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Addiction Counselor Trainee Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

FL · On-site

$109K/yr

Examples of related mental health counseling fields include but are not limited to Addiction ... Ability to provide subject matter consultation to other colleagues and trainees within the field of ...

Addiction Counselor Trainee information

What is an addiction counselor trainee?

Addiction Counselor Trainees are individuals who are in the process of gaining the necessary education, supervised experience, and training to become certified or licensed addiction counselors. They typically work under the supervision of experienced professionals while learning to assess clients, develop treatment plans, and provide counseling services to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Trainees often participate in both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice to build their skills and knowledge. Their role is essential in supporting clients while also preparing them for independent practice as addiction counselors.

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

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor Trainee, you need foundational knowledge in counseling techniques, substance abuse disorders, and a relevant educational background, often with progress toward certification or licensure. Familiarity with client management software, electronic health records, and basic assessment tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and resilience help trainees connect with clients and contribute positively to treatment teams. These skills are crucial for providing effective support, building trust, and fostering successful recovery outcomes for clients.

What are some common challenges faced by addiction counselor trainees during their first year, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Addiction Counselor Trainees often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally intensive client sessions, maintaining professional boundaries, and adapting to various therapeutic techniques. Building resilience, seeking guidance from experienced supervisors, and participating in regular supervision sessions are effective ways to handle these difficulties. Trainees are encouraged to stay current with evidence-based practices, utilize peer support, and engage in self-care to prevent burnout as they develop their counseling skills.

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

AspectAddiction Counselor TraineeSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires a high school diploma or some college; supervised trainingRequires certification or licensure, such as CADC or LPC
Work EnvironmentInternship or supervised setting, often in clinics or rehab centersFull-time in treatment centers, clinics, or hospitals
Employer & IndustryEntry-level role in addiction treatment industryLicensed professional working independently or with a team
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The Addiction Counselor Trainee is an entry-level position requiring supervision and minimal certification, often serving as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed Substance Abuse Counselor. The Substance Abuse Counselor is a fully credentialed professional responsible for client treatment and support. Both roles are integral to addiction treatment but differ mainly in certification, independence, and work responsibilities.

Are addiction counselor trainees in demand?

Addiction counselor trainees are in demand as the need for substance abuse treatment continues to grow, especially in healthcare and mental health settings. Entry-level positions often require relevant certifications or training, and demand is expected to increase with rising awareness of addiction issues and expanded access to treatment programs.

How hard is it to become an addiction counselor trainee?

Becoming an addiction counselor trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring a relevant bachelor's degree. Trainees often need to complete specific training or certification programs and gain supervised experience, which can take several months to a year depending on the program and state requirements.

How long does it take to become an addiction counselor trainee?

Becoming an addiction counselor trainee typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or coursework in addiction counseling, which can take several months to a year. Some positions may also require obtaining a related certification or license, depending on state regulations and employer requirements.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Addiction Counselor Trainee jobs in Florida?

For Addiction Counselor Trainee jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor Trainee jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Addiction Counselor Trainee jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Addiction Counselor Trainee jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Addiction Counselor Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor Trainee job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Chief, Addiction Medicine Division / Associate or Full Professor, Medical Director, Florida Recovery

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


University Of Florida rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

384th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Chief, Addiction Medicine Division / Associate or Full Professor, Medical Director, Florida Recovery Center (FRC)
Job no: 539813
Work type: Multi-Track Faculty
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Health Care Administration/Support
Department:29120000 - MD-PSYCHIATRY
Classification Title:
Chief, Addiction Medicine Division / Associate or Full Professor, Medical Director, Florida Recovery Center (FRC)
Job Description:
The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida (UF), College of Medicine in Gainesville, is seeking a Chief of the Addiction Medicine Division within the Department of Psychiatry at the Associate or Full Professor level for the Florida Recovery Center (FRC) and University of Florida Psychiatric Hospital (UFPH) . . The position is full-time (1.0 FTE), Clinical (Associate or Full Professor, commensurate with qualifications). This role concurrently functions as Medical Director for the Florida Recovery Center (FRC), rated as the top addiction recovery center in the state of Florida and in the top five throughout the US. The Addiction Division Chief provides comprehensive oversight of inpatient and outpatient addiction medicine services, leads quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, ensures sound fiscal management, and fosters collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Leadership & Program Oversight
  • Provide strategic and operational oversight of all inpatient and outpatient addiction medicine services across FRC, Shands, UFH Psychiatric Hospital, and affiliated clinical sites.
  • Serve as physician leader and liaison with hospital administration, compliance, risk management, and quality offices.

