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Substance Use Disorder Professional Jobs in Virginia

Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor: CSAC-R, CSAC - must be eligible to obtain within 90 days of employment. * Licensed Mental Health Professionals: LPC-R, LPC, LCSW-R, LCSW, LSATP * Please ...

... LPP, LMHC, LPP, LPCC, LPCC-S, LPC, LCADC with ability and willingness to obtain licensure ... work, substance use disorder treatment, therapy, human services, social services, medication ...

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Substance Use Disorder Professional information

See Virginia salary details

$24.3K

$63.3K

$108.1K

How much do substance use disorder professional jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use disorder professional in Virginia is $63,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $74,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use disorder professional?

A Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) is a trained and certified individual who specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating people with substance use disorders. They provide counseling, develop treatment plans, and support clients in overcoming addiction to drugs or alcohol. SUDPs work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and community organizations, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. Their goal is to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery, improve their quality of life, and prevent relapse.

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

To thrive as a Substance Use Disorder Professional, you need a background in counseling, understanding of addiction treatment modalities, and relevant certifications such as a CADC, SUDP, or LADC. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), screening tools like the ASAM Criteria, and knowledge of evidence-based interventions are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, cultural competence, and emotional resilience help professionals build trust and support clients through recovery. These skills are critical for delivering effective treatment, fostering positive client outcomes, and maintaining compliance with clinical and ethical standards.

What are some common challenges faced by substance use disorder professionals when working with clients, and how can they be managed?

Substance Use Disorder Professionals often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and co-occurring mental health disorders. Building strong therapeutic relationships and employing motivational interviewing techniques can help address resistance and foster trust. Additionally, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams—including medical staff, social workers, and counselors—provides a comprehensive approach to care. Ongoing professional development and supervision are also vital for managing emotional stress and maintaining effective, evidence-based practices.

How do you become a substance use disorder professional?

To become a substance use disorder professional, individuals typically need to obtain relevant education such as a certification or degree in addiction counseling or a related field, complete required supervised clinical hours, and obtain licensure or certification through the state's licensing board. In Washington state, this may involve becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Licensed Substance Use Disorder Professional (LSUDP) by meeting specific education, experience, and exam requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Disorder Professional jobs in Virginia?

For Substance Use Disorder Professional jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Substance Use Disorder Professional jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Substance Use Disorder Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Disorder Professional job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,314 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Substance Use Counselor

Acadia Healthcare

Richmond, VA • On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Acadia Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 191 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

698th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program

Seeking: Substance Use Counselor

  • CSAC-S, CSAC, or CSAC eligible (required)

Full-Time Hours: Monday - Friday 5 AM - 1:30 PM

Our Benefits: 

  • Semi-Annual Bonus Program
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Competitive 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Employer-paid clinical supervision (free to employees)
  • Free and unlimited access to 500+ accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering continued support to employee lifestyle and well-being
  • Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
  • Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry

Our Team:

Broad Street Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Richmond, VA, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, the leading provider of medication-assisted treatment in the nation. Our counseling team provides compassionate, high-quality counseling and therapy to patients that are seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.

Your Job as a Substance Use Counselor:

The Substance Use Counselor is instrumental in our patient’s treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder. Substance Use Counselors provide high quality, compassionate care through various mediums which include both individual and group counseling sessions.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
  • Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
  • Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
  • Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
  • Initial assessments as well as follow up assessments.
  • Evaluate patient needs and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
  • May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
  • Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
  • Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care as needed.
  • Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients, as needed.

Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibility here: HRSA Eligibility

Role Location: Virginia

Calculated Salary Range for role: $26.00 - $32.00 per hour


Required Education, Skills, and Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor's degree in counseling, social, or health services field, with 2+ years’ experience in counseling or social services field; 
  • Master's degree in counseling, social, or health services field, with 1 year of professional work experience; 
  • Degree must be from an accredited college or university. 
  • Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.

  • Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

  • Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.

  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.

  • Documentation experience, including maintaining clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

  • Familiarity with state regulatory standards (e.g., 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, Joint Commission standards).

  • Experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary team with medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Required Licenses/Certifications:  

  • Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor: CSAC-R, CSAC – must be eligible to obtain within 90 days of employment. 
  • Licensed Mental Health Professionals: LPC-R, LPC, LCSW-R, LCSW, LSATP 
  • Please note that anyone with an “R” on their license is required to have their supervisor sign off on all documentation notes. 

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

#LI-CTC

#LI-JW1


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About Acadia Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider in the healthcare and hospital industry, based in Franklin, Tennessee, United States. The company is recognised for its commitment to creating a behavioural health network that provides accessible, high-quality treatment options for individuals suffering from mental health issues, addiction, eating disorders, and PTSD. Acadia Healthcare was founded in 2005, with the mission to create a world-class organization that sets the standard of excellence in the treatment of specialty behavioural health and addiction disorders.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2005

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