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Substance Use Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

As a Substance Use Counselor, you will be responsible for providing support and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. Your primary goal will be to help clients understand ...

Substance Use Counselor

Layton, UT

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Substance Use Counselor * SUDC, ASUDC, LSUDC, SSW, CSW, ACMHC, LCSW, CMHC, or LMFT Full Time Hours: * 36 hours weekly: Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM start time. End time between 1:00 PM - 2:00PM Our ...

Substance Use Disorder

Desoto, TX · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

The Substance Use Disorder Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals struggling with addiction by providing comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing care ...

Therapist, Substance Use

AL · On-site

$39K - $49K/yr

Knowledge of substance use disorder specialty and Certified in HIV Education, Counseling and Testing as outlined below, to be attained within (6) six months of employment. * Knowledge of the nature ...

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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:
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

Acadia Healthcare

Salt Lake City, UT

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Acadia Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

696th of 881 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program

Seeking: Substance Use Counselor

  • SUDC, ASUDC, LSUDC, SSW, CSW, ACMHC, LCSW, CMHC, or LMFT

Full Time Hours: 

  • Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Our Benefits: 

  • Semi-Annual Bonus Program
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Competitive 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Employer-paid clinical supervision (free to employees)
  • Free and unlimited access to 500+ accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering continued support to employee lifestyle and well-being
  • Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
  • Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry

Our Team:

Salt Lake City Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, the leading provider of medication-assisted treatment in the nation. Our counseling team provides compassionate, high-quality counseling and therapy to patients that are seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.

Your Job as a Substance Use Counselor:

The Substance Use Counselor is instrumental in our patient’s treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder. Substance Use Counselors provide high quality, compassionate care through various mediums which include both individual and group counseling sessions.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
  • Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
  • Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
  • Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
  • Initial assessments as well as follow up assessments.
  • Evaluate patient needs and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
  • May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
  • Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
  • Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care as needed.
  • Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients, as needed.

Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibilty here: HRSA Eligibility


Required Education, Skills, and Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree in social or health services field required; 
  • Degree must be from an accredited college or university. 
  • Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.

  • Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

  • Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.

  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.

  • Documentation experience, including maintaining clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

  • Familiarity with state regulatory standards (e.g., 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, Joint Commission standards).

  • Experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary team with medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Required Licenses/Certifications: 

One of the following credentials (active in Utah) are required:

  • SUDC – Substance Use Disorder Counselor
  • LSUDC – Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor
  • ASUDC – Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor
  • SSW – Social Service Worker
  • CSW – Certified Social Worker
  • LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • ACMHC – Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • CMHC – Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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.

AHCTC

#LI-CTC

#LI-MM1


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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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