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

Grief, loss, and bereavement counseling * Screen, diagnose (using DSM criteria), and provide therapeutic interventions for mental health and/or substance use disorders. * Assist with identification ...

Associate Professional

Clayton, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Position intended for non-licensed mental health counselors. * Bilingual candidates are encouraged ... health/substance use experience. * Bachelor's degree in a human services field with less than 2 ...

Position intended for non-licensed mental health counselors. * Bilingual candidates are encouraged ... health/substance use experience. * Bachelor's degree in a human services field with less than 2 ...

... and co-occurring substance use disorders. * Provide continuity of care through intake ... Provide counseling on adherence to treatment and behavioral interventions. * Prescribe/manage ...

Dispensing Nurse - LPN

Durham, NC · On-site

$23.25 - $31.75/hr

An ideal dispensing nurse candidate works cooperatively with supervisory counseling staff and demonstrates a non-judgmental and accepting attitude toward the Substance Use Disorder. Essential Duties ...

Dispensing Nurse - LPN

Durham, NC · On-site

$23.25 - $31.75/hr

An ideal dispensing nurse candidate works cooperatively with supervisory counseling staff and demonstrates a non-judgmental and accepting attitude toward the Substance Use Disorder. Essential Duties ...

Dispensing Nurse - LPN

Durham, NC · On-site

$25 - $33.75/hr

An ideal dispensing nurse candidate works cooperatively with supervisory counseling staff and demonstrates a non-judgmental and accepting attitude toward the Substance Use Disorder. Essential Duties ...

RN or LPN Dosing Nurse

Durham, NC · On-site

$35 - $38/hr

MOUD is the use of medications, in combination with counseling, mental and behavioral therapies, to provide a holistic approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. MOUD is the gold standard ...

Showing results 41-60

Substance Use Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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?

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 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:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,499 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Clinical Social Worker

Duke Health

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 15 days ago


Duke Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 256 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
About Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
Clinical Social Workers external candidates are eligible for a $5000.00 Commitment Bonus paid over 1 year
The Clinical Social Worker provides comprehensive psychosocial assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and discharge planning services to support patients and families coping with hospitalization, illness, treatment, and complex life situations. Clinicians address emotional, behavioral, mental health, and substance use concerns while collaborating closely with the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Level I clinicians function as independent practitioners providing assessment, intervention, counseling, crisis response, and care coordination.
Level II clinicians perform all Level I duties plus serve as team leaders, providing clinical and administrative supervision, supporting team operations, and participating in performance management.
Duties and Responsibilities
Level I Responsibilities
  • Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients and families to identify emotional, social, and environmental strengths and needs.
  • Develop and implement individualized psychosocial treatment plans using appropriate interventions, including:
    • Crisis intervention
    • Short- and long-term individual, family, marital, and group therapy
    • Grief, loss, and bereavement counseling
  • Screen, diagnose (using DSM criteria), and provide therapeutic interventions for mental health and/or substance use disorders.
  • Assist with identification, assessment, and management of cases involving abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and sexual assault; provide related training to healthcare professionals.
  • Deliver patient and family education on coping with illness, treatment, hospitalization, and life changes.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings; serve as a liaison providing clinical social work expertise.
  • Provide consultation to healthcare team members within scope of practice.
  • Maintain knowledge of medical/legal issues affecting patient care (e.g., advance directives, elder/child abuse laws).
  • Coordinate patient and family needs for pre- and post-hospital services, including community resources.
  • Document assessments, treatment plans, interventions, and encounters according to departmental and health system standards.
  • Participate in teaching, training, research, committee work, and other academic activities supporting the institution's mission.
  • Maintain accurate records, statistics, and required reports.
  • Attend staff meetings and participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
  • Stay current with trends in clinical social work and healthcare through supervision and continuing education.
  • May participate in on-call or after-hours coverage as required.

Level II (In Addition to Level I)
  • Provide clinical and administrative supervision for social workers and clinical social workers.
  • Lead team meetings, coordinate staffing coverage, and support workflow management.
  • Assist with hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes.
  • Help implement departmental, hospital, and health system initiatives.
  • Model advanced clinical practice, conflict resolution, and leadership behaviors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Level I
  • Adherence to NASW ethical standards and NC licensure regulations.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Solid knowledge of clinical social work practices.
  • Proficiency in assessment, interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention.
  • Working knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders and related interventions.
  • Ability to practice autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Strong interpersonal and team-building skills.
  • Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and navigate change effectively.
  • Basic computer skills.

Level II
  • All Level I competencies, plus:
  • Strong supervisory, leadership, and team-building skills.
  • Ability to resolve conflict and support team performance.
  • Ability to guide and implement organizational initiatives at the unit or department level.

Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • Level I & Level II: Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work.

Experience
  • Level I:
    • Two years of post-internship social work experience in a healthcare or social service setting required.
    • Two years of recent post-master's clinical experience preferred.
  • Level II:
    • All Level I requirements plus five years post-master's experience in a healthcare or social service setting.
    • Demonstrated experience in leadership and staff supervision.

Licensure / Certification
  • Level I & Level II:
    • Current Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential from the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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