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Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Florida

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We are seeking a dedicated Substance Abuse Counselor & Primary Therapist for an Intensive Oupatient Program in Pembroke Pines FL. The ideal candidate must have: - Master's degree in Social Work ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Maitland, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $28/hr

Responsibilities Adult Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Per Diem Position * Free supervision for licensure, professional development training and mentorship * Supervision available for interns of ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Port Charlotte, FL

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

As a Substance Abuse Counselor you'll engage with your patients with individual, group, and/or family counseling. You'll work with a collaborative treatment team consisting of our Medical Director ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Palm Coast, FL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

As a Substance Abuse Counselor you'll engage with your patients with individual, group, and/or family counseling. You'll work with a collaborative treatment team consisting of our Medical Director ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Sarasota, FL

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

As a Substance Abuse Counselor you'll engage with your patients with individual, group, and/or family counseling. You'll work with a collaborative treatment team consisting of our Medical Director ...

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Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor information

See Florida salary details

$10

$19

$26

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level substance abuse counselor in Florida is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

As an entry-level substance abuse counselor, your job is to help protect and support the mental health of a patient and guide them through the rehabilitation process. In this role, you may discuss drug and alcohol abuse with each client, determine whether or not they need an intervention, and create a personalized therapy or treatment plan based on their unique needs. This job title can be confusing because some substance abuse counselors perform counseling work before becoming licensed counselors, so be sure to check whether any job posting you are interested in is for recent college graduates or for fully-licensed counselors.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor, you generally need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with knowledge of addiction theories and treatment modalities. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and sometimes state-specific certification or licensure is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and empathy help counselors build trust and effectively support clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective treatment, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering meaningful client progress.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level substance abuse counselors when working with clients?

Entry level substance abuse counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients who may be hesitant to engage or have a history of relapse. Managing emotional boundaries is also important, as clients may share difficult experiences that can be emotionally taxing. Additionally, counselors must navigate complex family dynamics and coordinate care with other professionals, such as social workers and medical staff, to provide comprehensive support. Developing effective communication and self-care strategies can help new counselors manage these challenges and thrive in the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor vs Substance Abuse Technician?

AspectEntry Level Substance Abuse CounselorSubstance Abuse Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often required
Work EnvironmentCounseling sessions, treatment centers, clinicsAssist in treatment settings, support counseling activities
Employer & IndustryRehab centers, clinics, mental health facilitiesRehab facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Job Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles involving client interaction and counselingOften searched as a related support role in substance abuse treatment

In summary, Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselors and Substance Abuse Technicians both work in addiction treatment settings, often requiring similar certifications. Counselors typically engage directly in client counseling and treatment planning, while Technicians support these activities. Both roles are essential in the treatment process and are commonly sought by individuals starting their careers in substance abuse treatment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Florida are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor job openings:

Substance Abuse Counselor

GreenLifeIOP

Pembroke Pines, FL • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

We are seeking a dedicated Substance Abuse Counselor & Primary Therapist for an Intensive Oupatient Program in Pembroke Pines FL. The ideal candidate must have:

- Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, or related field.

- Prior experience in substance abuse treatment, including leading group and individual therapy sessions

- Prior experience in conducting comprehensive intake evaluations, including biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, concurrent reviews ect. 

Company Description

GreenLifeIOP is a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center, providing both Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Outpatient (OP) Programs for those suffering with drug and/or alcohol addictions. Our programs are specifically targeted to adults 18 and older who are experiencing substance use problems.