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Substance Use Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westbrook Health

Substance Use Therapist

Parkersburg, WV · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Description The Substance Use Therapist provides comprehensive clinical assessment, treatment planning, individual, group, and family therapy services to clients receiving treatment in an ASAM Level ...

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Housing Works

Substance Use Counselor

Queens, NY · On-site

$55K - $78K/yr

Housing Works is seeking an experienced Substance Use Counselor (CASAC and/or LMSW) to provide on-site, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction-oriented services to justice-involved individuals ...

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Substance Use information

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$33K

$59K

$84.5K

How much do substance use jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use in the United States is $59,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $69,000.00 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.
More about Substance Use jobs
What cities are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities with the most Substance Use job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Use jobs? The most popular types of Substance Use jobs are:
What states have the most Substance Use jobs? States with the most job openings for Substance Use jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Substance Use jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use jobs are:
Substance Use jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,014 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Substance Use Counselor

Substance Use Counselor

DuPage County Health Department

Itasca, IL

$45K - $69K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Dupage County Health Department rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 686 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description
The DuPage County Health Department is excited to announce an opening for a Behavioral Health Therapist in our outpatient substance use program, providing primarily Level 1 and Level 2 outpatient substance use treatment. This role provides person-centered, trauma-informed substance use treatment for individuals experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges. The therapist will conduct assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and deliver evidence-based interventions to support recovery and overall well-being. This position is ideal for a compassionate, collaborative clinician who is committed to improving access to high-quality care and supporting clients on their path toward stability and wellness.
This position works 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and may include up to two evenings per week until 8:00 - 9:00 P.M. This position is primarily based on our Wheaton campus (Linda A. Kurzawa Community Center), though it includes providing treatment at our other public health center locations in DuPage County.
Depending on experience, the salary range for this position is as follows:
- Bachelor's degree: $45,967 to $53,967
- Master's degree & license (LSW, LPC): $51,075 to $65,000
- Clinical License (LCSW, LCPC, LMFT): $59,240 to $69,940
This position comes with an outstanding benefits package designed to support your personal and professional well-being. As a DuPage County employee, you'll enjoy 12 paid holidays, three weeks of vacation annually, paid sick time, and tuition and certification reimbursement to help you continue growing in your career. We also offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave so you can be there for life's most important moments. The position is pension-eligible through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), giving you peace of mind with a guaranteed retirement plan. Plus, you may qualify for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program, making your financial future even brighter.
#DuPageCountyHealthDepartment2
Responsibilities
As a Behavioral Health Therapist in our Substance Use program, you will:
  • Utilize evidence-based practices to provide outpatient behavioral health (mental health and substance use) treatment to individuals, families, and or groups
  • Provide assessments, treatment plans, and treatment to those presenting with substance use, co-occurring, or other addictive behavioral disorders
  • Manage a client caseload and maintain regular contact with clients
  • Monitor service delivery across providers including primary health, behavioral health, community health, dental and wellness recovery planning
  • Support client participation in wellness classes and group sessions
  • Provide referrals to community resources
  • Participate in team-based approach to provide high-quality care
  • Provide service coordination with criminal justice partners
  • Maintain accurate and compliant documentation and clinical records
  • Develop discharge plans
  • Meet established productivity standards
  • Perform collaborative documentation (when applicable)
  • Demonstrate independent judgment and discretion in making position related decisions
  • Participate in emergency activities as assigned
  • Maintain required training, licensure and/or certification
  • Maintain confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to client privacy laws
  • Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures
  • Maintain availability to respond to clients and/or customers, either in person or over the phone, during assigned business hours
  • Maintain a schedule allowing flexibility, to include days and evenings and the ability to provide services at various locations within DuPage County, in order to meet the needs of clients

Requirements
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work or related field
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification
  • Two years of experience working with adults experiencing substance use issues and chronic mental illnesses
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
The preferred candidate would have a master's degree and an LPC, LCPC, LSW or LCSW or LMFT licensure with experience in working with individuals who have co-occurring needs (both mental health and substance use).
The preferred candidate will also have good knowledge of ASAM criteria for treatment.
Designated positions may be required to be bi-lingual, English/Spanish speaking, based upon population served.
Supplemental Information
Equal Opportunity Employer
DuPage County Health Department is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Salary
$45,967.00 - $69,940.00 Annually
Job Type
Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Service Unit
Behavioral Health Services
Department
Outpatient Services - Forensic

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