Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
SOC: 21-1011 O*NET: 21-1011.00
Median Salary
N/A
per year
Job Growth
➡️ N/A
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
N/A
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
What does a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors do?
How much can you earn?
Limited Data Available: Detailed wage distribution data is not currently available for this occupation.
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Speaking
94%
#3
Social Perceptiveness
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Monitoring
74%
#6
Reading Comprehension
66%
#7
Writing
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Service Orientation
46%
#10
Persuasion
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Writing
intermediate3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Service Orientation
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Persuasion
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Order Clerks100%
5 shared skills
Parts Salespersons100%
5 shared skills
Registered Nurses82%
5 shared skills
Advertising Sales Agents82%
5 shared skills
Physician Assistants82%
5 shared skills
Animal Control Workers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (8)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Planning & Development (6)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Communication & Coordination (2)Training & Development (2)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Interview clients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate individuals' mental and physical condition and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation88% perform92%
6
Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination76% perform84%
10
Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors professionals typically have a SIC Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
IInvestigative
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.97
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.97
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.73
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.73
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.65
Social Orientation
CriticalSocial Orientation
Importance Level4.64
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
5.0
Concern for Others
5.0
Dependability
4.7
Stress Tolerance
4.7
Self-Control
4.7
Social Orientation
4.6
Cooperation
4.6
Persistence
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.4
Achievement/Effort
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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