Substance Abuse Counselor Job Description

A substance abuse counselor working in adult probation or parole works with probation and parole officers to provide assessment, education, training and other treatment related services for inmates, parolees, offenders on probation and the families of these individuals. A substance abuse counselor will conduct group and individual counseling sessions. Substance abuse counselors will review, assess and implement drug and alcohol screening and treatment programs for offenders. The treatment programs include psychological and physical tests as well as individualized training and curriculum developed by a substance abuse counselor. Substance abuse counselors will schedule and implement drug screenings, the results of which will be sent to their parole or probation officer. Substance abuse counselors will also have input as to whether or not an offender should or should not continue in a drug or alcohol program. Substance abuse counselors will encounter dangerous environments and be exposed to potentially harmful diseases and situations in the course of their job.

Ashford University can help you become a Substance Abuse Counselor with a bachelor's degree in Sociology or Psychology.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor

The requirements to become a substance abuse counselor will vary by state and department, but one of the most common requirements for any substance abuse counselor is to have a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology or social work. Those interested in working in adult or juvenile probation and parole will likely be required to possess a bachelor degree as well as more than one year of work experience in drug treatment, group and individual counseling or related experience. Most departments will require applicants to pass a background check as well as the necessary state certification requirements including certification as a substance abuse counselor.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary

Our research found that average yearly salaries for juvenile substance abuse counselors is $48,000, a substance abuse counselor $32,000, a drug & alcohol counselor $41,000 and a certified addiction counselors $29,000. The Economic Research Foundation found that salaries for substance abuse counselors ranged from $40,000 to $51,000 yearly. Salary will be impacted by location, education and experience.

University of Phoenix, Ashford University and AIU offer bachelor's degrees in psychology and provide a top tier education. Click Here to learn more about these programs and how they can help you begin a career as a substance abuse counselor.

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Bachelor Degree Programs

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starUniversity of Phoenix: The University of Phoenix Criminal Justice and Psychology bachelor degree programs will help you meet the requirements for a substance abuse counselor career. University of Phoenix offers online and campus based degree options that fit your schedule. University of Phoenix is the largest university in North America. Request free information from their programs today!

BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Psychology

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starColorado Technical University: CTU offers a BS in Criminal Justice that can be completed in 15 months if you already hold a two year degree. Let CTU help you pursue a career as a substance abuse counselor. Request free information from the BS in Criminal Justice program today.

BS in Criminal Justice

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starCapella University: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers the following master degree programs that can help you advance your career as a substance abuse counselor as well as help meet the requirements to become a federal probation or parole officer.

MS in Psychology
MS Human Services - Counseling

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starAshford University:Ashford Universiy will provide you with the education you need to become a substance abuse counselor. Start your future in counseling today. Classes enrolling now.

BA Sociology
BA Psychology