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Substance Use Disorder Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pay: $27.00 - $28.50 per hour Substance Use Disorder Professional We are a nationally recognized substance abuse treatment company. Our primary mission is to provide quality and individualist ...

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Substance Use Disorder Professional information

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$63.9K

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

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use disorder professional in the United States is $63,862.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substance Use Disorder Professional, and why are they important?

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 degree is best for a substance abuse counselor?

A substance use disorder professional typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many states require a master's degree in counseling, social work, or psychology for licensure and to provide independent counseling services. Relevant certifications and supervised clinical experience are also important for career advancement.

How long does it take to get CADC certification?

For a Substance Use Disorder Professional pursuing CADC certification, the process typically requires completing 300 to 350 hours of approved education, gaining at least two years of supervised work experience, and passing a certification exam. The total time varies depending on the individual's schedule and whether they meet all prerequisites beforehand.

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.

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.

Is CADC certification worth it?

For Substance Use Disorder Professionals, CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification can enhance job prospects, demonstrate specialized knowledge, and may be required by some employers or states. It often involves completing specific training, supervised work hours, and passing an exam, which can lead to higher earning potential and career advancement.

What is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors are often those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, and specialized skills, earning salaries that can exceed $70,000 annually. In some cases, senior or clinical supervisors in private practices or specialized treatment centers may earn higher compensation. Salary varies based on location, employer, and level of expertise.
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Substance Use Disorder Professional Lead Counselor

Substance Use Disorder Professional Lead Counselor

Compassionate Addiction Treatment

Spokane, WA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Salary: $28 - $31 Hourly

Substance Use Disorder Professional / Lead Counselor


About Compassionate Addiction Treatment

Compassionate Addiction Treatment (CAT) is a nonprofit outpatient treatment center in Spokane, Washington. We provide compassionate, low-barrier care for people experiencing substance use disorders, homelessness, justice involvement, mental health challenges, and other barriers to stability and recovery.


Our work is grounded in compassion, dignity, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, recovery support, and the belief that people deserve care that honors their humanity.


Position Summary

Compassionate Addiction Treatment is hiring a full-time Substance Use Disorder Professional / Lead Counselor for our outpatient and intensive outpatient substance use disorder treatment program in Spokane, Washington.


This role is ideal for an experienced SUDP who enjoys supporting clinical quality, mentoring developing counselors, strengthening documentation practices, and helping SUDPT staff grow in confidence, clinical reasoning, ASAM application, treatment planning, assessment skills, and ethical documentation.


The Substance Use Disorder Professional / Lead Counselor will review clinical documentation completed by SUDPT staff, provide clear and supportive feedback, identify training needs, and help strengthen the connection between assessments, ASAM dimensions, individualized service plans, session content, progress notes, and discharge planning.


This position works under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor and closely with the Director of IOP/OP to support consistent, trauma-informed, clinically meaningful care. In addition to lead responsibilities, this role will carry a small clinical caseload and may complete assessments, provide individual counseling, facilitate groups, and support intake, transition, and discharge processes as needed.


We are looking for someone who can bring clinical skill, humility, curiosity, and compassion to a team that cares deeply about clients and community.


Key Responsibilities

  • Review SUDPT documentation, including assessments, individualized service plans, progress notes, monthly reports, discharge summaries, and related clinical documentation.
  • Provide timely, constructive feedback that supports documentation quality, clinical accuracy, ASAM application, and ethical practice.
  • Support SUDPT staff in developing clinical reasoning, session structure, treatment planning, intervention use, client engagement, and documentation skills.
  • Model trauma-informed, culturally responsive, harm-reduction oriented, and client-centered care.
  • Identify documentation patterns, training needs, clinical concerns, or quality improvement opportunities and communicate them to the Clinical Supervisor.
  • Assist with onboarding, training, mentoring, chart review, and quality improvement activities as assigned.
  • Carry a small clinical caseload and provide direct services as needed, including assessments, individual counseling, group counseling, treatment planning, and discharge planning.
  • Collaborate with counselors, peer specialists, case managers, MAT providers, outreach workers, shelter staff, reentry staff, and community partners.
  • Support a clinical environment that balances compassionate care, professional accountability, documentation integrity, and meaningful client engagement.

Required Qualifications

  • Current Washington State Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) credential in good standing.
  • 2 years experience providing substance use disorder assessments and treatment services.
  • Strong understanding of ASAM criteria and DSM substance use disorder diagnoses.
  • Knowledge of Washington Administrative Code requirements related to SUD treatment services.
  • Ability to review clinical documentation and provide clear, supportive, constructive feedback.
  • Ability to support SUDPT staff in developing clinical reasoning, treatment planning, documentation quality, and ethical practice.
  • Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and follow-through skills.
  • Commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed, low-barrier care for people experiencing substance use disorder, homelessness, justice involvement, mental health challenges, and other barriers.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience mentoring, training, or supporting SUDPT staff.
  • Experience working in outpatient, intensive outpatient, or low-barrier substance use disorder treatment settings.
  • Experience reviewing clinical documentation for quality, compliance, and clinical relevance.
  • Familiarity with harm reduction, recovery-oriented systems of care, and peer-based recovery support.
  • Lived experience with recovery, homelessness, behavioral health systems, justice involvement, or related life experience is valued.

Schedule

This is a full-time weekday position.


Compensation

$28.00 $31.00 per hour, depending on experience.


Benefits

  • Two weeks paid vacation
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid sick time
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Lifestyle spending account
  • Annual license renewal paid