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Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Merced, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $32/hr

Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor II, III (SUDCC-II, II) * Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II, III (CADC-II, III) * Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor II, III (CATC-II, III) * Must ...

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Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc information

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$14

$25

$35

How much do substance use disorder counselor cadc jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use disorder counselor cadc in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges substance use disorder counselor CADCs face when working with clients, and how can they effectively manage these situations?

Substance Use Disorder Counselor CADCs often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and managing co-occurring mental health issues. Building strong therapeutic relationships, maintaining clear boundaries, and practicing evidence-based interventions help counselors navigate these situations. Regular supervision, peer support, and ongoing professional development are also essential for managing stress and enhancing effectiveness in this emotionally demanding role.

What is a substance use disorder counselor CADC?

A Substance Use Disorder Counselor CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) is a professional who helps individuals struggling with substance use disorders. They assess clients, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and support recovery efforts. CADCs are trained and certified to use evidence-based practices to address addiction and related issues. They often work in various settings such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community organizations. Their main goal is to guide clients toward healthier, substance-free lives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance use disorder counselor CADC?

To thrive as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CADC), you need a background in counseling, knowledge of addiction treatment models, and typically a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and clinical documentation standards is important for day-to-day responsibilities. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust are crucial for effective client engagement and motivation. These competencies ensure effective support for clients, compliance with legal requirements, and positive outcomes in addiction recovery.

What is the difference between Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectSubstance Use Disorder Counselor CadcSubstance Abuse Counselor
CertificationsRequires CADC credential, supervised experience, and examsMay require similar certifications, but often less standardized
Work EnvironmentClinics, treatment centers, hospitals, community agenciesRehab centers, outpatient clinics, community programs
Industry UsageCommonly used in formal settings with certification standardsOften used interchangeably, but may lack formal certification

The main difference is that a Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc holds a specific certification (CADC) and meets standardized requirements, whereas a Substance Abuse Counselor may not always have formal credentials. The CADC credential ensures a recognized level of expertise and is preferred in many professional settings.

More about Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc jobs
What cities are hiring for Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc jobs? Cities with the most Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc job openings:
What states have the most Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc jobs? States with the most job openings for Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc jobs are:
Infographic showing various Substance Use Disorder Counselor Cadc job openings in the United States 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 $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor - CAADC, CADC

VitalCore Health Strategies

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$53K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


VitalCore Health Strategies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join the VitalCore Team in Delaware! We’re people fueled by passion, not by profit!


VitalCore Health Strategies (VCHS), an industry leader in Correctional Health Care, has an opening for a Substance Use Disorder Counselor at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington, DE for Full-Time!


Pay is based on experience and having a CADC.


You will be given the opportunity to utilize your training, skills and experience in a face-to-face setting with people from a variety of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Being able to see the impact you are making with these individuals, when they are at their lowest, least hopeful points. You will be working as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team comprised of Medical, Psychiatry, Ancillary, Security, Legal, community providers and psychiatric hospitals. The best part of this – It is done in real-time with real people!


SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR PACKAGE TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term/Long Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K & Plan Matching
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR POSITION SUMMARY:
The SUD Counselor will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with all other disciplines on the Behavioral Health Unit to provide a proactive and collaborative approach in serving the patient population. Flexibility of working days, evenings and weekends
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Graduation from a Bachelor's level program or higher
  • Employment in a clinician/counselor/social work capacity in a public or private agency or equivalent preferred.
  • Must have a substance use certification (i.e., CADC, CAADC) or must be actively working towards attaining a substance use certification and must obtain the certification within two years of hire.
  • Individuals who are not certified must be under the direct supervision of a certified clinical supervisor with written documentation of supervision.
  • Flexibility of working days, evenings and weekends


SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Professionals will provide crisis stabilization, complete intakes and on-going evaluations, and provide consultation to in-house and community services.
  • Participate in monthly behavioral health calls, work collaborative with the medical team to best determine overall treatment for each individual.
  • The SUD Counselor performs risk assessment of inmates; coordination of care with interdisciplinary team including medical staff, community providers, psychiatric hospitals and corrections; and discharge planning.
  • The SUD Counselor assists in planning and implementing the goals and objectives of programs and projects.
  • The SUD Counselor provides the necessary preparation of documentation, necessary records and reports.
  • The SUD Counselor utilizes clinical skills such as prioritizing treatment needs; crisis management; brief clinical interventions including CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
  • Excellent and timely documentation skills required.
  • The ideal candidate is able to make independent clinical decisions, while utilizing assistance and supervisory intervention, as needed.

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.


Keywords: LPC, LSW, Correctional Facility, Behavioral Health, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, LCSW, LCPC, LMSW, LPC, substance use disorder, SUD, mental health



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