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Substance Use Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Residential Therapist provides clinical services within a perinatal, gender-specific, trauma-responsive residential substance use disorder treatment program. This role is ...

The Behavioral Health Director of Nursing promotes integrated care models addressing mental health and substance use treatment needs and ensures nursing services support stabilization, recovery ...

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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 Jun 10, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, and why are they important?

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 is a job that helps people with addiction?

A common job that helps people with addiction is a substance use counselor or addiction counselor. These professionals provide therapy, support, and education to individuals struggling with substance use disorders and often require certification or licensing. They work in clinics, treatment centers, or community organizations to assist clients in recovery.
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Substance Use job openings:
Opioid Treatment Program Counselor

Opioid Treatment Program Counselor

SouthLight Healthcare

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$22.60 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Opioid Treatment Program Counselor
Join a supportive team who values Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration, Inclusion, Hope & Authenticity!
As our full-time Counselor (fully or provisionally licensed) for our Opioid Treatment Program, you will be responsible for maintaining an active caseload and ensuring that required documentation is completed accurately and timely in order to meet required billable hours.
Working as an Opioid Treatment Counselor will provide the opportunity to work as a highly valued team member in a setting with nursing staff, medical providers, and psych providers with combined decades of experience in substance use treatment. Collaborating with multiple programs and providers will lead you to develop a well-rounded skill set as a substance use counselor.
Pay
CADC/I $22.60 - $24.04 per hour.
Provisional license $26.44 + per hour.
Full license $28.85 + per hour.
Schedule
Full-time days, 40hrs/wk.
Benefits
Being a part of a non-profit behavioral health organization has some unique benefits, along with our incredible health insurance options. Working here at SouthLight, you will be able to make a difference in people's lives every day, and know that you are a part of inspiring positive change in your community.
  • You will be eligible for medical benefits the first of the month following your first 30 days.
  • We have options for a standard plan, as well as an HSA with a $100 initial contribution and up to a $25 per paycheck match.
  • You would receive 10 paid holidays as well as PTO hours which would accrue at a rate of 10 hours per month.
  • After 6 months you would be eligible to enroll in our 401(k) plan which has a 4% match.
  • We also provide company paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, in house and paid training opportunities, and paid credentialing.
  • SouthLight is also an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
  • We are excited to offer an additional benefit of Clinical Supervision Reimbursement. We will provide a monthly reimbursement of up to $200 to each full-time, associate level clinician electing this benefit for no more than 2 years, or until licensure is completed, whichever is first. Licensures eligible to receive this benefit include LCSWA, LCMHCA, LMFTA, LPA, LCASA, and CADC

Job Responsibilities of an Opioid Treatment Counselor
  • Serve as primary clinician for an OTP caseload (provide ongoing assessment, treatment and care coordination)
  • Coordinate care with other providers
  • Complete documentation to maintain compliance with federal, state and licensing regulations, including NCTOPPS, service documentation, treatment plants, and releases of information
  • Participate in crisis management and in on-call crisis rotation
  • Provide program orientation for clients including screenings and intake forms

Qualifications of an Opioid Treatment Counselor
Education and Experience
  • 1 year experience with Mental Health/ Substance Use population
  • Experience in an Opioid Treatment Program is a plus

Licensure/Certification
  • Licensed to practice clinically (CADC, CADC-I, LCAS/A, LCSW/A, LCMHC/A)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to accurately diagnose mental health and substance use disorders
  • Electronic Medical Health Record experience (EHR)
  • Familiar with 12 Core Functions
  • Knowledge of Medication Assisted Treatment preferred
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational and time management
  • Ability to develop positive and trusting relationships with diverse individuals, including individuals served, community stakeholders, and payors
  • Excellent ability to conceptualize cases, problem solve and ask questions
  • Inter and intrapersonal skills
  • Participate in Clinical Case Supervision and Case Review/Treatment Team meetings as well as OTP Group Supervision with contracted Clinical Supervisor

About SouthLight Healthcare
Tap into your passion at SouthLight Healthcare. Build your career in an environment where your voice, passion and work matters every day. At the core of SouthLight is a commitment to our values, our employees and clients. We strive to be an organization where every colleague can contribute and excel. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a culture that values diversity and inclusion. SouthLight offers competitive opportunities and a robust benefits package.
Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area's largest and long-established nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services. With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond. SouthLight has multiple office locations throughout the Triangle area, serving more than 9,000 clients each year. Services include adult outpatient counseling, Intensive Outpatient Program, Psychiatric Services and Medication Management, Opioid Treatment Program, Court Deferral Program, Peer Support Services, Family Centered Treatment, Community Support Team and a residential treatment program for women and children and more.
We agree not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex. Employment offers are contingent upon a satisfactory pre-employment drug screen. Professional references will be checked and criminal, abuse, driving, and fraud background reports will be obtained. Unsatisfactory results of any of these reports may result in SouthLight withdrawing the offer.
Pay Range: $22.60 - $30.00 per hour