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Substance Use Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$55 - $75/hr

... substances. The LISAC will provide prevention and intervention services for eligible Native ... Exercises professional judgment and flexible use of crisis intervention, casework and therapeutic ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Substance Abuse Counselor We're looking for a compassionate and driven Counselor who is dedicated ... Ability to make decisions and use proper judgment with confidential and sensitive issues. * Ability ...

$65 - $90/hr

Alcohol and Other Drug ( AOD ) Professional provides leadership, visioning and direction around the coordination of substance use and co-occurring assessment, treatment and referral for the ...

Showing results 41-60

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 job categories do people searching Substance Use jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use jobs in Kentucky 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, 70% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Substance Abuse Counselor - Ashland, KY (OTP)

Crossroads Treatment Centers

Ashland, KY โ€ข On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Crossroads Treatment Centers is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Since 2005, Crossroads has been at the forefront of treating patients with opioid use disorder. Crossroads is a family of professionals dedicated to providing the most accessible, highest quality, evidence-based medication assisted treatment (MAT) options to combat the growing opioid epidemic and helping people with opioid use disorder start their path to recovery. This comprehensive approach to treatment, the gold standard in care for opioid use disorder, has been shown to prevent more deaths from overdose and lead to long-term recovery. We are committed to bringing critical services to communities across the U.S. to improve access to treatment for over 26,500 patients. Our clinics are all outpatient and office-based, with clinics in Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees and patients.
Day in the Life of a Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Provides individual counseling to highly complex patients.
  • Conducts clinical assessments to appropriately assess patient's treatment needs.
  • Designs and updates the patient's treatment plan, including care coordination, referrals, and discharge planning.
  • Manages assigned caseload and compliance with clinical treatment requirements.
  • Collaborates with nurses and providers to provide holistic treatment services.
  • Facilitates urine drug screening for patients.

Benefits Package:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
  • PTO
  • Variety of 401K options including a match program with no vesture period.
  • Annual Continuing Education Allowance (in related field)
  • Life Insurance
  • Short/Long Term Disability
  • Paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Mental Health Day
  • Calm subscription for all employees

Schedule and Hours
  • Monday - Friday 4:45 am - 12:45 pm
  • Saturday -7:00 -8:30 am

The most qualified candidates will possess the following:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Must be a licensed or certified counselor in Kentucky (CADC) or in the process of obtaining a TCADC, LCADC, LPCC, LCSW or LMFT.
  • Experience treating opioid-addicted patients is a plus.
  • Candidate must be willing to start early in the morning, as work hours start at 5:00 AM.
  • No legal impediments to serving in a licensed opiate treatment program.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.
  • Calm subscription for all employees

Loan Forgiveness Program:
โ€ข Crossroads is a STAR (Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery) approved organization. This means our clinicians will have access to help pay off federal student loans so they can focus on what they do best: patient care!
โ€ข Please see the website at https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/star-lrp
Apply to the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program | Bureau of Health Workforce