Substance abuse counselors play an important role in helping those struggling with addiction. They provide support and guidance to help individuals develop coping and recovery strategies. There is a growing need for substance abuse counselors as the rates of addiction continue to rise. It is important to understand addiction and its causes to succeed in this field. Counselors must be able to empathize with their clients and be patient and understanding.
Finding substance abuse counselor jobs is easy with Behavioral Health Jobs. Quickly sort open opportunities by experience levels, location, and facility types to find the perfect position for you. Get started by searching for a substance abuse counselor job today.
What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor?
A substance abuse counselor is a professional who helps people struggling with addiction. They provide individual and group counseling, as well as create treatment plans. Substance abuse counselors may find a position in many places, including:
- Hospitals
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Private practices
- Outpatient treatment centers
- Residential treatment facilities
Depending on the type of facility, each substance abuse counselor will have different duties for different hours of the day.
What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?
The day-to-day duties of a substance abuse counselor depend on their work setting. For example, those who work in outpatient settings may meet with clients for a few hours each week, while those in residential facilities may work with clients all hours a day.
Common duties of a substance abuse counselor include:
- Conducting assessments
- Creating treatment plans
- Providing individual and group counseling
- Leading educational seminars
- Advocating for clients
- Referring clients to appropriate resources
- Documenting client progress
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Working with other professionals to coordinate care
A substance abuse counselor may also provide crisis intervention services. For example, if a client is experiencing withdrawal symptoms or is at risk of harming themselves, the counselor will step in to help.
Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor
Most substance abuse counselors have at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree or certification. It is also important to have experience working with clients who have substance abuse disorders.
Many states also require substance abuse counselors to be licensed. Requirements for licensure vary by state but may include completing a certain amount of education and passing an exam.
Substance abuse counselors need to complete continuing education credits to renew their license. The requirements for continuing education vary by state.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make?
The job outlook for substance abuse counselors is positive, with a projected growth rate of 22% from 2018 to 2028. This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median national annual salary for substance abuse counselors is $44,630. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $30,520, while the top 10% earn more than $73,810.
Factors that affect earnings include:
- Location
- Type of employer
- Level of education and experience
As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the United States, the demand for substance abuse counselors will only increase. If you want to help people struggling with addiction, you can find a rewarding career as a substance abuse counselor.
Substance Abuse Counselor Openings at Behavioral Health Jobs
If you are ready, people struggling with addiction need your help. Getting started in the mental health field can change your career trajectory for the better as you gain experience and personal fulfillment.
Behavioral Health Jobs is an excellent resource for career advice and job openings for substance abuse counselors. You can use our job board to search for open positions in your area, and you may even be able to find remote opportunities to help those in need.
