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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Seeking to fill a part-time position for a substance abuse counselor for our Driving-Under-the-Influence first offender program. Must be registered and certified with one of the three certifying agencies recognized by the Department of Health Care Services. The accredited organizations are as follows:
California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP)
California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE)
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
Please note: You may be required to conduct virtual group/education sessions via Zoom. Teleheath equipment will be provided at the office since you will be required to operate both in person and virtually.
General job responsibilities:
- Facilitate and lead group/education sessions
- Produce group notes for each participant after sessions
- Case Management (Documentation)
- Conduct individual counseling sessions (face to face)
- Maintain record of participant's absences, payments, self-help meetings etc.
- Available to work between both offices (Santa Ana and Laguna Hills)
Additional comments:
* Bilingual in Spanish preferred
* 2 years of experience providing related work services
* Must be available to work Monday to Saturday as needed.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour
Work Location: Multiple locations
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsSubstance Abuse Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- New Season29
- Management & Training Corporation24
- The GEO Group20
- Behavioral Health16
- Crossroads14
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services14
- Non-Profit & Social Services5
- Government & Public Sector3
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Education1
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, Management & Training Corporation, and The GEO Group, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Demand is particularly strong at community behavioral health centers and residential treatment programs.
How many substance abuse counselor jobs are remote?
About 10% of substance abuse counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 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.
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