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Substance Use Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Polk City, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR Post Date: Apr 24, 2026 Location: Polk City, FL, US, 33868Position Type: Full Time Requisition Number: 33965 Work Schedule: Monday - Friday Who is Gateway Foundation? Gateway ...

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge ...

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Polk City, FL

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge ...

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Polk City, FL

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge ...

SUBSTANCE USE - COUNSELOR

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

By having a mobile clinic positioned at various locations throughout the county, we will expand and enhance access to populations who historically struggled to obtain substance use and behavioral ...

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Polk City, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge ...

Substance Use Counselor

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

This is a highly responsible position in which the candidate will work as part of a team of professionals providing substance abuse treatment in a residential facility. The candidate must have the ...

Substance Use Counselor

Melbourne, FL

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

This is a highly responsible position in which the candidate will work as part of a team of professionals providing substance abuse treatment in a residential facility. The candidate must have the ...

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Substance Use information

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

To thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by state licensure or certification in addiction counseling. Familiarity with treatment planning software, electronic health records (EHRs), and evidence-based intervention techniques is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and strong communication abilities are essential for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding individuals through treatment, ensuring ethical care, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in substance use counseling, and how can they be effectively managed?

Substance use counselors often encounter challenges such as managing client relapse, navigating complex co-occurring mental health disorders, and maintaining clear professional boundaries. Building strong therapeutic alliances, participating in regular supervision, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can help address these difficulties. Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and self-care strategies are also essential for sustaining effectiveness and personal well-being in this emotionally demanding field.

What is a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor is a professional who helps individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support through assessment, treatment planning, counseling sessions, and recovery strategies. Substance use counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to guide clients toward recovery and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.

What is a job that helps people with addiction?

A common job that helps people with addiction is a substance use counselor or addiction counselor. These professionals provide therapy, support, and education to individuals struggling with substance use disorders and often require certification or licensing. They work in clinics, treatment centers, or community organizations to assist clients in recovery.

What is the difference between Substance Use vs Substance Use Counselor?

AspectSubstance UseSubstance Use Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certificationCertification required (e.g., CADC, CSAC)
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, hospitals, outreach programsRehabilitation centers, clinics, private practice
Industry UsageRefers to the issue or topic of substance useRefers to professionals providing treatment and support

Substance Use describes the issue or behavior related to the consumption of substances, while a Substance Use Counselor is a trained professional who provides treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance use problems. The counselor's role involves assessment, counseling, and developing recovery plans, whereas Substance Use refers to the broader topic or problem itself.

What job categories do people searching Substance Use jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Substance Use job openings:
Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Florida as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 38% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 49% Remote job distribution.
SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

Gateway Foundation

Polk City, FL • On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR
Post Date:
Apr 24, 2026
Location:
Polk City, FL, US, 33868Position Type:
Full Time
Requisition Number:
33965
Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections

Perks of working in correctional healthcare:

  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
  • Exposure to diverse patient demographics
  • Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
  • Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting
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Counselors are responsible for:

  • Conducts client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history.
  • Evaluates client response to treatment to recommend modifications to the treatment plan and assist with caseloads and development of individualized treatment plan and preparing individually appropriate goals, interventions, and necessary support.
  • Assists with and provides basic didactic group counseling, including psychoeducation, drug education, and family education to ensure peer support occurs.
  • Provides individual client counseling, educational programs and lectures to address relapse prevention, problem solving, behavior modification, anger management, etc., and to assist in overcoming substance use disorder, adjusting to pro-social life, and making cognitive and behavioral changes.
  • Under direct supervision and with supervisor's approval, carries case load, per State and contract requirements.
  • Collaborates with clients to develop discharge summary and plans for supervisor's approval to integrate aftercare treatment with referral resource services.
  • Coordinates required services to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations in support of continued recovery.
  • Collects and maintains treatment records and reports to ensure organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

  • Education / experience / certifications / licensure must meet contractual requirements:
    • Candidates with a Bachelor's/Master's degrees in a related field will also need at least 6 months of professional experience in substance use counseling and/or mental health counseling. If the degree is not in a related field then the candidate needs 1 year of professional experience.
    • Candidates with PhD degrees will need 1 year of experience if their degree is not in a related filed.
    • Candidates with an Associate degree will need at least 4 years of professional experience in substance use counseling and/or mental health counseling.
    • Candidates with a H.S. diploma/GED need 6 years of experience.
    • Candidates who hold the Florida certifications for addiction counseling (Certified Addiction Professional [CAP], Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional [CCJAP], Certified Associate Counselor [CAC]) would also meet the criteria.
  • Basic knowledge of the principles of human growth and psychosocial development
  • Basic knowledge of group and individual dynamics, conflict resolution and intervention techniques based on client maturation level
  • Basic understanding of mental health disorders requiring referrals
  • Basic communication skills to exchange information and interact with various internal and external audiences regarding client care
  • Active listening skills and social perceptiveness
  • Ability to read and interpret policies and instructions
  • Ability to understand side effects and impact of medications on client
  • Adaptability / flexibility: ability to shift priorities

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with clients
  • Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Ability to record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy, to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, read
  • Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data
  • Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:

  • 18 paid time off days per year - accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU's and job-related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.


Nearest Major Market: Lakeland