ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

WCPSS

Substance Use Prevention Specialist

Cary, NC

Overview POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) COUNSELOR WORKING TITLE Substance Use Prevention Specialist SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Counseling LOCATION Crossroad II, Cary, NC PAY GRADE School Counselor ...

WCPSS

Substance Use Prevention Specialist

Cary, NC · On-site

Overview POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) COUNSELOR WORKING TITLE Substance Use Prevention Specialist SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Counseling LOCATION Crossroad II, Cary, NC PAY GRADE School Counselor ...

ncgCARE

Substance Use Therapist (3476)

Durham, NC

$50K - $62K/yr

Deliver individual and group substance use disorder counseling using evidence-based approaches. * Support clients in developing skills for recovery, relapse prevention, and long-term stability.

New Hope

SUBSTANCE ABUSE THERAPIST BUTNER, NC

Butner, NC · On-site

$39K - $49K/yr

Master's degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related behavioral health field * Licensed in North Carolina (LCAS) * Will consider MH with substance use experience. * Ability to pass ...

WakeMed

Supv, Behavioral Health Services

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Ensures exceptional behavioral health and substance use counselor, psych social work and transitional care employee competencies, and ensures appropriate staffing to meet patient, family and hospital ...

New Hope

SUBSTANCE ABUSE THERAPIST BUTNER, NC

Butner, NC · On-site

$39K - $49K/yr

Master's degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related behavioral health field * Licensed in North Carolina (LCAS) * Will consider MH with substance use experience. * Ability to pass ...

New Season

Substance Abuse Counselor

Raleigh, NC

$19.75 - $26.75/hr

... Use Disorder ("OUD"). As a Licensed Clinician, you'll supervise and coach a team of Substance Abuse Counselors who are eager to learn and grow professionally. You'll work with a collaborative ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSubstance Use Counselor JobsSubstance Use Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Substance Use Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Raleigh, NC is $24.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $28.03 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, and why are they important?

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.

Is becoming a substance abuse counselor worth it?

A substance use counselor helps individuals recover from addiction by providing therapy, support, and education. The role often requires certification, strong communication skills, and emotional resilience, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of substance abuse issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others and making a positive impact on community health.

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 is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors are often those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or who work in specialized settings such as private practice or healthcare facilities. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, with some senior or specialized roles earning higher compensation depending on location and employer.
What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:
Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 13% Full Time, 82% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,499 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR - 40010879

Durham County

Durham, NC • On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov
DEPARTMENT:
JUSTICE SERVICES
DATE POSTED:
DECEMBER 5, 2025
CLOSING DATE:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
HIRING RANGE:
$55,366.00 - $66,000.00
POSITION NUMBER:
40010879
JOB TYPE:
FULL-TIME, NONEXEMPT, PROVISIONAL
**THIS POSITION IS PROVISIONAL (GRANT) AND BENEFITS ELIGIBLE WITH POTENTIAL FUNDING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29, 2028**
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The work performed is professional and provides counseling to clients to develop their cognitive, behavioral, and social skills related to the treatment plan for their substance use addiction(s) and behavioral health needs.
This position works under general supervision.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.
  • Assists clients develop their cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills as those skills relate to the treatment plan for their substance abuse addiction(s).
  • Screens clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders. Uses standardized tools to screen clients and conduct intakes, orientations, and assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories).
  • Develops individual treatment plans (daily regimens, behavioral goals, and after care); conducting individual and group counseling sessions; performing crisis interventions; providing client education and making referrals.
  • Collaborates with community-based agencies to assist in providing enhanced services for clients in the community.
  • Performs case management including record-keeping and report submissions to the supervisor and the treatment team.
  • Develops and completes person-centered plan with intake or comprehensive clinical assessment. Provides and engages clients in individual counseling in accordance with their person-centered treatment plan.
  • Serves as a member of the facility's multidisciplinary team and provides an initial diagnosis, recommended treatment, and follow-up and discharge plans.
  • Uses discretion and judgment to determine a substance use diagnosis.
  • Conducts psycho-educational groups using evidenced based treatment models when assigned.
  • Works exclusively with the Justice Services involved populations who have diagnosable substance use disorders (and often co-occurring mental health conditions).
  • Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for diagnosing substance use disorders.
  • Knowledge of addiction processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.
  • Knowledge of psycho-pharmacy and drug interactions.
  • Knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy.
  • Knowledge of community resources.
  • Skilled in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.
  • Skilled in formulating clear, goal-oriented treatment plans, and to concisely record documentation.
  • Skilled in developing and maintaining effective communication and rapport with clients, their families, and other health/therapy providers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Requires credentials as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or as a Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP) with a minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience to practice under the provisions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Act.
Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist - Associate (LCAS-A), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC or LCMHC-S), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW or LCSW-A) or Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) with substance abuse work experience of two (2) years will be considered.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:
  • None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
  • None

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply