The Substance Use Prevention Workforce: Results of a National Assessment

Source: https://library.samhsa.gov/product/substance-use-prevention-workforce-results-national-assessment/pep26-03-004

At the direction of the U.S. Congress, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducted the first national assessment of the publicly funded substance use prevention workforce, establishing a baseline understanding of its composition, challenges, and opportunities for federal action. The inquiry used a mixed-methods approach that included an environmental scan, stakeholder meetings, and a national workforce assessment.

The assessment questionnaire was developed and pilot-tested before being administered nationwide between November 2024 and January 2025. A random probability sample of 500 individuals was selected, of whom 240 completed the assessment, yielding a 48% response rate. The reported findings come from these 240 random-sample respondents.

Key highlights

• - Delivering substance use prevention through a skilled workforce offers a cost-effective and lifesaving approach to addressing the consequences of substance misuse.
• - More than one-quarter of the workforce is nearing retirement age, and 37% of respondents plan to leave their current prevention positions or the field within the next three years, raising significant workforce sustainability concerns.
• - The mean annual salary for prevention professionals was $45,000, significantly below wages in comparable occupations. Respondents also identified a need for lower-cost health coverage and greater access to employer-sponsored retirement plans.
• - Approximately 60% of respondents did not hold a substance use prevention certification. Reported barriers included the costs of courses and examinations, difficulty meeting certification requirements, test anxiety, and limited incentives or support for obtaining a credential.
• - Career advancement opportunities were limited: although 62% considered career pathways very or extremely important, only 31% reported that their employer offered them. In addition, 44% said opportunities to advance within their organization did not exist.
• - Although 90% reported that their employers offered professional development training, high turnover and continuing advances in prevention science underscore the need for sustained training and skill development.
• - Despite these challenges, the workforce remains strongly committed to its mission: 85% were motivated to remain in the field to help people.