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Substance Use Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Overview POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) COUNSELOR WORKING TITLE Substance Use Prevention Specialist SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Counseling LOCATION Crossroad II, Cary, NC PAY GRADE School Counselor ...

Overview POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) COUNSELOR WORKING TITLE Substance Use Prevention Specialist SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT School Counseling LOCATION Crossroad II, Cary, NC PAY GRADE School Counselor ...

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Substance Use information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$32.1K

$57.4K

$82.1K

How much do substance use jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use in Raleigh, NC is $57,366.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Substance Use jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Substance Use job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Raleigh, NC 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, with an average salary of $57,366 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR - 40010879

Durham County

Durham, NC • On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov
DEPARTMENT:
JUSTICE SERVICES
DATE POSTED:
DECEMBER 5, 2025
CLOSING DATE:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
HIRING RANGE:
$55,366.00 - $66,000.00
POSITION NUMBER:
40010879
JOB TYPE:
FULL-TIME, NONEXEMPT, PROVISIONAL
**THIS POSITION IS PROVISIONAL (GRANT) AND BENEFITS ELIGIBLE WITH POTENTIAL FUNDING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29, 2028**
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The work performed is professional and provides counseling to clients to develop their cognitive, behavioral, and social skills related to the treatment plan for their substance use addiction(s) and behavioral health needs.
This position works under general supervision.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.
  • Assists clients develop their cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills as those skills relate to the treatment plan for their substance abuse addiction(s).
  • Screens clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders. Uses standardized tools to screen clients and conduct intakes, orientations, and assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories).
  • Develops individual treatment plans (daily regimens, behavioral goals, and after care); conducting individual and group counseling sessions; performing crisis interventions; providing client education and making referrals.
  • Collaborates with community-based agencies to assist in providing enhanced services for clients in the community.
  • Performs case management including record-keeping and report submissions to the supervisor and the treatment team.
  • Develops and completes person-centered plan with intake or comprehensive clinical assessment. Provides and engages clients in individual counseling in accordance with their person-centered treatment plan.
  • Serves as a member of the facility's multidisciplinary team and provides an initial diagnosis, recommended treatment, and follow-up and discharge plans.
  • Uses discretion and judgment to determine a substance use diagnosis.
  • Conducts psycho-educational groups using evidenced based treatment models when assigned.
  • Works exclusively with the Justice Services involved populations who have diagnosable substance use disorders (and often co-occurring mental health conditions).
  • Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for diagnosing substance use disorders.
  • Knowledge of addiction processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.
  • Knowledge of psycho-pharmacy and drug interactions.
  • Knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy.
  • Knowledge of community resources.
  • Skilled in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.
  • Skilled in formulating clear, goal-oriented treatment plans, and to concisely record documentation.
  • Skilled in developing and maintaining effective communication and rapport with clients, their families, and other health/therapy providers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Requires credentials as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or as a Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP) with a minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience to practice under the provisions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Act.
Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist - Associate (LCAS-A), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC or LCMHC-S), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW or LCSW-A) or Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) with substance abuse work experience of two (2) years will be considered.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:
  • None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
  • None

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer