1

Addiction Counselor Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Addiction Counselor Intern information

What does an addiction counselor intern do?

An Addiction Counselor Intern assists licensed addiction counselors in providing support and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Their responsibilities often include conducting intake interviews, helping with group and individual counseling sessions, maintaining client records, and learning to develop treatment plans under supervision. Interns gain hands-on experience while completing required hours for certification or licensure, and they work closely with experienced professionals to develop essential counseling skills and ethical practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counselor intern?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor Intern, you need foundational knowledge in substance abuse counseling, active listening, and a relevant academic background in psychology or social work. Familiarity with case management software, basic clinical documentation, and pursuing or holding certifications like CADC or similar are common requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build rapport with clients and support effective treatment. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering compassionate care, maintaining client trust, and supporting recovery in a clinical or community setting.

What types of supervision and support can an addiction counselor intern expect during their internship?

As an Addiction Counselor Intern, you will typically work under the direct supervision of a licensed counselor or clinical supervisor, who provides regular feedback and guidance. Most programs offer structured supervision sessions, case discussions, and opportunities to observe experienced professionals, ensuring you gain practical skills while maintaining client safety. You’ll also collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, nurses, and other counselors, which fosters a supportive learning environment and helps you build a strong professional network.

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

AspectAddiction Counselor InternSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsOften pursuing relevant certifications or degrees, supervised internshipTypically requires certification or licensure, such as CADC or LPC
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, clinics, rehab centers under supervisionFull-time roles in clinics, rehab centers, or healthcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and training phase, often part of a licensing pathwayLicensed professionals providing treatment and counseling services

The main difference is that an Addiction Counselor Intern is in a training or supervised internship phase, often working towards certification, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a licensed professional providing direct treatment. Interns gain experience and mentorship, whereas licensed counselors have full responsibilities for client care.

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 Intern jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

CLINICIAN I/II/III, WOMEN'S CENTER- CHARLOTTESVILLE (PRN)

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Region Ten
501 - 1,000 employees

$54K - $71K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

REQ# 36000091
POSITION TITLE: CLINICIAN I/II/III
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is a FLSA non-exempt position. The incumbent is responsible for providing and documenting clinical services to clients enrolled in the Women Center residential treatment program. He/she performs assessments, and provides counseling and rehabilitative services
through individual and group therapy. He/she has the responsibility to provide supportive advocacy, information and referral assistance to link Mohr Center clients to other services in the community. This includes assessing resource needs, developing treatment plans,
coordinating services with other service providers and serving as a client advocate. The incumbent reports to the Director III and is expected to function with initiative and independent judgment, based on application of standard practices with guidance from supervisor. In carrying out duties, he/she is required to act professionally and knowledgeably with both clients and referral agencies and exercise sound independent decision-making. He/she will perform in accordance with professional ethics and established Region Ten policies.
QUALIFICATIONS:
CLINCIAN I
• Bachelor' s degree, QMHP
• Master's degree in license eligible field but not yet license eligible as defined by Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
• Master's in non-license eligible field
• PH. D in non-licensure eligible field
• Other non-related degrees
CLINCIAN II
• Master's degree and license eligible according the DHP definition:
• Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, substance abuse, or marriage and family therapy from an accredited college or university
• Education verified by an official transcript with conferral date
• Evidence you have had an intern or practicum of at least 500 hours of experience with persons who have a mental illness. (Verification of Internship/Practicum for QMHP form)
• Is under the direct personal supervision of a person licensed under Virginia law, who is working towards licensure, and who is in compliance with the appropriate Virginia licensing board may perform the functions of the LMHP for purposes of Medicaid reimbursement. The Board of Health Professions refers to masters prepared individuals in Counseling and Psychology as "Resident". The Board of Health Professions refers to masters prepared individuals in social work as "Supervisee". For purposes of Medicaid reimbursement, these persons shall use LMHP-E after their signatures to indicate this status. Additionally, a person who can register within six months of hire. In this case, a newly hired clinician's continued employment is contingent on meeting the definition above within 6 months of hire.
CLINICIAN III
• Licensed clinicians as one of the following:
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Clinical Psychologists
EDUCATION
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a human services field (required)
EXPERIENCE
• Previous experience is preferred
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:
• To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the program, a valid Virginia Driver's License plus an acceptable driving
record as issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles are required.
• For business use of a personal car, a certificate of valid personal automobile insurance must be provided.
• All candidates must possess substance abuse certification, SACAVA certification, hold a license in a related human
services field or be eligible to have one of these professional certifications or licenses within two years of
employment. Certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, completion of social detoxification training and medication management training is required.
KSAS
Knowledge of: alcoholism, drug addiction, withdrawal symptoms, triage, mental illness, case management, interviewing techniques, intervention dynamics, community referral resources, counseling theories and techniques, crisis intervention, DSM IV diagnostic criteria, theories of early recovery, treatment care planning and records keeping systems.
Skills in: assessing needs of addicted clients, individual and group counseling, interviewing, triage and crisis management, DSM IV diagnosis, case management, conducting interventions, educating clients, their families, and the public about all aspects of substance addiction, recovery, public speaking, responding to clients empathetically while maintaining objectivity, report writing, care planning and maintaining client records; personal computers and keyboarding.
Abilities to: relate to and get along with people from all levels of society with a variety of substance addiction problems and mental illness, do public presentations, choose and implement appropriate treatment modalities for clients and their families, write and speak lucid, concise, articulate, grammatical English and make maximum use of time on the job.
HOURLY SALARY RANGE:
GRADE 9- CLINICIAN I: $21.02 - $31.53 per hour
GRADE 10- CLINICIAN II: $25.00 - $34.68 per hour
GRADE 11- CLINICIAN III: $27.40 - 38.15 per hour
POSITION LOCATION: 90 Old Lynchburg Place, Charlottesville, VA 22903
SCHEDULE: PRN (Non-exempt)
Location : 500 OLD LYNCHBURG RD
Details : Job Description
HOURLY RATE RANGE: $21.02-$31.53