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Substance Use Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Substance Use Counselor IV provides advanced clinical services, including assessments, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, and crisis support. This role also ...

Substance Use Counselor III

Burns, TN · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Position Summary The Substance Use Counselor III provides advanced clinical services, including assessments, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, and crisis support. This role also ...

Position Summary The Substance Use Counselor IV provides advanced clinical services, including assessments, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, and crisis support. This role also ...

Showing results 21-40

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 cities in Tennessee are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Substance Use job openings:
Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Substance Use Counselor IV

Acadia Healthcare

Burns, TN • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Acadia Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 190 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

700th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

$5,000 Sign On Bonus!

Work Schedule: 5 days per week/ 8 hour day shifts

Salary: $74,152/Yr.

Mirror Lake Recovery Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Substance Use Counselor IV to join our clinical team. This seniorlevel role is ideal for a professional who is passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and thrives in a collaborative, patientcentered environment.

Position Summary

The Substance Use Counselor IV provides advanced clinical services, including assessments, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, and crisis support. This role also offers leadership within the counseling team by mentoring junior staff and contributing to program development.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field
  • Relevant licensure or certification preferred (e.g., LADAC II, CADC, LPC, LCSW, or equivalent)
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in substance use treatment or behavioral health
  • Strong understanding of ASAM criteria, traumainformed care, and cooccurring disorders
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and crisismanagement skills

About Mirror Lake Recovery Center

At Mirror Lake Recovery Center, we value the input of each person that we treat, and we believe that each person who chooses to heal with us has an inherent potential for change and personal growth. Our treatment approach will not be bound by past learning history, but will respond to both present and future expectations. We believe that the client has the ability to continually adapt to a changing environment that challenges the balance between disease and health.

Treatment is not something that we do to a person; instead, it is an active collaborative process.  We always seek the input and participation of our clients, and endeavor to provide them with a variety of treatment options and methodologies that have been individually tailored to meet their specific strengths, needs, and treatment goals.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Conduct individual counseling sessions and group or family sessions as scheduled and document as required.
  • Evaluate the needs of patient and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities is needed.
  • Facilitate assigned group or family sessions and assist with modifying problem behaviors.
  • Responsible for initial assessments, as well as follow up assessment for patient.
  • Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
  • Provide counseling services to families of patient.
  • Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents are completed timely and in a clear concise manner.
  • Act as a liaison between referral sources and patient.
  • Provide crisis intervention to patient, as needed.
  • Plan for aftercare for assigned patient.
  • Act as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested.
  • Provide case management duties for patient, ensuring individualized quality care.
  • May assist in the training of new clinical staff and interns.
  • May coordinate the activities of other clinical and direct patient care personnel, providing direction and clinical guidance.
  • Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always.  When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.  Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

  • Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in social or health services field required and 

Six or more years' experience in counseling field required; OR 

  • Bachelor's degree in other field required and 

Eight or more years’ experience in the counseling field; OR 

  • Master's degree in social or health services field required and 

Four or more years' experience in the counseling field required.  Degree must be from an accredited college or university. 

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:  

  • Licensure or certification for counseling, as required by the state in which the facility operates. 
  • CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility). 
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility. 

ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Completion of ongoing education and training, as required by the state in which the facility operates and applicable accrediting body.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances
(e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

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About Acadia Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider in the healthcare and hospital industry, based in Franklin, Tennessee, United States. The company is recognised for its commitment to creating a behavioural health network that provides accessible, high-quality treatment options for individuals suffering from mental health issues, addiction, eating disorders, and PTSD. Acadia Healthcare was founded in 2005, with the mission to create a world-class organization that sets the standard of excellence in the treatment of specialty behavioural health and addiction disorders.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2005

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