1

Substance Use Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$19.75 - $26.75/hr

The Substance Use Counselor is a member of New Directions professional staff and is responsible for providing substance use services for individuals and families impacted by a variety of behavioral ...

Substance Use Counselor

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Substance Use Counselor Location: US-KY-Frankfort Overview: At Groups, we know recovery is possible - and no one should have to do it alone. As a Counselor, you'll lead dynamic group therapy sessions ...

Substance Use Counselor

Crestview Hills, KY · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

Description Position at AppleGate Recovery Compassionate Full Time Licensed Substance Abuse ... opioid use disorder. Utilizing evidence-based practices and a trauma-informed approach, the ...

Substance Use Counselor

Richmond, KY · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Substance Use Counselor Location: US-KY-Richmond Overview: Overview At Groups, we know recovery is possible - and no one should have to do it alone. As a Counselor, you'll lead dynamic group therapy ...

Substance Use Counselor

Somerset, KY · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Substance Use Counselor Location: US-KY-Somerset Overview: Overview At Groups, we know recovery is possible - and no one should have to do it alone. As a Counselor, you'll lead dynamic group therapy ...

Substance Use Counselor

Pineville, KY · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Substance Use Counselor Location: US-KY-Pineville Overview: Overview At Groups, we know recovery is possible - and no one should have to do it alone. As a Counselor, you'll lead dynamic group therapy ...

Substance Use Counselor

London, KY · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Substance Use Counselor Location: US-KY-London Overview: Overview At Groups, we know recovery is possible - and no one should have to do it alone. As a Counselor, you'll lead dynamic group therapy ...

$19.75 - $26.75/hr

The Substance Use Counselor is a member of New Directions professional staff and is responsible for providing substance use services for individuals and families impacted by a variety of behavioral ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Substance Use information

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Substance Use jobs in Kentucky? For Substance Use jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Substance Use job openings:
Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

$19.75 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Freeman Health System rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

641st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description Summary:

The Substance Use Counselor is a member of New Directions professional staff and is responsible for providing substance use services for individuals and families impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues. They provide services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues, recognizing that the individuals we serve often have experienced trauma that affects their development and adjustment. They will be trained in trauma-informed care and will work to help provide services in an environment that is sensitive and responsive which will prevent victimization, abuse, or trauma as a result of the care received. They demonstrate welcoming, empathic, hopeful attitude, conveys a philosophy of dual recovery and is trained and/or experienced in working with severe mental illness and/or substance using diagnosed individuals to assess, plan, develop, coordinate, and provide substance use support services. Substance Use Counselor reports directly to Clinical Supervisor.

Education:

  • Master's degree in psychology or social work field with ability for state licensure.
  • Or, met the criteria for Certification as a Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRAADC), Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRADC), or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).

Work Experiences:

  • Prior work experiences with addiction and mental health populations are preferred, whether through employment history or higher education internships.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide group counseling services to assigned clients.
  • Provide individual counseling services to assigned clients.
  • As assigned assist in the review and evaluations of intakes and assessments.
  • As assigned assist in the formulation of individualized rehabilitation plans for clients.
  • As assigned, serve as a member of the client's interdisciplinary team.
  • Provide group education services to the clients as assigned.
  • Attend staff meetings as scheduled.
  • Provide information and education services to individuals, civic and professional groups as assigned.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records.
  • Complete written reports to referral sources as needed and in a timely manner.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.
  • Maintain and improve professional competencies through in-services training and other educational activities.
  • Follow agency policies and procedures as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications

Physical Requirements:

  • Normal office environment either on site or from home setting by provided telehealth equipment.
  • Typical physical demands include prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, and stooping.
  • Requires normal range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed.
  • Requires ability to work under stressful conditions and to work irregular hours and deal with irate individuals.
  • TB test upon hire.

What Freeman Health System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Freeman Health System logo

About Freeman Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Freeman Health System, based in Joplin, Missouri, US, operates within the healthcare industry, providing comprehensive services to the community. The system, found on the official website freemanhealth.com, is committed to offering high-quality care, with services including medical and surgical services, rehabilitation, emergency medicine, and wellness programs. The organization's history dates back to 1925, beginning as a ten-bed hospital with five employees and has since grown into a well-established healthcare system with around 300 physicians and over 5,000 staff members. The system's mission is to improve the health of the communities by providing the highest quality healthcare in a compassionate and caring environment.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Joplin, MO, US

Year founded

1925

Social media