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Entry Level Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DIAMOND HOUSE DETOX

AOD Counselor I

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

POSITION REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS: * Entry-level Counseling Registration such as RADT, SUDRC, or equivalent required prior to start date. * None to minimal prior counseling experience. * Current ...

Gateway Foundation

Substance Abuse Counselor

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Valdosta State Prison 3259 Val Tech Rd Valdosta, GA 31603 Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6:45 AM - 5:15 PM ...

Gateway Foundation

Addictions Counselor

Bainbridge, GA · On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Bainbridge PSATC 235 State Hospital Rd Bainbridge, GA 39817 Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 10-hour shifts ...

Gateway Foundation

Substance Abuse Counselor

Garden City, GA · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Coastal State Probation 200 Gulfstream Rd Garden City, GA 31418 Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 10-hour ...

Gateway Foundation

Substance Abuse Counselor

Garden City, GA · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Coastal State Probation 200 Gulfstream Rd Garden City, GA 31418 Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 10-hour ...

Gateway Foundation

Substance Abuse Counselor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Northwest PSATC 97 Kevin Lane Rock Spring, GA 30739 Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 10-hour shifts (day shift ...

Gateway Foundation

Substance Abuse Counselor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Northwest PSATC 97 Kevin Lane Rock Spring, GA 30739 Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 10-hour shifts (day shift ...

The Salvation Army

Summer Camp Counselor

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$16.83/hr

If you enjoy working with children, fostering creativity, and being a positive role model, this is the perfect role for you! Entry level counselors pay rate is $15.81 per hour with additional hourly ...

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Entry Level Counselor information

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$12

$25

$39

How much do entry level counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level counselor in the United States is $25.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry-Level Counselor Do?

An entry-level counselor position is the first step in a rewarding career as a counselor. In this field, you work with a patient to understand their concerns and struggles and advise them on ways to improve their situation. Your duties are to evaluate their current mental health, develop a treatment plan, and provide them with skills to reshape negative behavior. You can counsel an adult, student, or a young child depending on your specialty. Entry-level counselors work in various fields that require counseling responsibilities, including addiction recovery and substance abuse, mental health, college and other academic environments, relationship therapy, prisons for adults and juveniles, the foster system, and more.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Counselor, you need a foundational understanding of counseling theories, active listening, and a relevant degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Familiarity with case management software, documentation standards, and possibly certifications like a state counseling license or associate credential are typical requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build rapport help entry level counselors connect effectively with clients and colleagues. These competencies are crucial for providing effective support, maintaining ethical standards, and fostering positive client outcomes.

What does an entry level counselor do?

An entry level counselor provides support and guidance to individuals, often under the supervision of more experienced counselors. Their duties may include conducting intake assessments, helping clients set goals, facilitating group or individual counseling sessions, and maintaining client records. They often work in schools, community agencies, or healthcare settings, assisting clients with issues like stress, family relationships, or academic challenges. Entry level counselors use basic counseling techniques and refer clients to specialized resources when needed.

What types of support and supervision can an entry level counselor expect in their first year?

Entry level counselors typically receive regular supervision from experienced, licensed professionals to help them navigate client cases and develop their skills. Most organizations offer weekly or bi-weekly meetings for reviewing client progress, discussing challenges, and ensuring ethical standards are met. New counselors may also participate in team meetings, training sessions, and case consultations to foster collaboration and continued learning. This supportive environment helps build confidence and paves the way for professional growth within the organization.
More about Entry Level Counselor jobs
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Entry Level Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Counselor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,365 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Mental Health Entry Level Counselor for Weekend Day Shifts

EARTH HOUSE INC

Somerset, NJ

$15.49/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Counselors needed for residential mental health care facility in farmhouse setting in Somerset, NJ. Most of our residents have been diagnosed with bi-polar, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder. Psychology/Social Work education/experience preferred. Ideal for current students. Supervise up to 14 adult "students" from around the US as well as many other nations. Our 50+ years of specialized care includes traditional therapies and medication as well as a focus on underlying biochemical imbalances and the impact of diet, nutrition and supplementation with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other naturally occurring substances. Visit EarthHouse.org for more details. Reliability, a strong work ethic and valid driver's license is required.
NOTE: We specifically need day-shift counselors for Saturday and Sunday. Additional hours may be possible during the week.