Substance Abuse Counselor
Listed compensation
$50k-$55k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, nights and shift pattern, benefits and time off.
Job Description
We’re seeking a compassionate and motivated Substance Abuse Counselor to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. This role supports individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders through evidence-based treatment, recovery-focused services, and community-based support.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide substance use counseling, prevention, and sobriety maintenance using 12-step principles and evidence-based practices
- Support clients with daily living skills, community integration, and relapse prevention
- Coordinate and transport clients to AA/NA meetings and community activities
- Develop and manage monthly sobriety-focused activity calendars
- Perform drug screenings as required
- Complete clinical documentation, including individual treatment plans (ITPs) and progress notes
- Provide case management for an assigned caseload, including assessment and care coordination
- Facilitate social and recreational activities for ACT clients
- Educate and support families; advocate for client rights and preferences
- Participate in on-call crisis interventions (evenings/weekends, as scheduled)
- Maintain fidelity to the ACT Model of Care
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Human Services, Addiction Counseling, or related field preferred
- 1–3 years of relevant experience considered in lieu of degree
Certifications & Requirements
- Certified or eligible for certification in addictions treatment
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Knowledge of mental illness and substance use disorders
Why Join Us?
- Mission-driven, community-based work
- Collaborative multidisciplinary ACT team
- Meaningful impact supporting long-term recovery
Requirements
Requires a bachelor's degree in a related field or 1-3 years of relevant experience. Candidates must hold or be eligible for addiction treatment certification and possess a valid driver's license.
Qualifications
- Education
- Bachelor degree
Key Skills
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 44% are remote, 44% have no call, 54% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Maryland is 105.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$53k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $50k in an average-cost state. 62.9% of Maryland clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $50k–$55k | Substance Use / Addiction Counselor median $64k (middle half $59k–$68k)12 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$50k in purchasing power | Maryland index 105.0 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings in Maryland | 376 active | 13,732 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 44% remote · 44% no call · 54% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Maryland Counselor listings: 13% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 9% offer loan repayment376 active listings, Oct 2026 |
| Confidential Employer | #20 of 26 for pay | Top Employers work-life index |
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