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Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor Location: Trapper Creek Job Corps Center - Darby, MT Employment Type: Part-Time About Trapper Creek Job Corps Center The Trapper Creek Corps Center provides young ...

Drug/Alcohol Counselor I/II/III

Boise, ID ยท On-site

$24.90 - $29.58/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Drug and Alcohol Counselor I/Trainee is considered an entry-level position and is to be utilized for employees who have little or no counseling experience or certification/licensure. Generally ...

Drug/Alcohol Counselor I/II/III

Boise, ID ยท On-site

$26.43/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Drug and Alcohol Counselor I/Trainee is considered an entry-level position and is to be utilized for employees who have little or no counseling experience or certification/licensure. Generally ...

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Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor information

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$13

$25

$36

How much do drug alcohol trainee counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug alcohol trainee counselor in the United States is $25.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectDrug Alcohol Trainee CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; ongoing trainingCertification or license often required; relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentInternship or supervised setting, entry-levelClinics, rehab centers, or hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageTraining role within addiction servicesProfessional role providing treatment

The main difference is that a Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor is an entry-level position focused on gaining experience and training, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a licensed professional providing direct treatment. Trainees work under supervision, whereas licensed counselors operate independently. Both roles are essential in addiction treatment settings, but the Trainee role is a stepping stone toward becoming a fully licensed Substance Abuse Counselor.

What is a drug alcohol trainee counselor?

A Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor is an individual who is in the process of receiving training and supervision to provide counseling and support services to people struggling with substance abuse. They typically work under the guidance of a licensed or certified counselor while gaining the necessary experience and education to become fully certified. Their duties may include conducting intake interviews, assisting with treatment planning, facilitating group sessions, and providing resources to clients. The trainee counselor plays a crucial role in helping clients begin their recovery journey while ensuring all actions adhere to ethical and legal standards. This position is often a stepping stone to becoming a certified or licensed substance abuse counselor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drug alcohol trainee counselor?

To thrive as a Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor, you need foundational knowledge of addiction counseling, strong interpersonal skills, and typically a relevant degree or progress toward certification. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and counseling documentation systems is often required. Outstanding active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity set individuals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for building trust, supporting recovery, and ensuring effective treatment planning for clients struggling with substance use disorders.

What are some common challenges drug alcohol trainee counselors face during their initial months on the job?

Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients, managing emotionally charged situations, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of treatment facilities. New counselors may also find it demanding to balance documentation requirements with direct client care. However, most teams provide strong supervision and peer support, which helps trainees develop their counseling skills and confidence over time.
More about Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor job openings:
What states have the most Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,492 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Drug & Alcohol Counselor

ACI Federal Inc

Darby, MT โ€ข On-site

$27/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor


Location: Trapper Creek Job Corps Center – Darby, MT

Employment Type: Part-Time


About Trapper Creek Job Corps Center

The Trapper Creek Corps Center provides young adults with education, vocational training, and supportive services to prepare them for successful careers. We are committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and empowering environment where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.


Position Summary

The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of Job Corps students. This position provides counseling, education, and intervention services to help students overcome substance abuse challenges, develop coping strategies, and maintain a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.


Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct individual and group counseling sessions addressing substance abuse prevention, recovery, and life skills

  • Assess students’ needs through screenings, intake interviews, and ongoing evaluations

  • Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in alignment with Job Corps guidelines

  • Provide crisis intervention and referrals to external treatment resources when necessary

  • Collaborate with center staff, healthcare providers, and community partners to ensure holistic student support

  • Facilitate educational workshops on substance abuse awareness, prevention, and healthy decision-making

  • Maintain accurate, confidential case records and progress reports

  • Support center initiatives to promote a safe, drug-free environment


Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field (Master’s preferred)

  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or equivalent certification in Montana REQUIRED

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in substance abuse counseling, preferably with adolescents or young adults

  • Strong knowledge of counseling techniques, recovery models, and community resources

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and documentation skills

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, student-centered environment


Preferred Skills

  • Experience in educational or residential program settings

  • Familiarity with Job Corps policies and federal guidelines

  • Bilingual abilities are a plus