Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Substance Abuse Counselor jobs are open across behavioral health agencies, hospitals, correctional facilities, and nonprofit organizations, at every level from entry-level counselor to clinical director, with specializations in addiction counseling, co-occurring disorders, and adolescent substance use. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Position Purpose:
The Substance Abuse Counselor will provide individual and group counseling services to unhoused clients residing in the Los Angles General Recuperative Care Center located on the Los Angeles General Medical Center campus, in the city of Los Angeles, California. This position works collaboratively with the social work, case management, medical provider, nursing team and offsite providers to provide quality services to those most in need. The Counselor is responsible for maintaining a high standard of care within the Substance Abuse and Prevention Control (SAPC), Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) program, and State Alcohol and Other Drug Program (ADP) guidelines. The Counselor upholds JWCH’s mission to improve the health and well-being of underserved populations in Los Angeles County.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Collaborate effectively with treatment team members to ensure cohesive care.
- Conduct intake assessments, establish problem lists, and maintain accurate documentation in partnership with the program coordinator and other team members.
- Deliver high-quality treatment to an assigned caseload.
- Facilitate weekly individual counseling sessions and care coordination efforts.
- Lead various counseling groups, including Matrix, Seeking Safety, Parenting, Relapse Prevention, Domestic Violence, Anger Management, Helping Women Recover, Women in Recovery, SUD Education, Life Skills, and Co-Dependency.
- Provide clients with detailed progress reports upon request.
- Utilize the Electronic Health Record system (NextGen and CHAMP) for all client documentation.
- Complete documentation within 24 hours of delivering treatment services.
- Collaborate with an integrated, multi-disciplinary team that includes the Los Angeles County Probation/Parole Department, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Department of Health, and other mental and behavioral health professionals.
- Remain open to feedback and explore innovative approaches to treatment.
- Maintain confidentiality of records in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
- Provide immediate support and intervention for clients in crisis, ensuring their safety and connecting them to appropriate resources.
- Engage with clients' families to provide education and support, fostering a collaborative approach to recovery.
- Assist clients in accessing community resources, including housing, employment, and social services, to support their recovery journey.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Certified Substance Use Disorder or Registered (SUD) Counselor: Must be certified or registered by one of the agencies accredited by the NCCA and recognized by DHCS, which include CADTP and CCAPP; and must adhere to all requirements of the California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Chapter 8, and Title 9.
- One year of experience as a drug and alcohol counselor.
- Knowledge of and training in trauma-informed treatment and evidence-based treatment for substance abuse.
- Experience with Electronic Health Record systems.
- Experience administering the ASAM, ASI, and other substance abuse assessment tools.
- Ability to obtain an NPI number and C number by the time of hire.
- Must have a valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and an excellent driving record.
- Excellent written, oral, organizational, and documentation skills.
- Must be a team player, willing to receive feedback and grow professionally.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks while demonstrating the capacity to work within a team structure.
- Must maintain a current First Aid/CPR certification, physical exam, and tuberculosis test results.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Outpatient treatment working with minority, low income and disenfranchised populations.
- Experience working with co-occurring disorders.
- Experience and knowledgeable of Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) and Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention Control (SAPC) system of care.
- Bilingual capabilities in English and Spanish preferred.
- All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Employee Benefits:
At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
- Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
- 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
- Mileage reimbursement.
- Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
- Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!
Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.
JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.
Position Purpose:
The Substance Abuse Counselor will provide individual and group counseling services to unhoused clients residing in the Los Angles General Recuperative Care Center located on the Los Angeles General Medical Center campus, in the city of Los Angeles, California. This position works collaboratively with the social work, case management, medical provider, nursing team and offsite providers to provide quality services to those most in need. The Counselor is responsible for maintaining a high standard of care within the Substance Abuse and Prevention Control (SAPC), Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) program, and State Alcohol and Other Drug Program (ADP) guidelines. The Counselor upholds JWCH’s mission to improve the health and well-being of underserved populations in Los Angeles County.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Collaborate effectively with treatment team members to ensure cohesive care.
- Conduct intake assessments, establish problem lists, and maintain accurate documentation in partnership with the program coordinator and other team members.
- Deliver high-quality treatment to an assigned caseload.
- Facilitate weekly individual counseling sessions and care coordination efforts.
- Lead various counseling groups, including Matrix, Seeking Safety, Parenting, Relapse Prevention, Domestic Violence, Anger Management, Helping Women Recover, Women in Recovery, SUD Education, Life Skills, and Co-Dependency.
- Provide clients with detailed progress reports upon request.
- Utilize the Electronic Health Record system (NextGen and CHAMP) for all client documentation.
- Complete documentation within 24 hours of delivering treatment services.
- Collaborate with an integrated, multi-disciplinary team that includes the Los Angeles County Probation/Parole Department, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Department of Health, and other mental and behavioral health professionals.
- Remain open to feedback and explore innovative approaches to treatment.
- Maintain confidentiality of records in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
- Provide immediate support and intervention for clients in crisis, ensuring their safety and connecting them to appropriate resources.
