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Addiction Counselor Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Counselor One provides treatment and support to assist clients in their recovery from addictions, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental health disorders, assists with modifying problem ...

The Lead Counselor provides treatment, counseling, and support to assist clients in their recovery from addictions, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental health disorders, assists with ...

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

The Counselor Two provides treatment, counseling, and support to assist clients in their recovery from addictions, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental health disorders, assists with ...

The Counselor Two provides treatment, counseling, and support to assist clients in their recovery from addictions, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental health disorders, assists with ...

Addiction Specialist

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Evaluate community treatment centers, assist in placing individuals in treatment, work with ... Specialized training or certification in addiction counseling. * 3 years of experience in treating ...

Addiction Specialist

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Evaluate community treatment centers, assist in placing individuals in treatment, work with ... Specialized training or certification in addiction counseling. * 3 years of experience in treating ...

Addiction Specialist

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Evaluate community treatment centers, assist in placing individuals in treatment, work with ... Specialized training or certification in addiction counseling. * 3 years of experience in treating ...

Substance Use Counselor

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

As a Substance Use Counselor, you will be responsible for providing support and guidance to ... addiction and exploring underlying causes. - Assist clients in developing coping mechanisms and ...

The Counselor I provides treatment and support to assist clients in their recovery from addictions, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems, assists with ...

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Showing results 1-20

Addiction Counselor Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$53.8K

$70.4K

How much do addiction counselor assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor assistant in Virginia is $53,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an addiction counselor assistant do?

An Addiction Counselor Assistant supports licensed addiction counselors in helping individuals overcome substance abuse and addiction issues. Their duties often include conducting intake interviews, assisting with group therapy sessions, maintaining client records, and providing administrative support. They also help clients access community resources and monitor their progress under the supervision of a certified counselor. This role is essential for ensuring clients receive consistent care and support as they work toward recovery.

What are some typical challenges addiction counselor assistants face when supporting clients in recovery?

Addiction Counselor Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing clients' resistance to treatment, handling emotional distress, and maintaining professional boundaries. They must be prepared to support clients through relapse or setbacks while fostering a nonjudgmental and encouraging environment. Additionally, they collaborate closely with licensed counselors and multidisciplinary teams to ensure clients receive comprehensive care, and need strong communication skills to coordinate effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counselor assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor Assistant, you need a basic understanding of addiction counseling principles, active listening skills, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with documentation systems, group facilitation tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification are typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication enable effective support for clients and collaboration with counselors. These skills and qualities ensure you can provide empathetic, reliable assistance that helps clients progress in their recovery journey.

What is the difference between Addiction Counselor Assistant vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddiction Counselor AssistantSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in counseling or related field; state licensure often required
Work EnvironmentRehab centers, clinics, outpatient facilitiesRehab centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level support role in addiction treatmentLicensed professional providing counseling and treatment plans

While both roles work in addiction treatment settings, Addiction Counselor Assistants typically support licensed counselors and require fewer credentials. Substance Abuse Counselors are licensed professionals who provide direct therapy and treatment planning. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and required qualifications, but both contribute to addiction recovery efforts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Addiction Counselor Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Addiction Counselor Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,761 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor/Master Addiction Counselor

Family Restoration Services

Hampton, VA โ€ข On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Family Restoration Services is seeking a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor to apply and interpret therapeutic standards to a variety of clients with substance abuse and/or emotional impairments. Counselor will use cognitive-behavioral skill building techniques and administer Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) evaluations. Counselor will employ evidence-based practice (EBP) in conjunction with a therapeutic community approach to provide an immediate effect on the progress of treatment and improve the quality of life. This role is an independent contractor role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist client with identifying rehabilitation goals and develop treatment plans
  • Interview client on medical history or to obtain other pertinent information and evaluate the condition of the client
  • Work with family members to provide both drug education and counseling intervention
  • Prepare clinical documentation and reports
  • Provide a monthly assessment identifying progress and continuous improvement needs to reach optimal results
  • Obtain urine specimens from client when required
  • Formulates and conducts programs to promote prevention
  • Prepare clinical documentation and maintains reports and case histories
  • Provide direct supervision, monitoring and behavior intervention
  • Provide supportive counseling, motivational training and encouragement
  • Provide feedback, as needed, to parents, referral sources, and related providers,

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum education/experience:

  • Current and valid State Certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) in the state of Virginia or similar certification recognized by the VA Board of Professional Counselors or adequate training or a Master's in Addiction Counseling
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Services field with three or more years working as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC); Master’s in Addiction counseling or related field preferred
  • Experience working with emotionally/behaviorally challenged youth
  • Experience interfacing with court services unit and preparing assessments that satisfy a court order
  • Adequate education includes training (totaling 300 clock hours) in each of the areas below:
    • Understanding the dynamics of human behavior
    • Signs and symptoms of substance abuse;
    • Treatment approaches, group dynamics and other adjunctive treatment and recovery support groups;
    • Continuum of care and case management skills;
    • Recovery process and relapse prevention models;
    • Ethics
    • Professional identity in the provision of substance abuse services
    • Crisis intervention.
    • Substance abuse counseling treatment and planning and research

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

  • Thorough knowledge of substance abuse and its physiological and psychological effects
  • Skilled in development and implementation of drug education curriculum

COMPETENCIES

  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems time efficiently; Gathers and analyzes information; Develops solutions; Uses reason.
  • Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively; Listens and gets clarification when necessary; Responds informatively to questions.
  • Written Communication - Writes clearly and concisely; Edits work; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
  • Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives.

BENEFITS/WHAT WE OFFER

  • Competitive Compensation and flexible work schedule
  • Supportive work environment and staff mentoring
  • CPR/First Aid and CPI Training
  • Training in different clinical perspectives by seasoned clinicians
  • Professional development through community relations
  • AFLAC Supplemental Insurance
  • Experience working with various populations
  • Discounted Mind, Body, Spirit Services

Company Description

Family Restoration Services (FRS) provides an array of services to emotionally disabled youth requiring supportive services to stabilize in their own homes. Family Restoration seeks to restore optimal health to the body, mind, and spirit. In this respect, our mission is to offer youth and families restorative counsel to repair dysfunctional homes, build healthy familial relationships, and to curb negative behaviors and attitudes through fitness and nutritional activities, therapeutic interventions and community partnering.

FRS believes each child deserves an opportunity to be involved in something he/she enjoys, explore talents and dreams and to gain passion for life and living through achieving excellence. FRS sets a standard for participation in various activities that allows youth access to social and recreational opportunities, with same age, non- disabled peers. Youth are escorted into natural settings with a therapeutic agent who experientially teaches discipline, self-control, respect for authority, positive peer relations, and lifesaving lessons only gained through these types of real life experiences. FRS employs highly competent and skilled individuals that believe in success and motivational concepts that encourage achievement in every relevant environment of a child's life.