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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor under general supervision and as part of a team, is responsible for the administration of standard screening and risk assessments with participants. This position ...

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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:

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 Abuse Counselor - CAC or CSC

Park West Health System, Inc

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$60K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Location: Baltimore, MD.
Position Type: Full Time.
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree.
Salary Range: $60000.00 - $63000.00 annually.
Job Category: Regular.

General Summary of Responsibilities:
  • Certified Associate Counselor - Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD).
  • Certified Supervised Counselor- Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD).

The Substance Use Counselor will provide clinical services, including but not limited to conducting substance use assessments and screenings, providing treatment recommendations for people with substance use disorder, as well as those with co-occurring diagnoses (substance use and mental health). Additionally, the substance use counselor will initiate treatment planning, conduct individual therapy, group therapy, process referrals, provide case management, and coordinate discharges. This position functions as a fully integrated member of the multidisciplinary team to provide therapeutic services to assist individuals with substance use diagnoses to obtain and maintain abstinence. The Substance Use Counselor will apply an integrated approach to address each individual client based on their medical needs, mental health needs, and relapse prevention needs.
Essential Functions:
  • Complete screening and assessments to gather detailed information about client history in order to best diagnose, determine treatment needs, and make treatment recommendations.
  • Responsible for providing 1:1 case management to individuals with substance use disorders.
  • Develops client-centered treatment plans and goals to address needs that are identified during assessment and interactions with the client, family, and referral source.
  • Helps clients identify the social determinants that contribute to their recovery
    success, as well as the personal/societal triggers that inhibit their progress.
  • Service coordination and case management for Substance Use Disorders and Co-Occurring Disorders.
  • Provides crisis intervention and counseling services to clients and family to assist with addressing their emotional and behavioral health needs related to substance use disorder and psychosocial stressors, and to encourage compliance with treatment recommendations.
  • Ongoing assessment and treatment (or referral for treatment) of barriers such as mental health and/or physical health.
  • Facilitate substance use groups on a weekly basis to cover such topics as psychoeducation about substance use, relapse prevention, co-occurring diagnoses, emotional agility, and coping skills.
  • Counseling, therapy, and trauma-informed care with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
  • Provide referrals for continued care of clients and conduct follow-up phone calls, letters, etc.
  • Conduct random urinalyses of clients to promote ongoing sobriety.
  • Monitor results of other toxicology reports, including but not limited to blood and urine.
  • Submit daily billing sheets for each billable service performed.
  • Obtain and document insurance authorizations for assessments, concurrent services, and at discharge.
  • Attend weekly meetings with the Substance Use Disorder Team. Attend monthly All Staff meetings and Departmental meetings.
  • Documents all clinical encounters as set forth by the agency and licensing agencies.
  • May be required to attend case conferences, interdisciplinary team meetings, and required trainings.
  • Provide crisis interventions with clients and other interactions with emergency contacts as needed.
  • Engage in outreach efforts on behalf of the agency to recruit new clients.
  • Collaborate with primary care staff; serve as a liaison for clients and medical staff.
  • Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge, certifications, and licensure.
  • May be required to provide services to multiple locations within the organization.
  • Presents self with a professional demeanor and represents the organization/ department in a positive manner.
  • Completes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge:
  • Certified Associate Counselor - Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD).
  • Certified Supervised Counselor- Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD).
  • At least three (3) years of experience in substance use counseling.
  • Must have knowledge of diagnosis criteria for substance use disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- Fifth Edition (DSM-V).
  • Must have knowledge of the criteria for the different levels of care according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
  • Must have clinical knowledge of the factors associated with substance use disorder, and how to effectively manage and overcome challenges to acquire/maintain recovery, and how to independently function in the community.
  • Some knowledge of mental health diagnostic criteria according to DSM-V and recognizing co-occurring challenges.
  • Accurately document and assess the emotional, mental, physical, and social functioning of persons, using evidence-based tools, observation, and knowledge of the behaviors and patterns associated with substance use disorder.

Skills:
  • Must have interpersonal skills and the ability to develop rapport and effectively work with persons/families with substance use disorder, mental illness, and various community support representatives.
  • Willing to appropriately and effectively use "confrontation" skill to hold the client accountable in recovery efforts. Have effective de-escalation skills to appropriately mitigate crisis.
  • Willing to accept the client where they are according to the Stages of Change Model and patiently and consistently provide support as the client transitions between stages.
  • Use of evidence-based therapeutic approaches for working with the substance use population, such as Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
  • Reference individuals to community resources to support recovery efforts.
  • Effective Time management skills to handle a fast-paced work environment and maintain the ability to meet all required deadlines.

Abilities:
  • Ensure substance use services are provided in compliance with COMAR and Joint Commission guidelines.
  • Ability and willingness to use clinical experiences to inspire, teach, motivate, encourage, train, communicate, and support members of the clinical team and clients/families.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the ethics, values, standards, boundaries, and practices of the clinical and substance use treatment.
  • Ability to communicate and work productively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including primary care medical staff, dental, and other behavioral health disciplines.
  • Ability to work independently and practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Park West Health System is an equal opportunity employer. 
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