- Engage with clients' families to provide education and support, fostering a collaborative approach to recovery.
- Assist clients in accessing community resources, including housing, employment, and social services, to support their recovery journey.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Certified Substance Use Disorder or Registered (SUD) Counselor: Must be certified or registered by one of the agencies accredited by the NCCA and recognized by DHCS, which include CADTP and CCAPP; and must adhere to all requirements of the California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Chapter 8, and Title 9.
- One year of experience as a drug and alcohol counselor.
- Knowledge of and training in trauma-informed treatment and evidence-based treatment for substance abuse.
- Experience with Electronic Health Record systems.
- Experience administering the ASAM, ASI, and other substance abuse assessment tools.
- Ability to obtain an NPI number and C number by the time of hire.
- Must have a valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and an excellent driving record.
- Excellent written, oral, organizational, and documentation skills.
- Must be a team player, willing to receive feedback and grow professionally.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks while demonstrating the capacity to work within a team structure.
- Must maintain a current First Aid/CPR certification, physical exam, and tuberculosis test results.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Outpatient treatment working with minority, low income and disenfranchised populations.
- Experience working with co-occurring disorders.
- Experience and knowledgeable of Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) and Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention Control (SAPC) system of care.
- Bilingual capabilities in English and Spanish preferred.
- All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Employee Benefits:
At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
- Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
- 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
- Mileage reimbursement.
- Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
- Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!
Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.
JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.
See All 43+ Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any substance abuse counselor role that fits.
Find JobsSubstance Abuse Counselor Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Management & Training Corporation21
- Eliot Community Human Services4
- Sun River Health4
- JWCH Institute3
- Bronxcare Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services18
- Non-Profit & Social Services5
- Education2
- Government & Public Sector2
- Science & Research1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substance abuse counselor jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field
- State licensure or certification such as CADC, LCDC, CSAC, or equivalent credential
- Experience with evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing and CBT
- Familiarity with electronic health records and case documentation systems
- Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions with adult populations
- Knowledge of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder treatment approaches
Tips for Your Substance Abuse Counselor Job Search
List your certifications above your degree
Hiring managers scan for CADC, LCDC, or CSAC credentials before anything else. Put your licensure and certification status in the resume header or a dedicated credentials line, not buried under education. State-specific licenses belong front and center.
Tailor your resume to the client population
A substance abuse counselor resume for a veterans' treatment court reads differently than one for an adolescent residential program. Match your language and highlighted experience to the exact population the job posting names. Generic resumes get screened out fast.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists substance abuse counselor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by treatment modality
Filter your search by keywords like Motivational Interviewing, CBT, or MAT to find employers whose clinical approach matches your training. Applying where your modality experience aligns dramatically improves your callback rate and interview performance.
Prepare case scenario answers before interviews
Interviewers in this field routinely ask how you'd handle a client in denial, a relapse, or a dual-diagnosis crisis. Rehearse two or three specific case examples from your internship or work history so your answers are concrete and grounded in real practice.
Negotiate supervision hours into your offer
If you're working toward full licensure, ask during the offer stage whether the employer provides paid clinical supervision hours. Many agencies offer this but don't advertise it. Clarifying upfront saves you significant out-of-pocket cost and career time.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most substance abuse counselors?
The companies hiring the most substance abuse counselors right now include Management & Training Corporation, Eliot Community Human Services, and Sun River Health, with the largest share of openings in Texas, New York, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Demand is particularly strong at community behavioral health centers and residential treatment programs.
How many substance abuse counselor jobs are remote?
About 5% of substance abuse counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with teletherapy-based outpatient counseling and case management roles accounting for the largest share of remote-eligible positions. Residential and in-person intensive outpatient programs are almost always on-site by nature.
How do you become a substance abuse counselor?
You become a substance abuse counselor by earning at least a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, then completing supervised clinical hours required by your state's licensing board. You then pass a credentialing exam such as the CADC or LCDC. Requirements vary by state, so checking your state's specific licensure criteria is an essential early step.
Can you get hired as a substance abuse counselor with little experience?
Yes, many entry-level substance abuse counselor roles are open to candidates still accumulating supervised hours toward full licensure. Internship placements, volunteer work at recovery centers, and peer support roles all strengthen your application. Highlight any direct client contact, even from field placements, and target employers who advertise on-the-job supervision and mentorship for early-career counselors.
What does the substance abuse counselor interview process look like?
The interview process typically starts with a phone screen from HR or a clinical director, followed by one or two in-person rounds that include behavioral and scenario-based questions about client care. You may be asked to describe how you handle a client in relapse, manage crisis situations, or document treatment plans. Some employers also conduct a brief assessment of your knowledge of specific treatment modalities before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to substance abuse counselor jobs?
You can find and apply to substance abuse counselor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your credentials, experience level, and preferred setting, then apply directly to each listing. No steps between you and the application.
See All 43+ Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any substance abuse counselor role that fits.
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