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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Substance Use Counselor

Washington, DC · On-site

$28.13 - $29.13/hr

Description Position at MedMark Treatment Centers Compassionate Substance Use Disorder Counselor Position Overview: License Substance Use Disorder Professional/Intern will be in charge with assisting ...

Substance Use Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$47K - $60K/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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Substance Use Counselor information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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:

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

MedMark Treatment Centers

Washington, DC • On-site

$28.13 - $29.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Medmark Treatment Centers rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

Compassionate Substance Use Disorder Counselor

 Position Overview:

License Substance Use Disorder Professional/Intern will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting treatments and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts individual sessions and group sessions to assist with crisis management and coping strategies. Counselor will evaluate patients’ progress during counseling and collaborate with doctors, nurses and other counselors to assist the patients’ achieving overall outcome.

Responsibilities:

  • Completes Bio-psychosocial assessment
  • Provide individual and group counseling services; direct service hours at regularly scheduled intervals; coordinate all services throughout treatment
  • 55% of each workday provides direct services to clients
  • Develop aftercare plans and discharge plans
  • Conducts quality assurance file reviews
  • Ensures accurate and current clinical records are maintained in accordance with Federal and State Regulations governing NTP clinics
  • Other related duties as determined by supervisor

Qualifications:

  • Must hold a CAC I or higher.
  • A Certified CDP or a person who meets the requirements of a certified CDP in DC, and who is eligible to take the examination required for certification.
  • Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen

Salary Range:

Salary ranges from $28.13 to $29.13 an hour. 

The salary of the candidate(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including   but not limited to, experience, education, specialty and training.

BayMark offers excellent benefits:

  • 401K match
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Accident Injury, Hospital Indemnity and Critical Illness Plans
  • Company paid Short & Long Term Disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Sick Time
  • Employee Referral Program

Total compensation goes beyond the value on the paycheck. Please consider the total compensation package by contacting us at BayMark Health Services for more information

What to expect from us:

MedMark Treatment Centers, a BayMark Health Services company, is a progressive substance abuse treatment organization committed to the highest quality of patient care in a comfortable outpatient clinic setting.  Our ultimate goal is to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of opioid use disorder to help each of our patients achieve long-term recovery and an improved quality of life.  

BayMark Health Services is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, natural origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition, disability or veteran’s status or any other classification protected by State/Federal laws.


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