ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Credo Community Center

Entry Level Counselor

Watertown, NY · On-site

$17.50/hr

Co-facilitate group counseling and didactic sessions * Participate in clinical supervision at least bi-weekly and comply with directions * Utilize ATTC's Performance Assessment Rubrics as a tool for ...

Guardian Recovery

COUNSELOR ASSISTANT

Portland, ME · On-site

Substance Abuse: Entry-level counselor assistants (Certified Addiction Counselor I, or CAC I) need only a high school diploma or GED, 40 hours of approved training, and 4,000 hours of supervised ...

Guardian Recovery

COUNSELOR ASSISTANT

Portland, ME

Substance Abuse: Entry-level counselor assistants (Certified Addiction Counselor I, or CAC I) need only a high school diploma or GED, 40 hours of approved training, and 4,000 hours of supervised ...

DIAMOND HOUSE DETOX

AOD Counselor I

Sacramento, CA

$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 ...

Willow and Sprig Behavioral Health

Be Seen First

Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$56K - $70K/yr

Master's degree in Counseling or related field. * Entry-level counseling experience. * Experience with individual and group counseling. * Proficient in treatment planning, progress monitoring, and ...

Willow and Sprig Behavioral Health

Be Seen First

Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$56K - $70K/yr

Master's degree in Counseling or related field. * Entry-level counseling experience. * Experience with individual and group counseling. * Proficient in treatment planning, progress monitoring, and ...

American Oversight

Entry-Level Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site

For more information, please visit our website: www.americanoversight.org JOB OVERVIEW American Oversight seeks an entry-level Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation ...

Gateway Foundation

Addictions Counselor

Bainbridge, GA

$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 ...

American Oversight

Entry-Level Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site

For more information, please visit our website: www.americanoversight.org JOB OVERVIEW American Oversight seeks an entry-level Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCounselor JobsEntry Level Counselor Jobs

Entry Level Counselor information

See salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do entry level counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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.

Who gets paid more, LCSW or LMHC?

LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers) generally earn higher salaries than LMHCs (Licensed Mental Health Counselors) due to their broader scope of practice, additional clinical responsibilities, and often required supervision hours. Salary differences can vary by region and setting, but LCSWs tend to have higher earning potential in mental health roles.

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.

How to make $200,000 as a therapist?

Entry level counselors typically earn less than $200,000 annually; reaching this income level usually requires advanced licensure, specialization, private practice, or working in high-demand settings. Building a strong client base, gaining additional certifications, and expanding services can increase earning potential over time.

How to become an entry level counselor?

To become an entry-level counselor, typically a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is required. Gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining any necessary state licensure or certification can also be important steps in qualifying for entry-level counseling positions.

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.

Is there a way to become a counselor without a degree?

Entry level counselors typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but most counseling roles require a relevant bachelor's degree in fields like psychology or social work. Some positions may accept related experience or certifications, but advanced counseling generally requires a degree and licensure or certification to practice legally and effectively.

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
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Counselor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs? The most popular types of Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Counselor jobs are:
Entry Level Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,365 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Entry Level Counselor

Credo Community Center

Watertown, NY • On-site

$17.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Shift Available
Part-Time: Position 1 Monday-Friday 4:30pm-9:30pm
Position 2 Saturday & Sunday 10am-9pm
SUMMARY
Provide supportive presence for Clinical Staff in all areas of programming. Interaction with residents including, clinical activities, transport to off - site services, recreation, work projects and volunteer activities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Maintain Standards that apply to Confidentiality and 42 CFR/HIPAA
  • Must be knowledgeable and able to demonstrate the Canon of Ethics, healthy professional relationships and boundaries with clients and co-workers
  • Provide individual and group activities
  • Co-facilitate group counseling and didactic sessions
  • Participate in clinical supervision at least bi-weekly and comply with directions
  • Utilize ATTC's Performance Assessment Rubrics as a tool for assessing and developing clinical competencies to strive to meet the Proficient Counselor standard.
  • Ensure the delivery of prompt medical attention in cases of illness or accident, report any such incidents to the Program Director/Supervisor, complete untoward incident reports and documentation as required. Utilize the On-call system as needed.
  • Obtain breath and urine samples for AOD testing
  • Participate in record reviews
  • Attend and participate in relevant training while pursuing/maintaining CASAC
  • Attend staff meetings, in-service and conference/trainings as assigned
  • Convey information inter/intra agency
  • Be sensitive and responsible to public relations within the community
  • Maintain basic knowledge of the physical plant
  • Supervise and participate with residents during recreational, vocational and educational activities including meal preparation, cleaning, hygiene, nutrition and daily chores.
  • Utilize program consumables and supplies cost effectively
  • Transport residents to appointments and activities as needed
  • Safeguard, monitor and distribute residents' medication as prescribed
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Management has the right to add or change the duties of this position at any time.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Required: Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred: College Degree and experience in Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Physical Education and/or Recreation preferred
Other Job Requirements: Must maintain a valid Drivers License, as specified in the personnel policies.
Salary Description
$17.50/hour

Apply