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Substance Use Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor

Wrightsville, GA ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We ...

Substance Use Counselor

Garden City, GA

$19 - $25.50/hr

For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We ...

Substance Use Counselor

Sycamore, GA

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We ...

Substance Use Counselor

Cochran, GA

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We ...

Substance Use Counselor

Dallas, GA ยท On-site

$20 - $27/hr

For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We ...

New

Substance Use Counselor - in - Training

Chatsworth, GA ยท On-site

$19.75 - $26.75/hr

Position Overview Substance use counselor will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting treatments and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts ...

Showing results 21-40

Substance Use information

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 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 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 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 cities in Georgia are hiring for Substance Use jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Substance Use job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Substance Use Counselor

Gateway Foundation

Wrightsville, GA โ€ข On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Who is Alpharus Health?

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change.ย 

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 be working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. ย 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

Location:ย Johnson State Prison - 290 Donovan Harrison Rd. Wrightsville, GA 31096

Work Schedule:ย Monday through Thursday from 6:45 AM - 5:15pm (4-10 hour Shifts)

Substance Use Counselors are responsible for:

  • Conducts client interviews and assessments 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.ย 
  • Assists with and provides 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.
  • Carries case load up to 25 clients, per State and contract requirements.
  • Collaborates with clients to develop discharge summary and continuing care and relapse prevention 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.ย 
  • Collects and maintains treatment records and reports to ensure organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance.
  • Performs office administrative duties, such as answering telephones; relaying messages; responding to inquiries regarding program services and policies; filing, photocopying and faxing documents; planning special events, assembling intake packets, etc.

ย Job Requirements:

  • Must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a helping profession from an accredited college or university
  • Some previous counseling experience, experience in substance use disorder or mental health treatmentย is preferred
  • Must obtain certificationย as identified by state within 30 months of the first date that the counseling services are provided.ย Acceptable Certifications include Certified Addiction Counselor from the Georgia Addiction Counselor's Association (GACA), Certified Addiction Counselor from the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC), and Certification as a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Acceptable Licensures include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS).
  • Must be able to obtain Georgia Department of Corrections clearance to work in the correctional institution

Physical Requirements:

  • Works in a correctional facility
  • 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 use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data
  • Ability to record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy
  • Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises

Compensation:ย 

  • Non-Credentialed Counselors range is between $20.50 - $21.50 per hour
  • Credentialed Counselors range is between $26.00 - $28.00 per hour
  • ***1,500 Sign-on Bonus for Non-Credentialed Counselors and $3,000 Sign On Bonus for Certified Counselors***ย 
  • Starting rates are determined based on years of experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.
  • Alpharus Health conducts annual performance reviews, with merit increase eligbility determined by employee performance and organizational financial performance.ย 

Benefits at Apharus Health:

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 matchย 
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Alpharus
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)ย 

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

Alpharus Health 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 OFCCPย here.