ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

New Season

Substance Abuse Counselor with LCAS-A

Durham, NC

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

As a Substance Abuse Counselor you'll engage with your patients with individual, group, and/or ... Use Disorder ("OUD"). Curious what your day-to-day may look like and how you'll be making a big ...

UNC HEALTH

Clinical Addictions Specialist

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$28.87 - $41.50/hr

... substance use treatment-related education and mentoring to Psychiatry residents, medical students, and psychology, social work, and counseling interns. 7. Provides both face-to-face and virtual ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Clinical Instructor

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

Experience providing therapy, clinical case management, substance use counseling, intervention and referral services to culturally diverse populations. * Strong engagement and rapport-building ...

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 14, 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.

How much does Cadc make?

In North Carolina, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) typically earns between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, certification level, and work setting. Salaries can increase with additional credentials, specialized skills, and supervisory responsibilities.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs for substance use counselors are uncommon, as most earn significantly less than $2000 daily. However, experienced or specialized professionals in private practice, consulting, or executive roles in healthcare may reach high daily earnings, especially with advanced certifications and a strong client base.

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 type of counseling gets paid the most?

In the field of substance use counseling, specialized roles such as addiction program directors or clinical supervisors tend to have higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and experience requirements. Counselors with advanced certifications, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or those working in private practice or inpatient facilities, often earn higher wages. Salary also varies based on location, education level, and years of experience.

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.
Counsel/Student Srv - 820/920

Counsel/Student Srv - 820/920

Wake County Public School System

Cary, NC

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Wake County Public School System rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 549 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

COUNSELOR

WORKING TITLE

Substance Use Prevention Specialist

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

School Counseling

LOCATION

Crossroad II, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

School Counselor/Social Worker salary scale

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Yes

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a Hybrid Telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Under limited supervision, performs a variety of substance abuse prevention in elementary, middle, and/or high schools. Assists in developing, implementing, and facilitating quality substance abuse prevention programs for students. Collaborates with school personnel, other support staff, parents, students, and various community agencies to deliver effective substance use prevention education and tobacco cessation services to students and staff. Performs other duties in student services and monitors prevention and intervention services in the elementary, middle, and/or high schools. Performs special projects, as needed. The position and grant are scheduled to end at the completion of the 2030-2031 school year.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of substance use prevention and intervention programs;
  • Comprehensive knowledge of current local, state, national, and global trends in substance use prevention and intervention;
  • Considerable knowledge of program evaluation to support continuous improvement;
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
  • Effective skills in creating and managing effective presentations, including the capability to use relevant technology;
  • Effective crisis response skills;
  • Effective strategic planning skills and experience supporting system-level improvement;
  • Effective time management and organizational skills;
  • Strategic problem-solving skills;
  • Ability to facilitate effective meetings;
  • Ability to support a collaborative working environment;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, community groups, vendors, external agencies, and the public.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Health Education, or a related field;
  • Five years of successful experience working with adults and/or adolescents on substance abuse education, prevention, and intervention issues; OR
  • Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License for school social work, school

counseling, or related area;

  • Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master’s degree in social work, counseling, education, or a related field.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Assists elementary, middle, and/or high school administrators, school support staff, and other school personnel in developing, implementing, and evaluating substance abuse prevention services.
  2. Collaborates with schools and departments to discuss issues related to substance abuse prevention services in the schools.
  3. Provides consultation to school personnel on identification and intervention strategies for students identified as having substance abuse problems.
  4. Provides services to high-risk students in the alternative and other special schools on an as needed basis.
  5. Provides substance abuse prevention education classes in the schools.
  6. Provides tobacco cessation services to students and staff, as needed.
  7. Intervenes with students and families to coordinate substance abuse services, as needed.
  8. Consults with community agencies in providing outside services to schools.
  9. Maintains records and provides reports of services rendered.
  10. Provides substance abuse prevention workshops for schools, parents, and the community.
  11. Reviews various publications and attends workshops, seminars, etc. to continuously upgrade professional knowledge.
  12. Performs other related duties, as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, external agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force. The work requires driving automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 9/2025

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.


What Wake County Public School System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Wake County Public Schools logo

About Wake County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

Industry

Education

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1976

View All Wake County Public Schools Jobs

Apply