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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

People Encouraging People

Peer Counselor

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$19.20 - $21.15/hr

The Peer Counselor will provide expertise that professional training cannot replicate. POSITION ... Staff should have lived experience with homelessness, mental health and/or substance use. Should be ...

cbi

Certified Addiction Counselor

Washington, DC

$25 - $33.30/hr

Certified Addiction Counselor Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) is an integrated behavioral healthcare ... Minimum of six months of recovery from substance use and/or mental health disorders required.

cbi

Certified Addiction Counselor

Washington, DC

$25 - $33.30/hr

Certified Addiction Counselor Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) is an integrated behavioral healthcare ... Minimum of six months of recovery from substance use and/or mental health disorders required.

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Reston, VA is $26.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.26 and $30.00 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 job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:
Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 15% Full Time, 80% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,116 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselor

Behavioral Health Group

Washington, DC • On-site

$32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Requirements: Bachelor's or Master's in human services or related field + CAC l, CAC ll, LGPC, LGSW, LICSW, or LPC in Washington, DC
Pay Range: $32 per hour + potential quarterly bonus
Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited treatment centers and the leading provider of opioid addiction treatment services. We are dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders. With over 116 locations in 24 states, our team of more than 1,900 employees serves over 42,000 patients.
Job Summary:
As a Counselor at Behavioral Health Group (BHG), you will assist patients in identifying and leveraging their strengths to achieve social, educational, and occupational goals. You will help patients prepare for and adjust to a drug-free life, providing emotional and physical support for various challenges. Reporting to the Counselor Supervisor or Program Director, you will ensure adherence to schedules, program policies, and all regulatory requirements, performing duties within the scope of your license or certification.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Conduct regular alcohol and drug abuse counseling sessions and group sessions as required.
  • Orient patients to treatment program operations and procedures.
  • Collect and assess social, educational, economic, and vocational information.
  • Develop and revise patient treatment plans, maintaining comprehensive records.
  • Make appropriate referrals and perform necessary follow-ups.
  • Assist in implementing new programs and advise on caseload management.
  • Provide in-service training to staff and hold a basic understanding of addiction.
  • Conduct intake/readmission services and provide supportive follow-up counseling.
  • Provide crisis intervention and inter-agency documentation.
  • Coordinate care with community providers as needed.
  • Participate in and provide in-service training required by federal, state, local, and accrediting agencies.
  • Attend conferences, meetings, and training programs.
  • Schedule and attend regular in-service training.
  • Perform OBOT services and report any work-related issues immediately.
  • Other duties as assigned by the supervisory team.
  • Comply with all federal, state, and local regulatory agency requirements.
  • Adhere to accrediting agency standards.
  • Participate in community and public relations activities as assigned.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's or Master's in human services or related field. CAC l, CAC ll, LGPC or LPC required.
  • Experience in behavioral health preferred, not required.
  • In addition to meeting the qualifications, the ideal candidate will embody the following characteristics and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below:
    • Ability to make decisions and use proper judgment with confidential and sensitive issues
    • Ability to deal appropriately with patient and team members in stressful or other undesirable situations and to seek direction from supervisors when necessary
    • Must be able to react quickly and make effective decisions
    • Ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of human behavior to show potential for rehabilitating drug dependent patients
    • Knowledge of the substance abuse population, treatment planning and the field of human social services to work toward the rehabilitation of the patient community
    • Compliance with federal and state regulations regarding certification, licensure, and degree.

Why Join BHG?
  • Work-Life Balance: Enjoy generous paid time off, holidays, and personal needs. Benefit from flexible schedules with early in/early out hours, no nights, and no Sundays.
  • Investment in Your Growth: Prioritize your development with role-based training and advancement opportunities.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Choose from three benefits programs, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance. Enjoy tuition reimbursement and 401K plan with discretionary match.
  • Recognition and Rewards: Experience competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses.
  • Employee Perks: Access exclusive discounts on various services and entertainment options, and benefit from our Employee Assistance Program and self-care series.

At BHG, we thrive on the greatness of our people. Join us and become part of a community that values excellence, integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of others.
BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.
Starting Pay Range: $32 per hour
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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