1

Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Disorder Trainee

Seattle, WA · On-site

$23 - $31/hr

The counselor is the agent for providing services to patients in a individual and group format, performing assessments. These clients have a primary diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder and may also ...

Showing results 21-40

Substance Use Counselor information

See Renton, WA salary details

$15

$28

$40

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Renton, WA is $28.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $32.45 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 Renton, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Renton, WA are:

What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,591 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Substance Use Disorder Trainee

Seamar

Seattle, WA • On-site

$23 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Job description

Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 medical, dental, and behavioral health clinics and a wide variety of nutritional, social, and educational services. We are recruiting for the following position:

Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization

Sea Mar's Behavioral Health department is seeking a full time Substance Use Disorder Professional or Trainee (SUDP/T) for their White Center, WA Substance Use Department. This individual is responsible for providing direct counseling services to patients. The counselor is the agent for providing services to patients in a individual and group format, performing assessments. These clients have a primary diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder and may also have emerging substance use disorders with the belief that total abstinence is required for ongoing recovery from alcoholism and other drug addiction. The person in this position will be required to follow other instructions and to perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Counselor will understand the services at the organization follow a client-centered model with emphasis on integrated care.

Supervision towards licensure provided. Incentive pay available.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

* Provides screening and evaluation of individuals and refers them as needed to the treatment/service programs as are available in the facility and in the community.

* Provides individual and group counseling for persons in the process of discovering and dealing with substance use related problems and emerging mental health issues.

* Implements electronic health record system, Federal/State/County reports, patient surveys, and submits on a monthly basis to Program Manager.

* Maintains professional standards and follows the treatment policies and procedures of the facility, and of the federal, state, and local regulations, especially WAC 388-805 requirements.Has a thorough working knowledge of appropriate WAC, and RCW's.

* Prepares current patient progress reports and completion notices and provides them to the courts, probation departments, families and referral sources when appropriate.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

* The person in this position shall have no history or evidence of alcohol or other drug misuse for a period of three (3) years immediately prior to the date of employment at the facility, and no misuse of alcohol or other drugs while employed at Sea Mar.

* Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

* Ability to speak effectively before clients or employees of organization.

* Must be able to perform a minimum of 40 face-to-face encounters per week. If less than 40 per week, then must meet a minimum of 85 direct service hours per week.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

* For (SUDPT) Trainee, must have completed all the classes required to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional and must have completed all the practicum hours required by the State Department of Health to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional. Must have current Substance Use Disorder Trainee Registration with the State Department of Health.

* For (SUDP) Professional designation, applicant must possess an Associate's degree, and the required certificate that qualifies them to be a Substance Use Disorder Professional.Must hold an active SUDP license from the Washington State Department of Health.

* Preferred to have relevant work experience.

* Must have and maintain First Aid, CPR, and HIV certification throughout employment.

* Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, but not required.

Hourly - Hourly Plan, 26.22 USD Hourly

What We Offer:

Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it's a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours or more, receive an excellent benefit package of:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Prescription coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Paid-time-off starting at 24 days per year + 10 paid Holidays.
  • We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment.

Sea Mar is an equal opportunity employer.

Please visit our website to learn more about us at www.seamar.org. You may also apply thru our Career page at this link.