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Entry Level Substance Abuse Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

CODER OUTPATIENT II

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$23.20 - $34.34/hr

... entry-level coders. EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION: A minimum of 1 year of HIM Coding experience in ... We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. During your ...

CODER OUTPATIENT II

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$23.20 - $34.34/hr

... entry-level coders. EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION: A minimum of 1 year of HIM Coding experience in ... We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. During your ...

CODER OUTPATIENT II

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$23.20 - $34.34/hr

... entry-level coders. EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION: A minimum of 1 year of HIM Coding experience in ... We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. During your ...

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of crop ... Must meet Department of Transportation physical and medical requirements and pass substance abuse ...

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of crop ... Must meet Department of Transportation physical and medical requirements and pass substance abuse ...

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of crop ... Must meet Department of Transportation physical and medical requirements and pass substance abuse ...

Seasonal CDL Delivery Driver

Beloit, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Seasonal Nutrien is a leading provider of crop ... Must meet Department of Transportation physical and medical requirements and pass substance abuse ...

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of crop ... Must meet Department of Transportation physical and medical requirements and pass substance abuse ...

The Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) 1 is an entry-level RCP. The RCP 1 demonstrates ... We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. During your ...

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Entry Level Substance Abuse information

What is an entry level substance abuse counselor?

Entry level substance abuse jobs are positions that assist individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, typically without requiring extensive prior experience or advanced degrees. Common roles include substance abuse counselor assistant, behavioral health technician, or recovery support specialist. These professionals may help with client intake, provide support during treatment sessions, document client progress, and assist licensed counselors in developing care plans. Most entry level positions require at least a high school diploma and may offer on-the-job training or require some specialized certification. These jobs are crucial in supporting people on their journey to recovery and often serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in addiction counseling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level substance abuse counselor?

To thrive as an Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor, foundational knowledge in addiction counseling, basic interviewing techniques, and a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field are typically required. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and sometimes state certification or training programs is important. Compassion, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills help build trust and rapport with clients facing addiction challenges. These skills are crucial for delivering effective support, facilitating recovery, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level substance abuse counselors, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level substance abuse counselors often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally intense sessions, building rapport with clients who may be resistant to treatment, and maintaining professional boundaries. It can also be demanding to navigate documentation requirements and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. To address these challenges, new counselors benefit from regular supervision, ongoing training, and seeking support from experienced colleagues. Learning effective self-care strategies is also essential for maintaining personal well-being and professional effectiveness.

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

AspectEntry Level Substance AbuseEntry Level Mental Health Technician
Required CertificationsCertified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or similarCPR, First Aid, and sometimes mental health-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community programsHospitals, mental health facilities, residential treatment centers
Industry UsageFocuses on addiction treatment and recoveryFocuses on mental health support and patient care

Both roles often require similar certifications and work in healthcare or community settings. However, Entry Level Substance Abuse specialists primarily focus on addiction recovery, while Entry Level Mental Health Technicians support broader mental health needs. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose the right career path within behavioral health services.

How long does it take to become an entry level substance abuse counselor?

Becoming an entry-level substance abuse counselor typically requires completing a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by obtaining a relevant certification or associate degree, which can take about 1-2 years. Additionally, some states require supervised clinical experience and passing a licensing exam before starting in an entry-level role.

What can I do in the entry level substance abuse field with an associate's degree?

Entry-level positions in the substance abuse field with an associate's degree include roles such as substance abuse technician, case aide, or behavioral health technician. These jobs typically involve assisting clients, supporting treatment plans, and documenting progress, often requiring knowledge of counseling techniques and basic record-keeping skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Abuse jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Substance Abuse jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Substance Abuse job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Friendship, WI

County of Adams
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees

$27.19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description Under general supervision, the Substance Abuse Counselor coordinates treatment, recovery, and support services to individuals with alcohol or other drug abuse problems. The Substance Abuse Counselor provides direct counseling services, including evaluations and assessments as well as group and individual counseling in the areas of substance-related and addictive disorders. Work is performed under the general direction of the Clinical Services Manager or Designee.

It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense it covers all the duties that an employee may be required to perform. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive. Examples of Duties Screens, assesses, and utilizes evidence based approaches to provide alcohol and/or other drug abuse (AODA) counseling to individuals and groups, by developing and implementing client centered treatment plans and referring to other appropriate treatment providers and community supports.

Conducts DOT required assessments, safety plan development, and treatment referrals. Manages electronic health record entries including treatment plans, case notes, discharges, and other relevant client records for all assigned clients according to applicable requirements, codes and policies. Maintains the confidential nature of client and business information.

Participates in staffing, consultation, supervision, and multi-disciplinary team meetings. Attends and completes approved continuing education training. Participates in the after-hours crisis system.

Complies with all local, state, and federal laws governing clients and the rendering of services. Performs other job duties as needed or required. Performs other related functions and duties as assigned or required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Qualifications Applicants must possess a current Substance Abuse Counselor credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a: Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training certificate (SAC-IT) (130) Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (SAC) (131) or a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (CSAC) (132) An applicant may also apply to be considered if: You have applied for a SAC-IT credential with DSPS Your application status on the DSPS site shows all criteria met or your only unmet criteria is the Employment Verification Form. You submit your PAR # to confirm your application status. Anyone hired with a pending SAC-IT application must obtain the SAC-IT credential during the first 12 months of employment.

Completion of a relevant Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree is preferred or any other combination of relevant AODA work experience and AODA education in addition to entry level AODA credential. Valid driver's license in the State of Wisconsin. Additional Information OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES This role requires comprehensive knowledge of alcohol and other drug abuse dynamics, treatment theories, programs, and methods, along with a thorough understanding of state and federal AODA confidentiality laws.

Strong interpersonal skills are essential to build positive relationships with clients, families, and professionals. The position demands the ability to assess, evaluate, and diagnose chemical dependency and related issues, follow oral and written instructions, communicate effectively in writing and verbally, and establish productive working relationships. Additionally, the individual must accurately maintain records and reports and reliably work the required hours of the position.

Thorough knowledge of County policies and procedures to include emergency and inclement weather policies; ability to prioritize and manage multiple, concurrent projects; attention to detail and ability to effectively organize time and anticipate, plan and successfully respond to changing circumstances; knowledge and ability to use standard office and position-specific software; ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors/managers, other departments and the general public. PHYSICAL DEMANDS This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic)

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is considered low for this position.