2

Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Miami, FL

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor information

See Miami, FL salary details

$13

$24

$34

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 Miami, FL is $24.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $27.60 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 Miami, FL? The most popular types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL? For Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Miami, FL are:
What cities near Miami, FL are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs? Cities near Miami, FL with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor job openings:

Health Promotion & Testing Counselor - Miami/Dade & Broward

Care Resource Community Health Center

Miami, FL

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Essential Job Responsibilities
Provides HIV pre and post-test counseling, including risk assessments for substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and mental health as required by the program.
Performs HIV testing on clients by drawing blood or using other acceptable methods (Orasure or OraQuick Advance).
Conducts at least 80 tests a month or 40 if part-time.
Works with Outreach Workers and other agency staff to link clients testing positive to HIV primary care and other support services.
Makes other referrals to the appropriate services and service providers as needed, including substance abuse.
Provides HIV, STD, and substance abuse-related prevention and early intervention information and education.
Input client information using specific software as required (e.g. Case watch).
Supports billing activities as required.
Processes all progress notes and client admissions and discharges as required by the program.
Maintains comprehensive, complete, and accurate chart documentation according to funder requirements.
Submits all appropriate forms to the local and state health officials as mandated by the Florida Department of Health.
Participates in program QA activities.
Routes lab specimens to the laboratory for analysis.
Drives the mobile unit to outreach sites as required by the program.
Completes each time maintenance log on the mobile unit and ensures proper maintenance of van.
Maintains proper inventory of supplies on the mobile unit, at satellite locations, and in the office. As applicable maintains satellite office space.
Participates in staff training sessions as required by the agency and the funding source.
Participates in agency developmental activities as requested.
Other duties as assigned.

Culture of Service: 3 C’s
Compassion

Greets internal or external customers (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) with courtesy, making eye contact, responding with a proper tone, and nonverbal language.

Listens to the internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) attentively, reassuring and understanding of the request and providing appropriate options or resolutions.

Competency

Provides services required by following established protocols and when needed, procure additional help to answer questions to ensure appropriate services are delivered

Commitment

Takes initiative and anticipates internal or external customer needs by engaging them in the process and following up as needed

Prioritize internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) requests to ensure the prompt and effective response is provided

Contact Responsibility:
The responsibility for internal and external contacts is frequent and important.

Safety
Ensures proper hand-washing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Understands and appropriately acts upon the assigned role in Emergency Code System.
Understands and performs assigned roles in the organization’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

Physical Requirements
This work requires the following physical activities: frequent sitting, bending, standing, driving, walking, talking in person, and talking on the phone. Occasional stretching/reaching and exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Work usually is performed in an office setting and community outreach sites.

Other:
Driving at least a 27 ft. mobile unit may be required.

Legal Compliance Notice: This careers website is maintained by Care Resource Community Health Centers, Inc. a qualified entity, in support of compliance with House Bill 531 (2025). As required by law, Care Resource includes a clear and conspicuous link to this resource on its website and provides the link in all job vacancy advertisements and postings issued by the health center. For more information, please see the link to the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website.

https://info.flclearinghouse.com