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Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Dayton, OH

DeCoach Recovery Centre

Peer Support Specialist

Xenia, OH · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... counseling , family counseling, group counseling , community activities, Facility visits ... Direct knowledge of substance abuse , correct documentation procedures, and current therapeutic ...

New

DeCoach Recovery Centre

Peer Support Specialist

Dayton, OH · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

... counseling , family counseling, group counseling , community activities, Facility visits ... Direct knowledge of substance abuse , correct documentation procedures, and current therapeutic ...

BrightView Health

Counselor

Springfield, OH · On-site

$36K - $48K/yr

Active entry-level clinical certification or licensure consistent with state-level regulatory ... Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP) * Tuition ...

BrightView Health

Counselor

Springfield, OH · On-site

$36K - $48K/yr

Active entry-level clinical certification or licensure consistent with state-level regulatory ... Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP) * Tuition ...

Brightview Health

Counselor

Springfield, OH · On-site

Active entry-level clinical certification or licensure consistent with state-level regulatory ... Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP) * Tuition ...

Naphcare, Inc.

MAT Registered Nurse

Dayton, OH

Collaborating with MAT team, including physicians, counselors, and other nurses to develop and ... Educating patients on preventative care, healthy lifestyle choices, and substance abuse prevention.

gesmv

Behavioral Health Case Management

Dayton, OH

$550/wk

$750 Sign-On Bonus Goodwill Counseling & Wellness team offers an incentive plan to both part and ... substance abuse preferred. Education related to and experience working with persons who have ...

Naphcare, Inc.

MAT Registered Nurse

Dayton, OH · On-site

Collaborating with MAT team, including physicians, counselors, and other nurses to develop and ... Educating patients on preventative care, healthy lifestyle choices, and substance abuse prevention.

gesmv

Behavioral Health Case Management

Dayton, OH

$550/wk

$750 Sign-On Bonus Goodwill Counseling & Wellness team offers an incentive plan to both part and ... substance abuse preferred. Education related to and experience working with persons who have ...

Naphcare, Inc.

MAT Registered Nurse

Dayton, OH · On-site

Collaborating with MAT team, including physicians, counselors, and other nurses to develop and ... Educating patients on preventative care, healthy lifestyle choices, and substance abuse prevention.

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Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor information

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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 Dayton, OH is $24.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $28.03 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.

More about Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Dayton, OH? The most popular types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Dayton, OH are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Dayton, OH? For Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Dayton, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Dayton, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Dayton, OH are:
What cities near Dayton, OH are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs? Cities near Dayton, OH with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor job openings:
Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs near you

Behavioral Health Co-Responder (Springfield/Clark)

Mental Health Services for Clark & Madison Counties

Springfield, OH • On-site

$54.90K - $73.60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Behavioral Health Co-Responder for Springfield/Clark County works in partnership with law enforcement officers as part of an innovative team dedicated to providing trauma-informed care to those in need of mental health and addictions interventions. Working directly with law enforcement officers, the Behavioral Health Co-Responder will respond to calls in the community along with the officers when the call may potentially involve and individual experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The Behavioral Health Co-Responder will also complete follow-up outreaches to individuals who have come in contact with law enforcement to ensure they are linked wo the appropriate supports and services in the community.
*This is a full-time, grant based position Pay and bonuses are subject to grant approval and renewals*
*Evening hours are required*
POSITION SUMMARY
The Primary Therapist assesses, diagnoses, and treats individuals experiencing mental health disorders by providing counseling, support, and therapeutic interventions to improve their emotional well-being, manage symptoms, and develop coping mechanisms, through individual or group therapy sessions. Works with different client populations following the general directions of the clinical supervisor to deliver psychotherapy to assigned clients. Understands and utilizes established theoretical framework, as set forth by the various mental health disciplines, to conceptualize and solve mental health and substance abuse problems. Uses higher academic training as a basis to learn a wide variety of established mental health and substance abuse techniques for clients and their families. May provide services via telehealth, in-person or in a school-based setting for youth and adolescents.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Screens and completes diagnostic assessments independently or under supervision in accordance with licensure requirements. Make recommendations about patient’s treatment needs based on screening and diagnostic assessment.
  • Employs a variety of treatment modalities including individual, group, and family therapy for adult, children, and adolescent populations. Ensures psychotherapeutic techniques and modalities are appropriately matched for clinical needs.
  • Develops the treatment plan with clients by assessing their strengths and weaknesses, defining their mental health and substance abuse problems, and setting specific goals and objectives to be accomplished in the course of treatment.
  • Meets with their supervisor and with the treatment team to discuss a client’s treatment process.
  • May provide crisis work with individuals, groups and families under supervision. Continuously and accurately assesses each client’s potential for harming self or another to take appropriate action to prevent serious incidents from occurring.
  • Works with client families and social networks to accomplish the goals of treatment.
  • Consults with other community caregivers to strengthen and coordinate social intervention programming.
  • Charts the client’s progress in the clinical record and completes all paperwork necessary by MHS policy for professional, administrative, financial, and evaluative purposes of monitoring clinical care and of assuring efficient and effective agency operations
  • Participates in quality improvement activities by reviewing the clinical charts, reviewing the criteria for admission/continued stay/discharge, performing patient care audits, and investigating adverse occurrences in treatment.
  • Screens for pain and encourage clients to follow up with a health care provider.
  • Reads relevant professional literature, attends conferences, seminars, workshops, and in-service training as required to remain current on best treatment protocols and techniques.
  • Is responsible for delivery of number of units of service budgeted in order to assure the fiscal viability of MHS.
  • Follows all universal precautions for safety, infection control and follows all state, federal and joint commission health and safety standards.
  • Treats clients and family with dignity and respect at all times and holds all patient information in the strictest confidence.
  • Adhere to professional standards, policies and procedures, federal, state and local requirements and Joint Commission standards, including National Patient Safety Goals. Presents a positive image of MHSCC to other community agencies, caregivers and citizens.
  • Completes all MHS required education and training, including initial agency orientation, mandatory trainings and education, and upkeep of all required certifications and licensure as required by state, federal and regulatory requirements.
  • Performs other job-related tasks as assigned.

Education/Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field (Required)
  • Master’s Degree social work, counseling, or related field or Ph.D./Psy.D (preferred)
  • Experience with mental/behavioral health and /or SUD/dual diagnosis (preferred)

Licensure/Certifications
  • Valid Ohio licensure (LSW/LISW/LPC/LPCC/MFT/IMFT)
  • NVCI
  • CPR (BLS)/First Aid
MHS provides CPR (BLS)/First Aid and NVCI (CPI Blue Card) for all new staff, along with on-going education and on-the-job training opportunities.

All MHS candidates are required to have an Ohio BCI check (FBI check required if you have lived in Ohio for less than 5 years, or for working with children), 5-panel drug screen and Residential candidates must have a 2-step TB (or proof of prior TB) upon conditional offer of employment.

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