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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Vocational Specialist - ACT

Springfield, MO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation ... Some knowledge of supervisory and training techniques and practices used in a substance use ...

Clinical Provider, LPC

Springfield, MO

$54K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Clinical Provider, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor, Outpatient Therapy, Behavioral Health, Mental Health Counselor, Telehealth Services, Counseling, Psychotherapy, Substance Use Treatment ...

Family Coordinator

Springfield, MO · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 counseling services, legalassistance, & financial consultation ... High school diplomarequired Lived experience raising a child with substance use, mental health, or ...

Family Coordinator

Springfield, MO · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position offers... • Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 counseling services, legal ... substance use, and community service systems • Assist families in identifying, developing, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Substance Use Counselor information

See Springfield, MO salary details

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Springfield, MO is $23.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.25 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 Springfield, MO?

For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,191 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Vocational Specialist - ACT

Brightli

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Brightli rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description:

Job Title: Vocational Specialist - ACT
Location: Springfield, Mo.
Department: ACT
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary:

The incumbent of this position is responsible for developing and implementing all phases of clients' vocational services. They provide individualized career planning, job placement and retention support. They are responsible for marketing clients and services, developing career opportunities, creating employer relationships, supporting clients at their job site and facilitating long-term vocational success. Employment Specialists are experts regarding their local labor market, analyzing trends and partnering with employers to meet recruitment needs.

The Vocational Specialist position offers...

  • All-Inclusive Employee Benefits Package - A robust full-time employee benefits package encompassing health, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance, wellness program, and more
  • Telemedicine - 24/7 phone, web, or mobile app medical, behavioral health, & dermatology visits
  • Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
  • Paid Time Off - 29 days per year including vacation & holiday pay
  • Workplace Culture** - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting healthy, joyful workforce engagement

Key Responsibilities:

  • Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders and team members with dignity and respect.
  • Adhere to all confidentiality, CARF and contractual standards during provision of services.
  • Maintain flexibility in work availability including evenings, overnights and weekends as necessary.
  • Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological and educational information, and utilize this information to assist clients with individualized career planning, job development and retention services.
  • Schedule and participate in team/planning meetings that discuss individual clients and their employment goals with shared decision-making.
  • Conduct orientation for clients to explain services and discuss their rights, responsibilities and disclosure.
  • Assist clients with individualized career planning through interviews, community-based activities and vocational counseling to determine strengths, needs, abilities and preferences in relation to their personal and employment goals.
  • Assist clients with individualized benefits planning at the onset of services, before starting a new job and when making decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
  • Teach and reinforce job seeking and job retention skills with clients.
  • Create employer relationships and provide employer services designed to develop competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
  • Serve as an advocate for clients with employers, referral sources and other stakeholders (family, schools, other social service agencies, etc.)
  • Educate employers regarding benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and facilitate job accommodations (e.g., assistive technology Adaptations, job carving, etc.)
  • Promote the System, services and clients in a professional manner with employers and through participation in community events and awareness activities, this may include making presentations or public speaking.
  • Maintain frequent contact with referral sources for the purpose of discussing shared clients and identifying potential referrals.
  • Report job development outcomes and other relevant information to supervisor on a regular basis (e.g., referrals, placements, retention, areas of concern, etc.)
  • Respond to crisis that may occur with clients at their worksite.
  • Travel extensively to conduct job development and supports, including transporting clients.
  • May be required to provide on-site or off-site job supports for clients.
  • Other duties as assigned by Leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • The individual should have a good understanding of how to support individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, and/or independent living.
  • Knowledgeable about case management and rehabilitation methods, principles and techniques as they relate to mental health and/or substance use disorders.
  • Knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders and know how to access community resources.
  • Knowledge of the methods and modalities as well as the legal requirements and court procedures related to treating mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
  • Some knowledge of supervisory and training techniques and practices used in a substance use disorders/mental health setting.
  • Ability to evaluate services within assigned program and give input.
  • Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are important for producing clear and concise reports
  • Strong customer service skills are also necessary.
  • Proficiency in computer knowledge, including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and other electronic media.

Experience and/or Education Qualifications:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required.
  • An associate or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred.
  • At least one year of experience providing employment services.

Position Perks & Benefits:

Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life

Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more

Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive

Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within

Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness.

Brightli is on a Mission:

A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.

As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Burrell Behavioral Health is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.


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