Substance Use Therapist

CounselorFull-Time

Listed compensation

$49k-$59k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: 1700 EDUCATION AVE - PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950Education Level: Graduate DegreeSalary Range: $49,014.00 - $58,506.00 Salary/yearSign-on Bonus: $2,000 Responsible for assessing substance use and co-occurring needs of patients seeking services Develop and implement appropriate treatment plans, which include measurable objectives stated in behavioral terms Provide effective brief and solution-focused group or individual therapy Prepare discharge plans Maintain accurate and timely documentation including progress notes and outcome tools Become knowledgeable of, and be able to effectively communicate with related community service organizations including Department of Corrections, County Probation and Drug Court Average caseload for a full-time therapist is less than 50 active patients Substance Use Therapists will be expected to average 52% of work hours in direct face-to-face patient contact

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Human Services field The Florida CAP (or the equivalent from another state) is an acceptable alternative to the Master’s degree Minimum two years of clinical experience and licensure is preferred but not required Knowledge and skills in treating a population with co-occurring disorders is preferred Thorough knowledge of rules and regulations (including Florida’s Marchman Act) pertaining to the care and treatment of persons with substance abuse problems, including overall treatment concepts and objectives Ability to pass a level II Background clearance and drug test.

Valid FL drivers’ license, insurance, and safe driving record. CBHC New Hire Orientation (NHO) completed within first two (2) months of employment. Ability to evaluate patient needs and provide direct service. Ability to work effectively with staff, patients, and community agencies.

Must maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct, while adhering to agency policies and procedures. Ability to use a computer. Attention to detail. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, in collaboration with other community partners.

Ability to manage stressful situations and display appropriate work demeanor and boundaries. Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to demonstrate flexibility in various work projects Ability to understand instructions.

Ability to maintain patient and agency confidentiality. Ability to perform repetitive tasks. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in all driving conditions. Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.

Key Responsibilities

The therapist is responsible for assessing patient needs, developing treatment plans, and providing solution-focused group or individual therapy. They must also maintain accurate documentation and coordinate with community service organizations.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a Human Services field or equivalent certification, with at least two years of clinical experience preferred. Applicants must also pass a level II background check and possess a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Substance use assessmentTreatment planningGroup therapyDischarge planningCase managementCo-occurring disorders treatmentMarchman Act knowledgeClinical documentationCrisis managementProfessional ethicsComputer literacy

Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 32% are remote, 36% have no call, 54% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Florida is 103.4 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$54k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $52k in an average-cost state. 58.1% of Florida clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Substance Use Therapist at CHARLOTTE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 10% in Substance Use / Addiction Counselor — ranked against 1,008 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings on WeekdayDoc.

Location & Logistics

Florida has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$54k midpoint, that is roughly $2k–$4k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.

Top Counselor Jobs

39 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution39 jobs · 29 employers

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$95k-110k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks30 jobs · 29 employers

401k / retirement match
93%
Loan repayment
33%
CME allowance
30%
PSLF eligible
23%
Sign-on bonus
20% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

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Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 7.2
Among the best 10% of Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 1,008 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • On-site

Living in Punta Gorda

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$383k≈ 7.8× annual pay
Typical market rent
$2,028/mo≈ 50% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
27 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
100.5
State income tax
None
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Punta Gorda, FL metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Charlotte Behavioral Health Care logo

About Charlotte Behavioral Health Care

Non-profit Organizations
Port Charlotte, FL
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

Sign-on Bonus $2,000
Average caseload less than 50 active patients
52% direct patient contact time