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Addiction Counselor Trainee Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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 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.

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, gain supervised experience, and develop skills in counseling and communication, which can vary in difficulty depending on individual background and program requirements.

Is addiction counselor trainee a good career?

An addiction counselor trainee is an entry-level position in the mental health field focused on supporting individuals with substance use issues. It offers opportunities for professional growth, requires relevant certifications or training, and often involves working in clinical or community settings. The career can be rewarding for those interested in helping others and pursuing further credentials such as licensure or advanced degrees.

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 the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Addiction Counselor Trainee jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Addiction Counselor Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor Trainee job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

SUD Counselor - Latino Services

BestCare Treatment Services Inc

Madras, OR • On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


BestCare Treatment Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

This position serves our Spanish-speaking community; to be considered for this position, applicants must be a native Spanish speaker. 

JOB SUMMARY:  As part of the Program's Treatment Team, the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor provides individual and group counseling services to patients participating in the Program as well as to clients and to family members on theories and treatment of substance use disorders using a patient-centered approach. The SUD Counselor also functions as community liaison for a patient-centered and harm-reduction approach to substance use disorder treatment.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Works closely with the Treatment Team with assigned caseload of clients enrolled in the Program;
  2. Completes intakes, assessments and develops treatment plans as appropriate using American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to assess for appropriate levels of patient care (LOC) and integration with Mental Health and SUD programs;
  3. Collaborates with clients on completion of individualized treatment plans that contain goals and objectives that are measurable and are based on assessed needs and problems;
  4. Provides treatment through a variety of modalities including individual sessions, group counseling, and family counseling, as well as case management services, ensuring individualized, quality care;
  5. Conducts counseling sessions for individuals, groups, and persons diagnosed with substance use disorders working collaboratively with treatment team members and other agencies and applying principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of individual and group counseling;
  6. Provides crisis intervention as needed;
  7. Assesses ongoing needs of individuals, update assessments and recommendations as needed, and make appropriate referrals for additional services as needed;
  8. Works effectively with all recovery resource providers and all agencies in the community to provide seamless continuum of care for patients with substance use disorders;
  9. Works effectively and respectfully with client and family populations with diverse backgrounds and needs;
  10. Leads psycho-educational, skill development, relapse prevention, process, gender-specific, and medication supported recovery groups as assigned;
  11. Provides information about the Program to individuals, the public and an outreach to community groups;
  12. Collaborates with Certified Recovery Mentors on patient care and provides support and direction as needed;
  13. Collaborate with clients on discharge and aftercare planning;
  14. Maintains compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations, as they pertain to position including HIPAA, scope of practice, accreditation standards, OHA and OSHA;
  15. Works closely with referral sources, keeping them informed on the progress of the client, as needed and appropriate for client confidentiality;
  16. Maintains documentation of client services in the electronic client file (EHR), in a timely manner in accordance with policies and procedures and regulatory standards;
  17. Other related duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Performs work in alignment with the BestCare's mission, vision, values;
  2. Supports the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a culture of open-mindedness, cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for all individuals;
  3. Strives to meet Program/Department goals and supports the organization's strategic goals;
  4. Adheres to the organization's Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other relevant policies, procedures, and other compliance needs;
  5. Understands and maintains professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes;
  6. Attends required program/staff meetings and completes assigned training timely and satisfactorily;
  7. Ensures that any required certifications and/or licenses are kept current and renewed timely;
  8. Works independently as well as participates as a positive, collaborative team member;
  9. Performs other organizational duties as needed.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • High School Diploma (or equivalent)
  • For individuals in recovery from substance-use disorder, must have maintained continuous recovery for the previous two years at the time of hire

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

  • CADC-I required or 
  • CADC-R with ability/commitment to obtain certification within 2 years of hiring may be hired as SUD Counselor Trainee (CS-3)
  • Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire, and be insurable under the organization's auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and no Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations)

PREFERRED:

  • Associate's degree in addiction or other behavioral health field preferred
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus

What BestCare Treatment Services employees say

Hours and flexibility

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