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Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs

Substance Abuse Counselor

Bronx, NY · On-site +1

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

Qualifications Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), CASAC-Trainee (CASAC-T), bachelor's degree in a human services field with active CASAC-T or enrollment in a licensure ...

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Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor information

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$14

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How much do entry level remote substance abuse counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level remote substance abuse counselor in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level remote substance abuse counselor do?

An Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor helps individuals struggling with substance abuse by providing support, education, and counseling services through virtual platforms. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, and facilitate individual or group therapy sessions online. Working remotely, they also offer resources and guidance to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Entry-level counselors typically work under supervision while gaining experience and may assist in crisis intervention and relapse prevention planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level remote substance abuse counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor, you generally need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and state licensure or certification. Competence with telehealth platforms, electronic health records, and secure communication tools is crucial for remote service delivery. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients in a virtual environment. These skills and qualifications are vital for delivering effective support, maintaining client confidentiality, and ensuring positive treatment outcomes remotely.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level remote substance abuse counselors, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level remote substance abuse counselors often face challenges such as establishing rapport with clients through virtual platforms, managing confidentiality in home work environments, and navigating feelings of isolation due to the lack of in-person team interaction. These challenges can be addressed by utilizing secure telehealth tools, setting up a private and professional workspace, and actively engaging in regular virtual supervision and peer support meetings. Additionally, continuous professional development and open communication with supervisors can help new counselors build confidence and stay updated on best practices.

What is the difference between Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor vs Entry Level Remote Mental Health Counselor?

AspectEntry Level Remote Substance Abuse CounselorEntry Level Remote Mental Health Counselor
Required CertificationsCertification in Substance Abuse Counseling (e.g., CADC, CSAC)Certification in Mental Health Counseling (e.g., LMHC, LPC)
Work EnvironmentRemote counseling for clients with substance use issuesRemote therapy for clients with various mental health concerns
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, addiction treatment centers, outpatient clinicsHealthcare, mental health clinics, community agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar entry-level roles and certificationsRelated mental health field but broader scope

While both roles involve remote counseling and require relevant certifications, the Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor focuses specifically on substance use issues, whereas the Entry Level Remote Mental Health Counselor covers a broader range of mental health concerns. The choice depends on your specialization interest and certification credentials.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Remote Substance Abuse Counselor jobs?

The most popular types of Remote Substance Abuse Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor jobs?

For Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Remote Substance Abuse Counselor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Portsmouth, VA • On-site, Remote

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA
Hospitality Services • 5 - 10K employees

$62K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Defense Health Agency rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
About the Position: This position is in the Directorate for Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Program(SARP) Department, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP), Virginia. This position is physically located on the NMCP campus. Work is performed in a multi-story SARP outpatient clinic, residential treatment facility, and inpatient mental health unit. The main SARP facility does not have an elevator.
This is a Direct Hire Solicitation
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Duties
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  • Provides initial patient interview, screening, biopsychosocial assessment, and individual and group counseling to patients (i.e., military members and family members with substance use and co-occurring disorders) following specified guidance.
  • Performs educational workshops, presentations, treatment coordination and appropriate clerical documentation in accordance with American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) .
  • Assess patients for substance abuse disorders and other mental disorders according to the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
  • Evaluates and makes professional judgments and decisions for situations that require immediate crisis intervention under the supervision of the Senior Counselor and Licensed Independent Provider (LIP).
  • Facilitates therapy, leads psychoeducational substance abuse and dependency issues groups, performs assessments, and makes treatment recommendations.
  • Assists in the training and supervision of addiction counselor interns and students. The incumbent is responsible for attending all required clinical supervision sessions.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position is required to be screened for and obtain necessary immunizations/vaccinations (hepatitis, influenza, etc.), unless exempted by a licensed physician.
  • This position requires a pre-employment physical and annually thereafter.
  • This position is designated Tier 3, Non-Critical Sensitive, Moderate Risk and requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance Level as a condition of employment.
  • Must obtain and maintain currency in Basic Life Support (BLS).
  • International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC and RC) for Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADC) OR an independent clinical license is required.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Substance Abuse Counselor
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in behavioral or social science, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, such as social work, psychology or substance abuse.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
C. Experience: Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting healthcare providers with behavioral health treatment options for patients such as assisting with conducting interviews with patients to evaluate for substance abuse or other behavioral health disorders; assisting with maintaining patient treatment plan records to track patient's treatment progress; and assisting with the development of treatment plans to address psychosocial needs of patients. This specialized experience is equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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