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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Substance Use Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$44K - $80K/yr

Description Compassionate Substance Ab use Counselor Needed! Position Overview: Substance abuse counselor will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 14, 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, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,768 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Substance Use Counselor

Baltimore, MD • On-site

David's Loft Clinical Programs
Outpatient Health Care • 1 - 10 employees

$22 - $29.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

The Substance Use Counselor will provide case-management, individual counseling and collaborative treatment planning and discharge planning to adults with primary substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues; services are delivered under supervision of the Clinical Director. This individual must have a clear understanding of substance use disorder and mental issues throughout the age continuum. David’s Loft Clinical Programs provides multiple level of; inclusive of the entire clinical staff are stakeholders in the patients successfully developing an evidence-based recovery plan to maintain their sobriety.

Compensation: $62,000K to $65,000K

Status: Exempt

Essential Job Duties:
  • Provide case management, discharge planning and referrals for patients assigned to group to appropriate level of care.
  • Conduct group/ individual sessions while establishing therapeutic alliance and maintaining effective working relationship with patient.
  • Maintain chart documentation, under supervision, according to Joint Commission, COMAR and David’s Loft Clinical Programs requirements
  • Collaborate with other clinical staff to manage emergent and complex patient issues including cross-coverage of patient assigned to other counselors as needed
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ASAM and DSM V criteria relative to the assessment of patient needs throughout course of treatment. Attends and participate in clinical out-patient treatment team meetings, multidisciplinary clinical staff meetings along with in-service and other assigned training
  • Determine patient strengths through counseling assessment; integrate patient’s expressed goals into treatment planning including achievable steps with specified target date and documenting patient’s progress
  • Work collaboratively with patients and out-patient clinical staff, under the supervision of the Clinical Director, to provide care to each patient based on their unique and expressed need, strengths, values, and preferences
  • Conduct drug testing as need in accordance with COMAR standards for Out-Patient level of care
  • Other duties as assigned with the scope of role
Required Education and Experiences:
  • AA degree from accredited college of university with course work in behavioral health
  • Two years of recovery-oriented sobriety may be substitutes for one of education
  • One year of work /or internship in behavioral healthcare to include individual and group counseling
  • A strong ability in motivational interviewing is highly desired
Required License/ Certifications:
  • Approval as an Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) is required
  • Certification as Certified Supervised Counselor Alcohol and Drugs (CSC-AD) or higher from the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist is required prior to expiration of ADT approval
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association, within 30 days of hire
  • Valid Driver license and driving record with no more than 2 points
Benefits Include:
  • PTO
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Vision Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Elective 401K retirement plan

We look forward to hearing from you!

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