Medical Director Responsibilities
  • Ensure delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered addiction treatment services.
  • Oversee clinical protocols, utilization management, and compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards.
  • Ensure clinical operations align with institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and payer requirements.
  • Lead interdisciplinary teams including physicians, advanced practice providers, psychologists, counselors, nursing, and administrative staff.

Quality, Safety, and Performance Improvement
  • Lead division-wide quality improvement, patient safety, and outcomes measurement initiatives.
  • Monitor and improve clinical performance metrics, patient satisfaction, and access to care.
  • Lead the management and review of all Independent Medical Evaluations in alignment with institutional standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation in addiction treatment, care delivery models, and service expansion.

Administrative and Financial Management
  • Manage division budgets, clinical revenue streams, and resource allocation.
  • Participate in financial planning, forecasting, and contract development.
  • Ensure efficient utilization of staffing, space, and clinical infrastructure.

Academic Leadership & Faculty Development
  • Provide mentorship, evaluation, and professional development for faculty and trainees.
  • Support educational missions including undergraduate, graduate medical education, and fellowship training in addiction medicine.
  • Promote scholarship, research participation, and dissemination of best practices aligned with institutional goals.

Strategic Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Lead strategic planning for the Addiction Medicine Division in alignment with departmental, college, and health system priorities.
  • Coordinate with internal partners (departments, hospitals, colleges) and external stakeholders (community agencies, state partners, referral networks).
  • Represent the division at institutional committees, regional initiatives, and professional organizations.

Expected Salary:
Salary commensurate with qualifications.
Required Qualifications:
  • MD or DO (or equivalent terminal medical degree).
  • Board certification in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry.
  • Eligible for unrestricted medical licensure in Florida.
  • Demonstrated record of clinical leadership and administrative experience in addiction medicine or behavioral health.
  • Academic qualifications appropriate for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor rank.

Preferred:
  • Prior experience as a division chief, medical director, or comparable leadership role.
  • Experience managing complex clinical programs across inpatient and outpatient settings.
  • Demonstrated success in quality improvement, fiscal management, and team leadership.
  • Strong record of teaching, mentorship, and scholarly activity.

UF Health Florida Recovery Center
The UF Health Florida Recovery Center (FRC) has been Florida's premier addiction treatment facility for over 25 years, proudly serving patients from across the United States. Our evidence-based and results-oriented treatment focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery followed by the well-known 12-step method. The Florida Recovery Center's beautiful new campus is situated on a 5.6-acre parcel in northwest Gainesville in close proximity to the UF Health Psychiatric Hospital and Springhill medical offices, easily facilitating treatment for other medical conditions.
In addition, faculty in the Department of Psychiatry are engaged in UF and national collaborations that afford rich opportunities for career development. As a faculty member in the College of Medicine, the candidate will also contribute to its educational mission by participating in graduate and/or medical education, particularly the teaching of addiction fellows, general psychiatry residents, and medical students during rotations and seminar teaching.
The successful applicant for this position will report to the Chair of Department of Psychiatry.
Compensation and Benefits
As one of the nation's top public research university, the University of Florid is dedicated to providing robust benefits options to support the wellbeing their employees. The university offers a range of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet your family's financial, educational, and health needs. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.
  • Salary commensurate base on candidate's experience
  • Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts, employee wellness program, and employee assistance program
  • Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance
  • Plan for your future with retirement savings and investment options that grow with you
  • Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and personal holiday, and winter break,
  • Time to recover - 8 weeks of paid parental and medical leave
  • Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services

ABOUT GAINESVILLE
The City of Gainesville holds many distinctions. Located in the northern part of Florida, Gainesville is home to the state's largest and oldest university (UF), and is one of the state's centers of education, innovation, healthcare, arts & culture, sports, and more. You can find the city routinely listed as one of the best college towns, best places to live, and best places to retire. Known for its preservation of historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville's numerous parks, museums, and lakes provide endless entertainment to thousands of visitors and locals every year. Things to do in Gainesville , Visit Gainesville
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Interested applicants should submit the following items as part of the online application:
  • Cover letter that states applicant's interest in the position and qualification relative to the credentials listed above.
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Reference Names/Contact Information (3). The cover letter should include the names and contact information of three individuals who can provide an evaluative appraisal of the applicant's work, potential in the field, and capacity to be an effective colleague in an academic health sciences center. References will be requested from the Department should the applicant be considered.

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
The Search Committee will accept applications until the position is filled. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Health Assessment Required:Yes
Advertised: 06 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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About University of Florida

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The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853