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Addiction Counselor Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Counselor

Largo, FL · On-site

$20.40 - $25.50/hr

Registered marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, and mental health counseling intern. * Certified master's degree level addiction professional (MCAP) certified by the Florida ...

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Counselor

Port Richey, FL · On-site

$20.40 - $22.95/hr

Registered marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, and mental health counseling intern. * Certified master's degree level addiction professional (MCAP) certified by the Florida ...

Apply Early

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Addiction Counselor Intern information

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$32.5K

$54.2K

$71K

How much do addiction counselor intern jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor intern in the United States is $54,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, and why are they important?

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 cities are hiring for Addiction Counselor Intern jobs? Cities with the most Addiction Counselor Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs? The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Addiction Counselor Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Addiction Counselor Intern jobs include:
Counselor

Counselor

Operation Par Inc.

Largo, FL • On-site

$20.40 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Operation PAR, Inc. is a non-profit organization offering the full continuum of services for individuals with substance use and/or mental health disorders.  PAR has been providing comprehensive behavioral health treatment in west Florida since 1970 through advocacy, education, clinical services, and research.


BENEFITS:

  • 9 paid holidays per year
  • 3 weeks of PTO per year (on top of holidays).  PTO increases to 4 weeks/year after 2 years of employment, and then to 5 weeks/year after 5 years of employment.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
  • 401k matching
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Continuing education, reimbursement for professional certifications, licensure and qualified supervision.


GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Performs substance abuse and mental health counseling work on an individual patient basis and in a group setting. Duties primarily consist of conducting and documenting services such as counseling, psycho-educational groups, psychosocial assessment, case management, and treatment planning. Counseling includes discussion of issues associated with MAPS patient’s substance use and other co-occurring conditions to work toward a constructive resolution of those problems and ultimately toward recovery. May be required to use telehealth services to provide clinical screenings, assessments, and counseling.


SCOPE OF PRACTICE: Clinical services are limited to the following:

  • Screening and psychosocial assessment
  • Treatment planning and referral
  • Service coordination and consultation
  • Continuing assessment and treatment plan reviews
  • Recovery support services
  • Crisis intervention
  • Individual, family, and community education
  • Documentation of progress
  • Counseling, including:
    1. Individual counseling
    2. Group counseling
    3. Counseling with families, couples, and significant others


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Commitment to workplace of dignity and respect
  • Compliance with all Equal Employment Opportunity rules and guidelines
  • Ability to work with others cooperatively and cordially in a spirit of teamwork
  • Ability to appear at work as scheduled, mindful of the company’s attendance policies
  • Ability to accept direction from managers and supervisors in a respectful and collaborative manner


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Bachelor's or Master’s degree from an accredited university or college with a major in counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or a related human services field.
  2. Registered marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, and mental health counseling intern.
  3. Certified master’s degree level addiction professional (MCAP) certified by the Florida Certification Board
  4. Certified addictions professional (CAP) certified by the Florida Certification Board
  5. Certified addiction counselor (CAC) certified by the Florida Certification Board


ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/TECHNICAL SKILLS:

  • Ability to write accurately and legibly
  • Moderate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Windows-based computers
  • Ability to accurately type at least 40 words per minute.
  • Ability to sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time

• Ability to bend, stoop and reach

• Ability to sit in meetings for extended periods of time

  • Ability to move throughout program facilities both indoors and outdoors

• Ability to lift and carry 10 pounds

• Good hearing and vision

Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must pass a level II background check (https://info.flclearinghouse.com) and drug screen
  • Must maintain current training as required by Operation PAR, Inc. policies

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

  • Treatment program / Office
  • Fast paced environment
  • Exposure to individuals who may be experiencing emotional distress or agitation
  • Possible exposure to clients with communicable diseases