Substance Use Careers | Vermont Department of Health
Source: http://healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/workforce-development/substance-use-careers
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:28
Substance Use Careers | Vermont Department of Health
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Translations for you
Substance Use Careers
Workforce Development
Self-paced Learning
Substance Use Careers
Training Opportunities Calendar
The substance use workforce is made up of people at all levels of experience and education, from all types of backgrounds, working in a wide range of settings.
Why choose a career in the substance use field?
Opportunities for growth and continual learning
Chances to make a difference every day
Rewarding teamwork
Impact how we prevent, treat and help people recover from substance use
Opportunity to work directly with people
Emphasis on equity, inclusion and diversity
What is it like to work in the substance use field?
There are many jobs you can do, places where you can work and people you can work with across the substance use field.
Whether you are preventing misuse, making sure that people who use substances are safer, helping people recover or providing medical or mental health treatment -
you can make a difference.
Where could you work?
Examples of places you could work in the substance use field:
Schools
Doctor’s offices
Mental health offices
Treatment centers
Peer recovery support centers
Syringe service programs
Non-profit organizations
Town, city, state and federal government agencies
What could you do?
Examples of work you could do in the substance use field:
Provide counseling
Outreach to help get people into services
Case management
Recovery coaching
Develop prevention programming
Develop messaging campaigns
Who could you work with?
Examples of who you could work with in the substance use field:
Students
Parent
School administrators
Town boards
Community and non-profit organizations
Employers
People with substance use disorder
Legislators
Health care providers
Marketers
Important Links
Careers
Education
Colleges & Universities
Self-Paced Learning
Training Opportunities Calendar
Substance Use Careers
Download the careers sheet
Download the careers sheet
Example Careers in the Substance Use Field
Examples of substance use careers from across the continuum of care: prevention, communication, harm reduction, treatment and recovery.
Use the "Search" bar to filter the table. Try "school" or "lived experience."
Career
Setting
Population
Duties
Education
Prevention Educator
Schools
Youth
Education, Events, Student Groups
Bachelor's or Associate's Degree
Program Coordinator
Organization, Government, Health Care, School
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Program Development, Grant Management
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Prevention Consultant
Organization, Government
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Education, Events, Policy Development
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
School Counselor
Schools
Youth
Education, Support
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Epidemiologist
Organization, Government, Research, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Disease Investigation, Data Analysis
Master's Degree or PhD
Data Analyst
Organization, Government, Research, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Analyze Data, Evaluate Effectiveness
Master's or PhD
Research and Policy Analyst
Organization, Government, Research, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Review Research, Inform Policy
Master's Degree or PhD
Recovery Coach
Organization, Health Care
People who use substances
Peer Support, Encourage Recovery, Navigate Resources
Lived Experience or Certification
Case Manager
Organization, Health Care
People who use substances
Navigate Resources
Bachelor's
Harm Reduction Specialist
Organization, Health Care
People who use substances
Education, Safer Use Care, Navigate Resources
Lived Experience, Bachelor's Degree, or Medical License (e.g.: RN)
Nurse
Health Care
People who use substances
Medical Care
Bachelor's Degree and Registered Nurse License
Clinician
Health Care
People who use substances
Medical Care
Medical Degree
Mental Health Counselor
Health Care
People who use substances
Mental Health Care
Master's Degree
Communications Specialist
Organization, Government, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Develop Messaging, Oversee Media
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Program Evaluator
Organization, Government, Research, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Evaluate Program Effectiveness
Master's or PhD
Recovery Services Specialist
Organization, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Education, Encourage Recovery, Navigate Resources
Lived Experience or Certification
Download the Substance Use Careers document.
Education and Credentials
Relevant to the substance use field
Examples of degrees, credentials and lived-experiences that are relevant for working in the substance use field.
Degrees
Examples of degrees that you could have that are relevant for working in the substance use field.
Behavioral Science
Biology
Clinical Mental Health/ Counseling
Emergency Medical Services
Epidemiology
Equity/ Restorative Justice
Global Health
Health Science
Human Services
Marketing/ Communication
Medical Science
Neuroscience
Nursing
Psychology
Public Administration
Public Health
Social Work
Sociology
Statistics
Trauma Studies
...and more!
