Substance Abuse Counselor
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.
Job Description
Position Summary
The Substance Abuse Counselor provides substance use disorder counseling, education, and recovery support services to incarcerated individuals. This role supports Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and non-MAT treatment plans through evidence-based counseling practices while operating within licensed scope and established program guidelines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct substance use disorder screenings and provide counseling services to individuals enrolled in treatment programs.
Facilitate individual and group counseling focused on recovery, relapse prevention, and behavioral change.
Utilize evidence-based counseling approaches, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques.
Collaborate with MAT providers, psychiatric services, nursing staff, and case management to support integrated treatment plans.
- Document counseling sessions, progress notes, and treatment participation accurately and confidentially.
- Participate in interdisciplinary case reviews, staffing meetings, and CQI activities.
- Support discharge planning by reinforcing recovery education and connection to community-based treatment resources.
- Maintain compliance with confidentiality, documentation, and professional conduct standards.
Qualifications
- Current New Mexico certification or licensure as a Substance Abuse Counselor
- (CADAC, LADAC, or equivalent).
- Experience providing substance use disorder counseling in correctional, residential, or community-based settings preferred.
- Training in evidence-based addiction counseling practices required.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay
- Stable scheduling with 12-hour shifts
- Supportive leadership and clinical oversight
- Opportunity to be part of a growing correctional healthcare organization
- Meaningful work serving an underserved population
About Thrive Medical Services, LLC
Thrive Medical Services, LLC is a New Mexico–based correctional healthcare provider committed to delivering high-quality medical, mental health, and substance use disorder services to county detention facilities. Our mission is to provide ethical, compliant, and patient-centered care while supporting our clinical staff with strong leadership and clear clinical protocols.
Key Responsibilities
The Substance Abuse Counselor provides counseling, education, and recovery support services to incarcerated individuals. This includes conducting screenings, facilitating counseling sessions, and collaborating with treatment providers.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 70% are remote, 24% have no call, 58% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for New Mexico is 92.2 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 61.4% of New Mexico clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 6.6 / 10 · top 25% in substance use / addiction counselor | ranked against 1,008 Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | not listed | Substance Use / Addiction Counselor median $63k (middle half $55k–$68k)219 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost of living | New Mexico index 92.2 | US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings in New Mexico | 143 active | 13,729 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 70% remote · 24% no call · 58% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Substance Abuse Counselor at Thrive Medical Services 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 Counselor Jobs
40 matches · ranked by paySalary Distribution
33 jobs · 30 employersAnnual compensation range
Benefits & Perks
28 jobsShare of similar jobs offering each benefit
Mental Health Therapist, Contractor - WI / (Remote)Contract
Cartwheel · Remote - Nationwide
Mental Health Therapist, Contractor - IN / (Remote)Contract
Cartwheel · Remote - Nationwide
Dental Therapist
From $155kFlorida-Licensed Couples & Individual Therapist (Remote, Contract)
$70 - $80/session