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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

BEYOND HEALTH LLC

Substance Use Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$58K - $72K/yr

The ideal Substance Use Counselor will be entrusted with a manageable caseload of individuals who are turning to you for guidance, support, and hope as they navigate their recovery journey. You'll ...

BEYOND HEALTH LLC

Substance Use Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$58K - $72K/yr

The ideal Substance Use Counselor will be entrusted with a manageable caseload of individuals who are turning to you for guidance, support, and hope as they navigate their recovery journey. You'll ...

BEYOND HEALTH LLC

Substance Use Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$58K - $72K/yr

The ideal Substance Use Counselor will be entrusted with a manageable caseload of individuals who are turning to you for guidance, support, and hope as they navigate their recovery journey. You'll ...

baymark

Substance Use Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$44K - $80K/yr

Substance abuse counselor will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting ... Our ultimate goal is to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of opioid use disorder ...

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Silver Spring, MD is $26.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $29.81 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 Silver Spring, MD?

For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,768 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Substance Use Counselor

ELITE HEALTH CARE INC.

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Substance Use Counselor – Elite Healthcare
Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available

Position Summary
Elite Healthcare is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Substance Use Counselor to provide high-quality care to individuals experiencing substance use disorders. Under general supervision, the counselor delivers comprehensive services including screening, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and ongoing support. This role plays a key part in helping clients achieve and maintain recovery through evidence-based practices, while ensuring all documentation and services meet regulatory and ethical standards.
Key Responsibilities

  •  Conduct screenings and assessments to determine client eligibility and level of care for substance use treatment. 
  •  Complete comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations to inform individualized treatment planning. 
  •  Develop, implement, and update person-centered treatment plans based on client progress and clinical needs. 
  •  Facilitate Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) group sessions and provide individual counseling focused on recovery and relapse prevention. 
  •  Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, including progress notes, group notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries. 
  •  Document all services in the electronic health record (EHR) system in compliance with state, federal, and organizational requirements. 
  •  Coordinate care and referrals to community resources, including medical, psychiatric, and social support services. 
  •  Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and relapse prevention strategies as needed. 
  •  Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to support integrated, client-centered care. 
  •  Ensure compliance with confidentiality laws (HIPAA) and client rights regulations. 
  •  Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development to maintain and enhance credentials. 
  •  Complete all assigned responsibilities within required timeframes. 
Qualifications

  •  Minimum of one (1) year of experience in substance use disorder or chemical dependency counseling. 
  •  Active Maryland certification in good standing as one of the following: ADT, CSC-AD, CAC-AD, or LCADC (required). 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  •  Strong knowledge of substance use disorders, including diagnostic criteria (DSM) and ASAM placement criteria. 
  •  Experience with evidence-based practices such as relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral interventions. 
  •  Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to substance use treatment. 
  •  Familiarity with community resources and recovery support systems. 
  •  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong clinical documentation abilities. 
  •  Ability to build rapport and maintain professional, ethical relationships with diverse populations. 
  •  Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced clinical environment. 
Work Environment

  •  Work is performed in a clinical setting with frequent interaction with clients, staff, and the public. 
  •  Role may involve managing crisis situations and working with clients experiencing emotional or behavioral distress. 
  •  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 
Additional Information

  •  Performs other duties as assigned to support program operations and client care.