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Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor Jobs in Akron, OH

Are you a Master level, licensed Counselor/Social Worker looking for a new opportunity? CHC Addiction Services is looking for new members to join our team! CHC is a non-profit social service agency ...

COUNSELOR

Akron, OH · On-site

$43.50K - $58.40K/yr

Our programs are intended to offer persons with alcohol and drug addiction the opportunity to ... Provides clinical services/counseling to clients with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring ...

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Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor information

See Akron, OH salary details

$13

$24

$34

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug alcohol trainee counselor in Akron, OH is $24.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $27.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor, and why are they important?

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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs in Akron, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs in Akron, OH are:
What cities near Akron, OH are hiring for Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs? Cities near Akron, OH with the most Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor job openings:
Alcohol Drug Rehab Counselor

Alcohol Drug Rehab Counselor

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Cleveland Clinic rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 873 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

326th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Join Cleveland Clinic and experience world-class healthcare at its best. Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital is a proud Magnet Hospital awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice. On our team, you will provide stellar patient care, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a meaningful career at one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world. 

Based at Lutheran Hospital, Cleveland Clinic’s Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center (ADRC) offers the highest quality evaluation and treatment for people with alcohol and/or drug dependency problems. Our interdisciplinary team of board-certified psychiatrists, specially trained and licensed registered nurses, and certified professional counselors all specialize in chemical dependency. As an Alcohol and Drug Rehab Counselor, you will perform assessments and plan and implement counseling and education services for patients receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. In this role, you will help individuals with substance use disorders navigate recovery, provide support and guidance and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

A caregiver in this position works days from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

  • Perform assessment, planning and implementation of counseling and education services for substance abuse rehabilitation patients. 

  • Provide assigned patients with counseling case management.  

  • Systematically and continually assess the patient's coping mechanisms in collaboration with the patient/family. 

  • Utilize appropriate teaching methods and/or referrals to ensure patient/family educational needs are met. 

  • Assess, collaborate and coordinate patient's discharge planning needs and readiness for discharge with other members of the care team. 

  • This position will primarily be completing assessments, not facilitating IOP.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

  • Master's degree

  • Current state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

  • Two years of experience in chemical dependency recovery counseling

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

  • Current state licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

  • Certification as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC)

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to navigate throughout the hospital and manual dexterity sufficient to perform functions on a PC and keyboard.

  • Requires frequent sitting, standing and walking.

  • Normal or corrected vision, hearing and speech.

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Pay Range

Salaries [which may be] shown on independent job search websites reflect various market averages and do not represent information obtained directly from The Cleveland Clinic. Because we value each individual candidate, we invite and encourage each candidate to discuss salary/hourly specifics during the application and hiring process.


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