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

Unity Health Care

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Certified Addiction Counselor (DOC)

Washington, DC · On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

Position Summary Under the direction of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Director, the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) provides addiction-focused services to individuals receiving care ...

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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?

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 Reston, VA?

For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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.

Residential Specialist: Substance Use Treatment

Arlington, VA • On-site

Phoenix House of the Mid-Atlantic Inc
See more jobs at Phoenix House of the Mid-Atlantic Incexternal

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Monitor therapeutic milieu and patient activities

  • Respond to patient crises and emergencies as needed

  • Monitor and facilitate patient recreation, free time, job functions, and mealtimes

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
SUMMARY:
National Capital Treatment & Recovery-formerly Phoenix House-is a nonprofit behavioral health organization with a long-standing commitment to supporting individuals in recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders. We are currently seeking a dedicated and reliable Residential Specialist to join our Adult Men's Residential Treatment Program in Arlington, VA.
The program is a 60-bed residential program that offers medically monitored and clinically managed intensive residential treatment services for adult men. This intensive residential program helps break the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse and equips men with the tools needed to be successful at the next appropriate level of care.
Shifts Needed:
3pm-11:30pm Wednesday-Sunday Full-Time
Saturday & Sunday all shifts PRN
At least 3 shifts per month are required to be worked to stay active.
This position is in a structured, therapeutic setting that supports adult men in early recovery. As a Residential Specialist, you will play a key role in maintaining a safe, supportive, and substance-free environment during the overnight hours.
This role is ideal for someone who is calm under pressure, has a strong sense of personal and professional boundaries, and is passionate about supporting others through recovery. If you're looking for meaningful work in a mission-driven environment and want to be part of a team helping individuals change their lives, we encourage you to apply.
Compensation:
  • $20-$25/hour, with an opportunity to earn more based on experience, education, and relevant credentials

Key responsibilities include:
  • Monitor therapeutic milieu and patient activities
  • Conduct random and regular walk-throughs of the program
  • Respond to patient crises and emergencies as needed
  • Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and respect for patients in all interactions
  • Maintain objectivity toward all patients and make decisions based on accurate information
  • Maintain observation of all patient areas (dining room, living room, group rooms, patio, bedrooms) to monitor patient activities
  • Transport patients to outside activities, night AA meetings, and appointments as needed
  • Monitor patients leaving for and returning from pass
  • Organize transportation for patients as necessary, including Taxi Voucher/Medicaid Cab procedures
  • Communicate with staff in meetings regarding patient participation and progress
  • Provide patient milieu information in staff log
  • Document behavioral changes and any behavioral management issues in Welligent and shift log as appropriate
  • Meet at least monthly with supervisor for supervision
  • Attend morning shift report to give and receive patient milieu updates
  • Attend residential staff and clinical problem-solving meetings as scheduled
  • Document significant patient issues in staff log and patient health record (Welligent) and complete Incident Reports in Welligent as needed
  • Monitor and facilitate patient recreation, free time, job functions, and mealtimes
  • Present and facilitate Life Skills training and 12-Step Education
  • Provide information on AA/NA to patients through 12-Step education
  • Conduct orientation for new patients based on program handbook
  • Maintain urine testing schedule and follow procedures for monitoring, documenting, and transporting urine to urinalysis facility
  • Document in Urine Log and prepare specimens for labs; take stat urine as needed
  • Conduct random search of possessions of patients returning from pass
  • Conduct random weekly urinalysis of residents as directed by Residential Manager/Supervisor/Coordinator
  • As applicable, administer medications and conduct medication pass; count medications at shift change (only if 32-hour Medication Aid Training is completed)
  • For applicable programs, distribute medication to patients for self-administration according to procedure
  • Carry out any additional responsibilities as needed to ensure the effective functioning and therapeutic milieu of the treatment programs

Equal Opportunity Employer providing equality of opportunity to all who are protected against discrimination by law, regulation or executive order, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
EEO is the Law: Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. Click http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf to learn more.
National Capital Treatment & Recovery, formerly Phoenix House, conducts as needed, job-related background checks, fingerprints, drug testing, physical exams, medical exams, TB testing, verification of employment history and/or reference checks prior to employment.
Requirements
EDUCATION/CREDENTIALS:
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Certification as a substance abuse counselor (CSAC-A, CAC, CSAC) required within 6 months of employment

EXPERIENCE:
  • Minimum one (1) year experience working in a substance abuse treatment setting preferred

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of addiction treatment and of 12 Step recovery process preferred
  • Certified in First Aid and CPR, Medication Management a plus
  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus

Salary Description
$20-$25/hr

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