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Addiction Counselor Assistant Jobs in Appleton, WI

Behavior Specialist

Appleton, WI · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and assist in development of the treatment ... Abuse Counselor-in-Training credential (or state equivalent), if working in an Addiction Recovery ...

Addiction Counselor Assistant information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$31.7K

$52.9K

$69.3K

How much do addiction counselor assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor assistant in Appleton, WI is $52,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $59,500.00 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 cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Addiction Counselor Assistant jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Addiction Counselor Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor Assistant job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,910 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor (Flexible Pay Scale)

Genesis / Matt Talbot / Horizon

Winnebago, WI • On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Horizon Healthcare, Inc., sister company of Genesis Behavioral and Matt Talbot Recovery Services, is seeking regular, Full-Time, licensed Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Counselors to provide individual and group counseling, case management, and supervision to inmates at the specified Department of Corrections (DOC) location(s) listed below.

Drug Abuse Correctional Center (DACC). Located at 4280 N Sherman Road, Winnebago, WI 54985.

The DOC AODA program's mission is to provide offenders incarcerated at DAI or DCC with the opportunity to gain the personal resources needed to return to the community, to successfully complete parole/extended supervision, and to remain crime and chemical free. The manner of this program is designed so that participants may successfully complete all components in a minimum of 16 weeks. Program components are structured around discipline and rehabilitative programming using a cognitive-based approach.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Screen and assess the need for and type of programming that would most effectively address individual substance abuse treatment needs
  • Provide group and/or other individual treatment for offenders that focuses on promoting abstinence from mood-altering chemicals and recovery from addiction, and positive lifestyle changes to avoid further legal difficulties
  • Understand their role and fully participate as an integral part of the professional treatment team
  • Be mindful of the ethics, boundary, power and control issues unique to correctional substance abuse programs
  • Establish rapport with inmates
  • Provide information as to the purpose of substance abuse and mental health recovery models
  • Provide assessment of core treatment needs and develop an individualized treatment plan
  • Set mutually acceptable boundaries with inmates
  • Be well-informed about trauma, and explore with service recipients their experience and support these individuals in getting appropriate resources to help
  • Assist each resident in the development of their own relapse/recidivism prevention plan

Benefits

Horizon Healthcare, Inc. offers two (2) weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) to Full-Time employees.