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Drug Counselor Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Counselor Intern

Vineland, NJ · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Counselor Intern Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a growing leader in addiction treatment services. We ... Collection and testing of urine/swab drug screening following proper chain of custody. * Secure ...

Counselor Intern

Brick, NJ · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Counselor Intern Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a growing leader in addiction treatment services. We ... Collection and testing of urine/swab drug screening following proper chain of custody. * Secure ...

Counselor Intern

Pennsauken, NJ · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Counselor Intern Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a growing leader in addiction treatment services. We ... Collection and testing of urine/swab drug screening following proper chain of custody. * Secure ...

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Drug Counselor Intern information

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$25K

$64K

$111K

How much do drug counselor intern jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug counselor intern in the United States is $64,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drug counselor intern?

Drug Counselor Interns are individuals who are in training to become certified or licensed drug and alcohol counselors. They work under the supervision of experienced professionals to gain practical experience in helping clients overcome substance abuse and addiction. Their duties often include conducting assessments, assisting with therapy sessions, developing treatment plans, and providing support and education to clients. The internship helps them fulfill educational and clinical requirements needed for certification or licensure in the field. This role is essential in preparing aspiring counselors for a career in substance abuse counseling.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a drug counselor intern?

To thrive as a Drug Counselor Intern, you need foundational knowledge in addiction counseling, understanding of substance abuse disorders, and typically enrollment in or completion of relevant coursework or certification programs. Familiarity with clinical documentation systems, counseling frameworks like Motivational Interviewing, and compliance with confidentiality regulations such as HIPAA is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies ensure effective support for clients on their recovery journey and contribute to a safe, therapeutic environment.

What types of support and supervision can a drug counselor intern expect during their internship?

As a Drug Counselor Intern, you can typically expect to work under the close supervision of a licensed counselor or clinical supervisor who will guide your professional development. Regular one-on-one meetings, case reviews, and group supervision sessions are common, providing opportunities to discuss client cases, ethical dilemmas, and counseling techniques. Many organizations also offer structured training sessions and encourage collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, such as social workers and medical staff, fostering a supportive learning environment. This supervision not only ensures client safety but also helps interns gain confidence and competence in their counseling skills.

What is the difference between Drug Counselor Intern vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectDrug Counselor InternSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsOften pursuing or holding a relevant degree; may need state-specific internship approvalTypically requires certification or licensure, such as CADC or state license
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, clinics, or treatment centers under supervisionFull-time professional role in clinics, rehab centers, or hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, internship programs, treatment facilitiesEstablished treatment centers, healthcare providers, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Drug Counselor Intern is typically a student or trainee gaining supervised experience, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a licensed professional providing independent treatment services. Interns are in training, whereas licensed counselors have completed certification requirements and can work independently.

What cities are hiring for Drug Counselor Intern jobs?

Cities with the most Drug Counselor Intern job openings:

What states have the most Drug Counselor Intern jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drug Counselor Intern jobs include:

Infographic showing various Drug Counselor Intern 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 $64,006 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

$23.07 - $24.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Daymark Recovery Services rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Mission Statement:

Our mission is to inspire and empower people to seek and maintain recovery and health. Daymark Recovery Services, Inc. is a mission driven, comprehensive community provider of culturally sensitive mental health and substance abuse services.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Flex Spending Account
  • Health Spending Account
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Employee Assistant Program
  • Referral Bonus Opportunities
  • Extensive Internal Training Program

PayScale:  $23.07/hr.-$24.03/hr. 

Summary:

Under direct and indirect supervision, provides, and/or administers a wide range of psychosocial evaluation/assessments, provides substance use counseling, and crisis intervention services in a high-intensity clinical environment which requires a high degree of independent decision-making.  Most aspects of this job require clinical assessment, evaluation, and intervention skills to Substance Use and Co-occurring disorders individuals that are treated with Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient (SAIOP) treatment, according to service definition a minimum of three hours per day, three to five days per week. This can include individual, family, and/or group therapy. Person Centered Plan (PCP) development and implementation are also core functions of this job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides SAIOP services according to service definition. Coordinates with the LCAS or LCAS-A and Clinical Supervisor to ensure that the individual has access to counseling supports, psychoeducation, and crisis interventions. Facilitates individual and group counseling sessions. Provides substance use, health, and community services education. Assists with development of relapse prevention and disease management strategies.
  • Participate in the initial development and implementation, and ongoing revision of PCP. Provide ongoing assessment and re-assessment of the individual based on PCP and goals. Monitor and document the status of the individual’s progress and the effectiveness of strategies and interventions outlined in PCP. Communicate individual’s progress and the effectiveness of the strategies and interventions as outlined in PCP to individual’s care team.
  • Provides case management and care coordination for individual. Coordinate with other members of individual’s care team (i.e. MAT provider, TCM provider, PCP, etc).  Link and refer individuals to needed services and supports.
  • Provide crisis interventions when clinically appropriate.
  • All other duties as assigned by supervisor

Productivity Gudelines:

Outpatient services are expected to have an average of 4 billable hours per day over the course of a year. 

Vacation and sick leave are not excluded from this expectation.

Official Daymark Holidays and FMLA are excluded from this expectation when reviewed monthly for productivity incentive and annually for the performance evaluation.

Group therapy has an enhanced productivity credit.

Clinician will receive 1 productivity credit for every 3 people in the group.

Performance Evaluation Standards

3.3 or less hours averaged

Rating 1= Needs improvement

3.4 to 4.5 hours averaged

Rating 2- Meets Expectations

4.6 to 5.5 hours averaged

Rating 3= Above Expectations

5.6 and above

Rating 4= Outstanding

Education and/or Experience: Education and/or Experience: 

Must meet qualifications of a behavioral health qualified professional (QP). An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a human service field with two years MH/SA/IDD experience with the population served; or a bachelor’s degree in a non-human service field and at least four years of full-time experience working with the MH/SU/IDD population.

Certificates, License, Registration:

Must be recognized and in good standing by the NCSAPPB as either a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CDAC), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor-Intern (CADC-I), or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor-Intern (CSAC-I).


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