Degree Types
Degree Type
Examples
Years to Complete
Prerequisites
Associates Degree
AA, AS, ASN
2 Years
High School Diploma or GED
Bachelor’s Degree
BA, BS, BSN
4 Years
High School Diploma or GED
Master’s Degree
MA, MS, MSN, MPH, MSW
2-4 Years
Bachelor's Degree
Doctorate Degree
PhD, PsyD, EdD, DSW
3-7+ Years
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Medical Degree
MD, DNP
4-7+ Years
(often includes residency)
+ Licensure Exam*
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Registered Nurse
RN
Licensure Exam*
Bachelor's Degree
Advance Practice Registered Nurse
APRN, Nurse Practitioner
Licensure Exam*
Master's or Medical Degree
Credentials
Examples of credentials you could obtain that are relevant to working in the substance use field.
Apprentice Addiction Professionals
Certified Addiction Counselor
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors
Certified Prevention Specialist
Certified Recovery Coach
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
How to obtain these credentials:
Alcohol & Drug Counselors - AAP, CADC, LADC
The Vermont Secretary of State’s
Office of Professional Regulation
(OPR) is responsible for certification and licensure of Apprentice Addiction Professionals (AAP), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC), and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC).
Alcohol & Drug Prevention Practitioners - CPS
Competency standards for substance use prevention practitioners are established by the
International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium
(IC&RC). For practitioners interested in becoming a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) contact the
Vermont Prevention Certification Board
.
Certified Recovery Coaches
Prevention Works! VT coordinates the certification process for
Certified Recovery Coaches
.
Lived-Experience
Life experience that is relevant to working in the substance use field is very valuable.
Lived experience: self, family, friends with substance use disorder
Participation in substance use programs
Volunteer with substance use organizations
Resources to help address your recovery with employers:
Jenna's Promise Workforce Development Program
VAMHAR Career Development Trainings
HireAbility Vermont
Academic Programs in Vermont
Vermont has many colleges and universities that offer degrees and certifications that are relevant to working in the substance use field.
This list includes some examples of academic programs offered at these schools.
This is not an all-inclusive list and there may be additional programs offered that are relevant to this type of work.
Download the Vermont Academic Programs document
Vermont Colleges & Universities
Bennington College
Champlain College
Community College of Vermont
Landmark College
Middlebury College
Norwich University
Saint Michael's College
University of Vermont
Vermont State University
More Resources
Vermont Health Careers (VT AHEC)
MyFutureVT
Careers of Substance
Behavioral Health Professions
VT Career Technical Education
Planning for College (VSAC)
Internship Opportunities - VT Care Partners
Contact Us!
Substance Use Programs (DSU)
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340
802-651-1550
[email protected]
Last Updated:
April 10, 2026
Skip to main content
MENU
x
CLOSE
Translations for you
Substance Use Careers
Workforce Development
Self-paced Learning
Substance Use Careers
Training Opportunities Calendar
The substance use workforce is made up of people at all levels of experience and education, from all types of backgrounds, working in a wide range of settings.
Why choose a career in the substance use field?
Opportunities for growth and continual learning
Chances to make a difference every day
Rewarding teamwork
Impact how we prevent, treat and help people recover from substance use
Opportunity to work directly with people
Emphasis on equity, inclusion and diversity
What is it like to work in the substance use field?
There are many jobs you can do, places where you can work and people you can work with across the substance use field.
Whether you are preventing misuse, making sure that people who use substances are safer, helping people recover or providing medical or mental health treatment -
you can make a difference.
Where could you work?
Examples of places you could work in the substance use field:
Schools
Doctor’s offices
Mental health offices
Treatment centers
Peer recovery support centers
Syringe service programs
Non-profit organizations
Town, city, state and federal government agencies
What could you do?
Examples of work you could do in the substance use field:
Provide counseling
Outreach to help get people into services
Case management
Recovery coaching
Develop prevention programming
Develop messaging campaigns
Who could you work with?
Examples of who you could work with in the substance use field:
Students
Parent
School administrators
Town boards
Community and non-profit organizations
Employers
People with substance use disorder
Legislators
Health care providers
Marketers
Important Links
Careers
Education
Colleges & Universities
Self-Paced Learning
Training Opportunities Calendar
Substance Use Careers
Download the careers sheet
Download the careers sheet
Example Careers in the Substance Use Field
Examples of substance use careers from across the continuum of care: prevention, communication, harm reduction, treatment and recovery.
Use the "Search" bar to filter the table. Try "school" or "lived experience."
