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Avenues Recovery
Norfolk, Virginia

Substance Use Counselor

CounselorFull-Time

Compensation

Pay not listed

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the pay range, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1mo ago

Job Description

Who We Are

Avenues Recovery Center is a nationwide network of drug and alcohol rehab centers with 18 locations across 7 states. With an unrivaled, evidence - based clinical curriculum and highly individualized care, Avenues continues to set new standards in the world of addiction treatment.

Our programs - spanning detox, residential, PHP, IOP and outpatient services - have transformed the lives of thousands to date. But our secret superpower is our people. If you are a talented, passionate clinician looking to make a real difference in the recovery community, the Avenues family warmly welcomes you!

Now Hiring substance use counselors for our new inpatient extended care rehab facility opening in Norfolk, VA!

What You'll Do

  • Create individualized, evidence-based treatment plans for each client
  • Conduct individual, group, family and couple therapy sessions
  • Take responsibility for all clinical needs, services, and aftercare for your client caseload
  • Prevent, intervene and de-escalate in event of a crisis
  • Maintain impeccable documentation of client challenges, progress, relapse risk, and intervention
  • Collaborate with Clinical Director, treatment team and family for seamless coordination of care

Model ethics, morality and recovery principles in every professional interaction - honesty, accountability, dignity and respect

What We're Looking For

  • Master's degree in psychology, counseling or related field required.
  • Valid state Virginia licensure / certification necessary to practice in this role
  • Excellent observational, collaborative and interpersonal skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Compassionate, dignified character which models recovery principles
  • Ability to set strong boundaries and maintain absolute confidentiality

Why Join Us

Avenues features a rich, fulfilling workplace culture where each person is valued and greatness is pursued. We support our employees unconditionally, and work to provide them with every resource they need to excel! Aside from generous PTO and compensation, when you join the Avenues family,

You'll Be Eligible for the Following Benefits Package

  • 401K with employer match
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Accident
  • Critical Illness
  • Hospital Indemnity
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Long -Term Disability
  • Employer-Paid Life and AD&D
  • LifeTime Benefit Term Insurance with Long Term Care
  • Legal Coverage
  • Pet Insurance
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Employer-Paid Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - Medical
  • Dependent Care FSA (DCF)
  • Eligible for HRSA STAR federal student loan repayment
  • Join our growing team and discover the magic here at Avenues!

#LP

Key Responsibilities

The counselor will create individualized, evidence-based treatment plans and conduct various therapy sessions for clients. They are also responsible for managing clinical needs, maintaining documentation, and collaborating with the treatment team to ensure seamless care.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. A valid Virginia state licensure or certification is required to practice in this role.

Qualifications

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

Key Skills

Treatment planningIndividual therapyGroup therapyFamily therapyCrisis interventionDe-escalationClinical documentationRelapse risk assessmentCase managementBoundary settingEvidence-based practice

Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context

The cost-of-living index for Virginia is 101.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 61.1% of Virginia clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Substance Use Counselor at Avenues Recovery a 6.6 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in Substance Use / Addiction Counselor — ranked against 1,008 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings on WeekdayDoc.

Top Substance Use / Addiction Counselor Jobs

13 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution13 jobs

5
<$65k
4
$65k-70k
3
$70k-75k
1
$79k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks10 jobs

401k / retirement match
100% this job
Loan repayment
80% this job
CME allowance
70%
Sign-on bonus
60%
PSLF eligible
40%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Substance Use Counselor- Certified

San Diego Comprehensive Treatment Center · San Diego, California

$29.14-$38/hr
#2

Substance Use Counselor - 100% (Remote)

Taunton Comprehensive Treatment Center · Taunton, Massachusetts

$29-$36/hr
#3

Licensed Mental Health/SUD Counselor II - ICSC Program

$30-$36/hr
#4

Substance Use Counselor

$32-$34.5/hr
+ 11 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 6.6
Better work-life than 80% of Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings

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

  • On-site

Living in Norfolk

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$298k
Typical market rent
$1,757/mo
Residents’ average commute
23 min
State income tax
Up to 5.8%
Sources & methodology

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

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Avenues Recovery logo

About Avenues Recovery

Mental Health Care
Lakewood, New Jersey
501-1,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

401K with employer match
Medical Insurance
Dental
Vision
Accident
Critical Illness
Hospital Indemnity
Short-Term Disability