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Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Fort Myers, FL

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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 Fort Myers, FL is $23.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $26.92 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 Fort Myers, FL? The most popular types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Fort Myers, FL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Fort Myers, FL? For Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Fort Myers, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Fort Myers, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Fort Myers, FL are:
What cities near Fort Myers, FL are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs? Cities near Fort Myers, FL with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor job openings in Fort Myers, FL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $49,448 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
CORRECTIONAL PROBATION SENIOR OFFICER - 70013664

CORRECTIONAL PROBATION SENIOR OFFICER - 70013664

MyFlorida

Labelle, FL • On-site

$54.20K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


State Of Florida rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 179 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states


Job description

Requisition No: 875953 

Agency: Department of Corrections

Working Title: CORRECTIONAL PROBATION SENIOR OFFICER - 70013664

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 70013664 

Salary:  $54,202.72 (Minimum Annually) 

Posting Closing Date: 05/22/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Facility: Circuit 20 (Multi-hire) Probation and Parole

This is an internal promotional opportunity only. Only current FDC employees will be considered.

Salary will be determined in accordance with current pay procedures.

Correctional Probation Senior Officer vacancy located at:

Circuit 20 Probation and Parole Offices

TBA, Florida (Lee County)

Employees interested in this promotional opportunity must apply for this vacancy using the People First system. No paper applications will be accepted.

Applications will be accepted electronically until 11:59 pm on the closing date.

Applicants are responsible for providing the following information on their applicant profile:  current employment, previous employment, training, and education

Incomplete profiles will not be considered.

DESCRIPTION

The incumbent in this position is responsible for supervising, surveilling and maintaining a specialized caseload consisting of youthful offenders, drug offender probation, community controlees, pre-trial intervention offenders, offender releases or any combination of the above. As workload demands require, this position may be required to supervise other types or classifications of offenders. The incumbent may also perform duties relating to the intake officer, court liaison officer, trainer and electronic monitoring device installer. This position may also direct and supervise a correctional probation officer at a probation and restitution center and may involve monitoring a residential treatment facility and being the on-site departmental representative supervising the program participants.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Encourages and fosters offender compliance with the supervision order through guidance, goal setting, monitoring of offender behavior and supervision in the community.

Conducts field and office supervision visits via personal contact, collateral/community contacts, surveillance contacts, telephone contacts and electronic methods to ensure compliance with conditions of supervision and to provide assistance to offenders as appropriate.

Demonstrates sensitivity to public and victim needs, concerns and complaints and takes appropriate, prompt action as required.

Assesses and/or assists in assessing and identifying offender needs, treatment options, and supervision objectives and refers offenders as appropriate. Establishes and records structured treatment programs, client management classifications, pre-trial contracts and other programs designed to enhance offender improvement in areas of education, psychological counseling, social services, health education, vocational training, substance abuse and other areas of need and ensures adherence to these plans.

Utilizes information management system to develop offender payment plans for all monetary obligations ordered by the sentencing or releasing authority and enforces offender compliance with the payment plan. Maintains case records, in both electronic and hard copy, documenting the status of offender background, legal history, treatment and progress of the offender under supervision. Takes digitized photographs of offenders for placement on web site.

Conducts pre-sentence, pre-trial, post-sentence, interstate compact, sentencing guidelines and other required investigations on offenders. Makes recommendations on offenders under supervision or pending disposition to the sentencing or releasing authorities regarding continued supervision, revocation, diversion and incarceration.

Exhibits appropriate demeanor and knowledge as a representative of department. Attends hearings or appears as a witness in any proceedings before a sentencing or releasing authority making determinations regarding offenders under supervision. Reports non-compliance with order of supervision to sentencing or releasing authority and prepares violation and other required reports, forwarding them to appropriate sentencing or releasing authority.

Maintains liaison with the judiciary, prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement, treatment providers, non-profit service agencies, governmental agencies, other facilities, offices and bureaus of the department and other criminal justice representatives. Develops partnerships with local law enforcement to foster public safety.

Conducts individual and group counseling of an informal and formal nature for offenders as needed. Interviews offenders to obtain information relating to supervision or investigation.

Monitors and tests offenders for the use of controlled substances and alcohol as directed by the sentencing or releasing authority or as necessary for the protection of the community.

Develops and maintains contact with resources suitable for placement of offenders in public service assignments as directed by the sentencing or releasing authority.

Conducts searches and makes arrests of offenders under supervision. Installs and maintains electronic/radio equipment, including global positioning satellite systems, utilized to monitor offenders and interprets data collected for the purpose of documenting compliance with supervision conditions.

Handles administrative duties and assists supervisors in supervisor's absence as assigned. Serves on teams or committees and task forces to study issues, solve problems, refine existing practices, develop new programs or procedures or implement new policies. Attends and delivers training relating to the duties and responsibilities of the job and for career development. May act as the day-to-day training officer for a correctional probation officer.

ESSENTIAL/ENTRY LEVEL KSA's:

Ability to work independently and/or under stressful conditions.

Ability to communicate effectively.

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL KSA's:

Knowledge of techniques for advising, interviewing, and counseling.

Ability to review and analyze data.

Ability to assist offenders in solving problems.

Ability to conduct investigations.

Ability to apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Certified in accordance with Florida Statutes 943.13.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

All employees in the correctional probation officer classes shall be required to possess a valid driver's license as a condition of employment in accordance with 33-208.402, Florida Administrative Code and Section 322.03(3) Florida Statutes.

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, please contact SSU Promotions at (850) 717-3771.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties applying online, please contact the People First Service Center at 1-877-562-7287.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. 


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