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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Overview

Open roles457+
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerNew Season
Top cityLos Angeles, CA
Work type91% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 457+ Substance Abuse Counselor jobs

Substance Abuse Counselor 2 - New Path Treatment Center
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New 4h ago
Substance Abuse Counselor 2 - New Path Treatment Center
EAC Network
Hempstead, New York
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
Master's degree
201-500

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Substance Abuse Counselor (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences)
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New 6h ago
Substance Abuse Counselor (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences)
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$20.04 - $35.03/hr
Bachelor's degree in social work
10,000+

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Nurse Manager-Substance Abuse Recovery
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New 6h ago
Nurse Manager-Substance Abuse Recovery
Local Drug and Alcohol Recovery Facility
Kemah, Texas
Healthcare Administration
Human Resources
Nursing
$65k - $80k/yr
On-Site
Managed Registered Nurses (RNs)

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Part-Time Substance Abuse Counselor
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New 8h ago
Part-Time Substance Abuse Counselor
State of Florida
Fort Pierce, Florida
Community & Nonprofit Services
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$20 - $25/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in counseling
201-500

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Substance Abuse Counselor
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New 9h ago
Substance Abuse Counselor
Behavioral Health Group
Cullman, Alabama
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
On-Site
Bachelor's degree
1,001-5,000

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Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs by Experience Level

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Substance Abuse Counselor Job Market

Who's Hiring

  • New Season27
  • Crossroads16
  • Behavioral Health15
  • Pyramid Healthcare14
  • The GEO Group10

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services12
  • Non-Profit & Social Services5
  • Government & Public Sector1
  • Consulting & Professional Services1

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 New Season, Crossroads, and Behavioral Health, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is particularly strong at community behavioral health centers and residential treatment programs.

How many substance abuse counselor jobs are remote?

About 9% of substance abuse counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 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 457+ Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs

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