintegration Plan and review resident’s progress.
  • Develop Individualized Treatment Plan and monitor progress towards completion of goals.
  • Conduct weekly one-to-one counseling sessions with residents and document Case Note.
  • Work with other Substance Use Counselor/Case Manager to ensure resident’s needs are met.
  • Facilitate groups and assist with providing coverage for other groups.
  • Coordinate resident’s mental health treatment with Mental Health Counselor/Case Manager.
  • Motivate residents to follow program expectations by using motivational incentives to reinforce positive achievement/ behaviors and, when needed, impose appropriate sanctions when residents are non-compliant.
  • In conjunction with the Assistant Program Director/Program Director, approve/deny passes per resident compliance.
  • Provide crisis intervention as needed.
  • Ensures that all required resident surveys are completed.
  • Completes all discharge summaries.
  • Maintain positive working relationships with other staff, corrections personnel, and other community representatives.
  • Attend weekly IDT supervision sessions and monthly All Staff meetings
  • Other duties as directed to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
     


Minimal Qualifications:

Minimum of an associate’s degree in social-service area; However, BA degree in social services is preferred.
Must have at a minimum, a Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor-In Training certification (SAC-IT). SAC or CSAC preferred.  Supervision provided.
Experience in providing AODA program services to correctional residents using cognitive behavioral methodology and training in Motivational Interviewing (MI) a plus.
Able to demonstrate the ability to deliver service to this population and have an understanding of implementing and delivering evidence-based practices.
Must have or attend training to become certified in CPR, First Aid, Fire Safety, Universal Precautions, and other certifications as required by funding source, and/or licensing. 
Must clear Caregiver and Background checks, and physical exam prior to hire.  
Must have valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements.

Work Relationship and Scope:

Reports directly to the Assistant Program Director/Program Director. Works with counseling, resident monitors, and other staff within the residential program, as well as maintaining working relationships with corrections representatives, program consultants and other agency personnel. Primary focus of this position is to provide individual, group counseling, case-management services to residents, and ensure offender accountability to maintain public safety.

Personal Attributes:

Follow agency Code of Conduct and Leadership Code of Conduct. Adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources. Conduct self in an ethical manner. Maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, clients, and all external persons and agencies involved with service provisions. Sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, and disability issues. Demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

This person must have the counseling knowledge skills and abilities to deliver services using Cognitive Based Evidence Best Practices for this population. Minimum of Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor-In Training Certification (SAC-IT). Additional knowledge of corrections, mental illness, current DSM, and pharmacology is preferred. Have an ability to communicate effectively and in a positive manner with staff and clients. Have an ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations. Be sensitive toward cultural, ethnic, and disability issues. Have good organizational and computer skill. Be effective in use of time and ability to assist clients with various activities.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed in the residential facility, in an office or meeting room. Some meetings, appointments, or training are held at other locations. Hours average 40 hours per week, mostly first shift, but some second-shift hours possible; May occasionally require driving a resident to an appointment.

Physical Demands:

Transporting residents is occasionally necessary. Valid driver's license and insured auto is required. Some meetings must be attended at other locations. Must be able to lift 10 to 15 pounds. Must be able to conduct emergency CPR/First Aid as needed. Position requires sitting at a desk for several hours. Must have ability to climb two to three flights of stairs.

Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability, status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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