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Entry Level Substance Abuse Jobs in Boca Raton, FL

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 ...

Entry Level Substance Abuse information

See Boca Raton, FL salary details

$31.3K

$56K

$80.2K

How much do entry level substance abuse jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level substance abuse in Boca Raton, FL is $56,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Boca Raton, FL?

The most popular types of Substance Abuse jobs in Boca Raton, FL are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs in Boca Raton, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs in Boca Raton, FL are:

What cities near Boca Raton, FL are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs?

Cities near Boca Raton, FL with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Substance Abuse job openings in Boca Raton, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,002 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

COUNSELING & SOC SVS SUP I - F/C - SES

Boynton Beach, FL • On-site

MyFlorida
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Requisition No: 858567 

Agency: Department of Corrections

Working Title: COUNSELING & SOC SVS SUP I - F/C - SES

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 70044351 

Salary:  $61,800.18 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 08/21/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

We Never Walk Alone

ADVERTISING/WORKING TITLE: COUNSELING & SOCIAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR I - F/C - SES

This open competitive advertisement is for a Career Service position located at Lowell Correctional Institution in the Substance Abuse Department.

The mission of the Counseling & Social Services Supervisor is to effectively manage and deliver comprehensive substance abuse programs within correctional institutions, ensuring the highest standards of care and rehabilitation. We are committed to developing and implementing evidence-based curricula, providing clinical supervision, and fostering a supportive environment for both staff and inmates. By collaborating with community providers and maintaining strict adherence to departmental policies, we aim to facilitate successful re-entry and long-term recovery for all individuals in our care.

This position is not a telework position and is required to report to the FDC office in the area it serves.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Program Management: This position reports to the Regional Correctional Programs Administrator and takes guidance from the Warden or Assistant Warden of Programs. It involves managing and coordinating inmate substance abuse programs at a correctional institution, including overseeing daily operations, and attending various meetings and training sessions.
  • Curriculum and Supervision: The role includes helping to develop and deliver program curricula, providing clinical supervision according to Florida regulations, and supervising other staff. It also involves gathering and evaluating data on program effectiveness and inmate progress and participating in staff meetings.
  • Policy Implementation: The position requires understanding and applying department standards, policies, and procedures related to substance abuse and re-entry programs. It involves interviewing job applicants, recommending hires, and communicating new and existing policies to staff.
  • Liaison and Compliance: The role acts as a link between the institution's classification team and community providers/agencies for inmate re-entry. It includes completing compliance reports, following up on action plans, and staying updated on new developments in substance abuse treatment and re-entry programs.
  • Staff Supervision: This position involves supervising employees, monitoring their daily activities, evaluating their performance, and developing improvement plans if needed. It includes counseling and guiding staff, handling disciplinary actions, ensuring compliance with training requirements, and managing leave requests to maintain office coverage.

BENEFITS:

  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
  • Supplemental Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and Hospitalization insurance.
  • Tuition-Free college courses.
  • Retirement Plans with the Florida Retirement System:
    • Pension Plan (Traditional Retirement Pension Plan)
    • Investment Plan (401(K)-Type Retirement Plan)
    • Deferred Retirement Option Program (Drop)
    • Deferred Compensation
    • Recently Retired? Beginning July 1, 2024, there is no longer a reemployment limitation; beginning with the 7th calendar month from the member's distribution date, there are no restrictions on working for an FRS employer. You will not be required to repay any prior distributions, and you may continue receiving distributions from the Investment Plan or Pension Plan without interruption.

REQUIREMENTS:

Please note, when submitting a college/university degree, if selected for this position official transcripts will be required.

  • Must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.
  • Must be certified or certified eligible through Fl Certification Board - Certification in Addictions Counseling (CAP/CCJAP, etc.)
  • Must have either two (2) years of experience in a Therapeutic Community (TC) setting; or two (2) years of management experience as a Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, or Qualified Professional as defined by Chapter 397.311 (36), F.C.
  • Must be a qualified professional as defined by Chapter 397 .311 (36), Florida Statutes.

Support of knowledge, skills, and abilities should be demonstrated on the application, in the education, in the work experience, in the work sample, in the interview and/or during reference checks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT

The Florida Department of Corrections requires all job applicants and volunteers to pass a Level 2 background check as per Chapter 435, Florida Statutes. This check must be completed before they can start working or volunteering.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) only hires U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S. FDC uses E-Verify to confirm an employee's eligibility to work after completing the I-9 form.

For online application issues, call the People First Service Center at 1-877-562-7287. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.