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Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor Jobs in Springfield, MA

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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 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug alcohol trainee counselor in Springfield, MA is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $28.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

How much do drug alcohol trainee counselors make a year?

Drug and alcohol trainee counselors typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of this range, with salaries increasing as they gain skills and credentials in counseling and addiction treatment.

Is it hard to be a drug alcohol trainee counselor?

Becoming a drug alcohol trainee counselor involves completing relevant education, such as a certification or degree in addiction counseling, and gaining practical experience through supervised training. The role requires strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards, which can present challenges but are manageable with proper preparation and support.

What job categories do people searching Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs in Springfield, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor job openings:

Residential Counselor: Brook House- Part-time Fri Sat - 6897

CHR

Enfield, CT โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

A career can mean different things at different workplaces. Apply now to see what it means to us and what it's like to work somewhere your voice is heard, your wellness is a priority, and your success matters.
JOB TITLE: Residential Counselor
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time, 16 hours/wk
SCHEDULED HOURS: Friday 4pm to 12am and Saturday 4pm to 12am
PROGRAM/LOCATION: Brook House, Enfield, CT
PC#: 1110
ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Brook House
A community based group home that provides 24 hour staffing and a built-in therapeutic component for 5 girls, aged 13-18 who have experienced trauma and loss, who have serious emotional and behavioral problems and who have lived in more restrictive programs or institutions. Brook House allows the girls to live in a more normal, natural setting within a community, while providing a high level of support and structure.
ABOUT THE POSITION: Residential Counselor
Position Highlights
  • Great way to get your foot in the mental health field.
  • Opportunity to grow your skills and take part of trainings.
  • Grow invaluable relationships with the clients.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Maintains physical environment and program standards to CHR, DMHAS, JCAHO and any other licensing standard
  • Monitors medications of all residents in accordance with the Adult residential medication policy and procedure.
  • Effectively utilizes appropriate communication methods/tools to transfer information to other staff regarding the day's events
  • Teaches and assists all residents in areas of rehab including: nutrition and healthy living, meal preparation, hygiene, laundry, banking and budgeting, and basic home care skills.
  • Assists/Manages administrative functions and tasks at the direction of the supervisor
  • Prepares and facilitates educational and skill building groups and one to one interventions as directed by the treatment plan.
  • Collaborates and coordinate care with providers and families as needed.
  • Assists residents in addressing medical and psychiatric needs.
  • Maintains documentation in compliance with agency and program standards.
  • Participates in staff meetings, supervision, trainings and other meetings as assigned.
  • Additional duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: High diploma or GED required.
Experience: Two years' experience working with a relevant population preferred.
Licensure/Certification/Registration: Valid driver's license required with good driving record.
Why Join CHR?
Award-Winning Workplace:
  • Proudly recognized as a Top Workplace for 13 consecutive years!

Generous Time Off:
  • Enjoy ample paid time off, including a special day off for your birthday!

Retirement Savings:
  • Benefit from contributions to your 403b Retirement Plan.

Comprehensive Insurance:
  • Competitive premiums with added discounts on pet, auto, and home insurance!

Education & Tuition Support:
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
  • Student loan repayment assistance (Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Nurse Corps, NHSC/HRSA at select sites).
  • Exclusive tuition discounts for CHR employees at several local colleges/universities.

Career Development:
  • FREE robust training curriculum, featuring our brand-new Clinical Training Series for interactive learning, practical skill enhancement, and professional growth!
  • Clinical supervision and/or mentoring available at many programs.
  • Internal career fairs: connect with recruiters to discuss your career aspirations and the various opportunities available within our over 80 programs statewide.

Wellness Program:
  • Annual wellness stipend.
  • FREE premium subscription to the Calm app, for employees and their families.
  • Fun activities like coloring contests, lunch & learns, office seasonal decorating contests, employee appreciation events, and more!
  • Up to 6 FREE confidential counseling sessions per issue, per year, for individuals, couples, & families through our EAP program.

Employee Involvement:
  • Participate in leadership luncheons with our CEO and various agency committees!

Stay Informed:
  • Weekly video updates from our CEO and monthly newsletters to keep you in the loop.

And So Much More:
  • Many benefits are available to all staff, regardless of the hours worked, with some subject to eligibility.

Join us at CHR and be part of an exciting, supportive, and dynamic workplace where your growth and well-being are our top priorities!
COMPENSATION*:
Starting at $17.00/hr min., and up commensurate upon experience.
*Actual rates are determined at the time of offer and are based off of a strict calculation process, as well as adherence to our internal equity policy. Many of our positions offer program/location differentials and/or sign-on incentives. (Please note, for part-time positions this range would be pro-rated based on hours worked)
CHR is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage all to apply.
Take the first step to a meaningful career and apply to CHR today!
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.