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Entry Level Counselor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Summit BHC

Must have current and valid licensure or certification as a social worker, professional counselor, therapist or addiction counselor per state agency, including entry level licenses as issued by the ...

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Latitude

Entry-Level In-House Counsel

Columbia, TN · On-site

$85 - $90/hr

Latitude specializes in providing highly skilled former in-house counsel and Big Law attorneys for flexible contract engagements and permanent positions in dozens of practice areas, including ...

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Entry Level Counselor information

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How much do entry level counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level counselor in Tennessee is $22.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
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Entry Level Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Counselor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,527 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor - Rock Springs, GA

Gateway Foundation

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Are you interested in Substance Abuse Counseling and want to get certified for FREE?
Who is Gateway Foundation?
Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.
Why join us?
We also pride ourselves on being a great place to work! Gateway provides a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. We aim to develop our staff by providing the training and clinical supervision hours you need to pursue a career in substance use counseling! Gateway will help you get a certification by reimbursing for all costs, and provides a growth path for employees to advance.
We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections
Perks of working in correctional healthcare:
  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
  • Exposure to diverse patient demographics
  • Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
  • Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting

**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)
Substance Abuse Counselors are responsible for:
  • Conducts client interviews and assessments to review substance use disorder and treatment history.
  • Evaluates client response to treatment to recommend modifications to the treatment plan and assist with caseloads and development of individualized treatment plan and preparing individually appropriate goals, interventions, and necessary support.
  • Assists with and provides didactic group counseling, including psychoeducation, drug education, and family education to ensure peer support occurs.
  • Provides individual client counseling, educational programs and lectures to address relapse prevention, problem solving, behavior modification, anger management, etc., and to assist in overcoming substance use disorder, adjusting to pro-social life, and making cognitive and behavioral changes.
  • Carries case load up to 25 clients, per State and contract requirements.
  • Collaborates with clients to develop discharge summary and continuing care and relapse prevention plans for supervisor's approval to integrate aftercare treatment with referral resource services.
  • Coordinates required services to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations in support of continued recovery.
  • Collects and maintains treatment records and reports to ensure organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance.
  • Performs office administrative duties, such as answering telephones; relaying messages; responding to inquiries regarding program services and policies; filing, photocopying and faxing documents; planning special events, assembling intake packets, etc.

Job Requirements:
  • Must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a helping profession from an accredited college or university
  • Some previous counseling experience, experience in substance use disorder or mental health treatment is preferred
  • Must obtain certification as identified by state within 30 months of the first date that the counseling services are provided. Acceptable Certifications include Certified Addiction Counselor from the Georgia Addiction Counselor's Association (GACA), Certified Addiction Counselor from the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC), and Certification as a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Acceptable Licensures include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS).
  • Must be able to obtain Georgia Department of Corrections clearance to work in the correctional institution

Physical Requirements:
  • Works in a correctional facility
  • Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with clients
  • Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data
  • Ability to record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy
  • Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises

Compensation (based on experience and credentials):
  • Non-Credentialed range begins at $19.00 per hour - $20.00 per hour.
  • Credentialed ranges begins at $23.08 per hour - $25.00 per hour.
  • Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:
Health and Wellness:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:
  • 18 paid time off days per year - accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work-life-balance

Personal Development:
  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU's and job-related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

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