Career
Setting
Population
Duties
Education
Prevention Educator
Schools
Youth
Education, Events, Student Groups
Bachelor's or Associate's Degree
Program Coordinator
Organization, Government, Health Care, School
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Program Development, Grant Management
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Prevention Consultant
Organization, Government
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Education, Events, Policy Development
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
School Counselor
Schools
Youth
Education, Support
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Epidemiologist
Organization, Government, Research, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Disease Investigation, Data Analysis
Master's Degree or PhD
Data Analyst
Organization, Government, Research, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Analyze Data, Evaluate Effectiveness
Master's or PhD
Research and Policy Analyst
Organization, Government, Research, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Review Research, Inform Policy
Master's Degree or PhD
Recovery Coach
Organization, Health Care
People who use substances
Peer Support, Encourage Recovery, Navigate Resources
Lived Experience or Certification
Case Manager
Organization, Health Care
People who use substances
Navigate Resources
Bachelor's
Harm Reduction Specialist
Organization, Health Care
People who use substances
Education, Safer Use Care, Navigate Resources
Lived Experience, Bachelor's Degree, or Medical License (e.g.: RN)
Nurse
Health Care
People who use substances
Medical Care
Bachelor's Degree and Registered Nurse License
Clinician
Health Care
People who use substances
Medical Care
Medical Degree
Mental Health Counselor
Health Care
People who use substances
Mental Health Care
Master's Degree
Communications Specialist
Organization, Government, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Develop Messaging, Oversee Media
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Program Evaluator
Organization, Government, Research, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Evaluate Program Effectiveness
Master's or PhD
Recovery Services Specialist
Organization, Health Care
Youth, Adults, People who use substances
Education, Encourage Recovery, Navigate Resources
Lived Experience or Certification
Download the Substance Use Careers document.
Education and Credentials
Relevant to the substance use field
Examples of degrees, credentials and lived-experiences that are relevant for working in the substance use field.
Degrees
Examples of degrees that you could have that are relevant for working in the substance use field.
Behavioral Science
Biology
Clinical Mental Health/ Counseling
Emergency Medical Services
Epidemiology
Equity/ Restorative Justice
Global Health
Health Science
Human Services
Marketing/ Communication
Medical Science
Neuroscience
Nursing
Psychology
Public Administration
Public Health
Social Work
Sociology
Statistics
Trauma Studies
...and more!
Degree Types
Degree Type
Examples
Years to Complete
Prerequisites
Associates Degree
AA, AS, ASN
2 Years
High School Diploma or GED
Bachelor’s Degree
BA, BS, BSN
4 Years
High School Diploma or GED
Master’s Degree
MA, MS, MSN, MPH, MSW
2-4 Years
Bachelor's Degree
Doctorate Degree
PhD, PsyD, EdD, DSW
3-7+ Years
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Medical Degree
MD, DNP
4-7+ Years
(often includes residency)
+ Licensure Exam*
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Registered Nurse
RN
Licensure Exam*
Bachelor's Degree
Advance Practice Registered Nurse
APRN, Nurse Practitioner
Licensure Exam*
Master's or Medical Degree
Credentials
Examples of credentials you could obtain that are relevant to working in the substance use field.
Apprentice Addiction Professionals
Certified Addiction Counselor
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors
Certified Prevention Specialist
Certified Recovery Coach
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
How to obtain these credentials:
Alcohol & Drug Counselors - AAP, CADC, LADC
The Vermont Secretary of State’s
Office of Professional Regulation
(OPR) is responsible for certification and licensure of Apprentice Addiction Professionals (AAP), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC), and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC).
Alcohol & Drug Prevention Practitioners - CPS
Competency standards for substance use prevention practitioners are established by the
International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium
(IC&RC). For practitioners interested in becoming a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) contact the
Vermont Prevention Certification Board
.
Certified Recovery Coaches
Prevention Works! VT coordinates the certification process for
Certified Recovery Coaches
.
Lived-Experience
Life experience that is relevant to working in the substance use field is very valuable.
Lived experience: self, family, friends with substance use disorder
Participation in substance use programs
Volunteer with substance use organizations
Resources to help address your recovery with employers:
Jenna's Promise Workforce Development Program
VAMHAR Career Development Trainings
HireAbility Vermont
Academic Programs in Vermont
Vermont has many colleges and universities that offer degrees and certifications that are relevant to working in the substance use field.
This list includes some examples of academic programs offered at these schools.
This is not an all-inclusive list and there may be additional programs offered that are relevant to this type of work.
Download the Vermont Academic Programs document
Vermont Colleges & Universities
Bennington College
Champlain College
Community College of Vermont
Landmark College
Middlebury College
Norwich University
Saint Michael's College
University of Vermont
Vermont State University
More Resources
Vermont Health Careers (VT AHEC)
MyFutureVT
Careers of Substance
Behavioral Health Professions
VT Career Technical Education
Planning for College (VSAC)
Internship Opportunities - VT Care Partners
Contact Us!
Substance Use Programs (DSU)
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340
802-651-1550
[email protected]
Last Updated:
April 10, 2026