2

Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Florida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Daytona Beach, FL

$21.50 - $28.75/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 ...

Description Substance Use Counselor Location: Maxwell Gardens (Orlando, Florida) Pay: Masters starting rate: $26.44 per hour or Licensed starting rate: $27.64 per hour Job Type: Part-Time / Non ...

Job Type Part-time Description Substance Use Counselor Location: Maxwell Gardens (Orlando, Florida) Pay: Masters starting rate: $26.44 per hour or Licensed starting rate: $27.64 per hour Job Type ...

Description Substance Use Counselor Location: Maxwell Gardens (Orlando, Florida) Pay: Masters starting rate: $26.44 per hour or Licensed starting rate: $27.64 per hour Job Type: Part-Time / Non ...

Substance Use Counselor Location: Maxwell Gardens (Orlando, Florida) Pay: Masters starting rate: $26.44 per hour or Licensed starting rate: $27.64 per hour Job Type: Part-Time / Non-Exempt The ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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

Colonial Management Group Careers

Port Charlotte, FL • On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description
Looking for a new opportunity? New Season offers exciting benefits! Take a look at this opportunity to join us in making a powerful impact in your local community!
  • Full benefits available on DAY ONE
  • Start accruing up to 3 weeks of PTO starting on DAY ONE
  • Tuition reimbursement opportunities available
  • Up to $2,000 in employee referral bonuses available

Ready to get started? Here's what we're looking for in our newest team member!
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, Program Director, Treatment Services Coordinator, Counselors and Nurses to identify and meet the clinical needs of the patient and to assist in their overall well-being.
For over 30 years, New Season Treatment Centers has been a leading national health care service provider of outpatient treatment centers that specialize in providing safe, quality, and best-in-class care for individuals living with Opioid Use Disorder ("OUD").
Curious what your day-to-day may look like and how you'll be making a big positive impact on your local community??
Essential Functions:
  • Work with patients to complete intakes, admissions, discharges, and transfer paperwork.
  • Document patient progress through counseling and interaction through groups.
  • Complete patient psychosocial and an individualized treatment plan within the required time frame.
  • Identify any clinical/case management needs and work to address those needs.
  • Perform individual, group, and family counseling as required.
  • Perform at least 20 hours of direct one-on-one patient contact per week through individual and/or group counseling sessions.
  • Educate patients in all aspects of treatment, corresponding health issues, and steps to recovery.
  • Obtain Urine Drug Screens and initial patient photo identification.
  • Always act in the best interests of the program and company; honors, supports, and protects the proprietary data and rights of the company.

Benefits:
  • Early morning hours (Allows for a great work-life balance)
  • Competitive Pay
  • Generous PTO
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short/Long Term Disability
  • 401k with up to 3% matching
  • Reimbursement for education, license, tuition, etc.
  • Referral bonus (up to $2,000)

Essential Qualifications:
Education/Licensure/Certification: Refer to the state-specific requirements for this position below.
Experience Required: Experience in the substance abuse field is preferred, but not required.
Colonial Management Group, LP./New Season provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Job or State Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in Human Services Related Field (Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Mental Health, etc)