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Entry Level Substance Abuse Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Universal MH/DD/SAS is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by mental illness, development disabilities, and substance abuse in achieving their full potential to live, work, and ...

Associate Professional

Clayton, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

We proudly employ a diverse team that includes both entry-level recent graduates seeking to begin ... substance abuse diagnosis for those receiving services under the supervision of a Qualified ...

We proudly employ a diverse team that includes both entry-level recent graduates seeking to begin ... substance abuse diagnosis for those receiving services under the supervision of a Qualified ...

We proudly employ a diverse team that includes both entry-level recent graduates seeking to begin ... substance abuse diagnosis for those receiving services under the supervision of a Qualified ...

This is an entry level 1st shift position; typical hours are 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM Hours may vary ... Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

This is an entry level 1st shift position; typical hours are 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM Hours may vary ... Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

This is an entry level 1st shift position; typical hours are 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM Hours may vary ... Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

This is an entry level 1st shift position; typical hours are 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM Hours may vary ... Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

Entry Level Substance Abuse information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$32.1K

$57.4K

$82.1K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level substance abuse in Raleigh, NC is $57,366.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $67,100.00 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Substance Abuse jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Substance Abuse job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,366 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

IT Specialist/ Entry Level

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Universal MH/DD/SAS is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by mental illness, development disabilities, and substance abuse in achieving their full potential to live, work, and grow in the community. Universal/MH/DD/SAS is a comprehensive, statewide, CARF-accredited community human service organization. Universal strives to provide integrated and quality services to our persons served within the areas of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.
We are looking for a talented, reliable individual to assist in day-to-day activities of the Information Technology department. The ideal candidate will be a trustworthy, driven, social individual with a desire to learn, a good attitude, and a passion for finding ways to be effective. Normal working hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, based in the company's Raleigh Office location. This is a daily in-office position and working remotely is not an option. This position is for people who don't mind working hard and interacting with people every day. Work duties will encompass a variety of tasks including but not limited to:
  • Providing first-line, on-site, telephone, and electronic support to staff for information technology throughout the agency.
  • Creating accounts for employees and maintaining data for a variety of applications.
  • Technology maintenance, installation of new technology, data confidentiality, data integrity, and data availability.
  • Administrative Assistant for the IT Department, duties including device inventory, Office365, SharePoint, maintenance, and projects, etc. on a regular basis.
  • Assisting in maintaining and ensuring compliance with agency policies and procedures.
  • Ensure internal security best practices and compliance measures.
  • Ensure confidentiality and security of information for both persons served and employees.
  • Documenting, tracking, and monitoring service requests received via helpdesk ticketing system to ensure timely resolution.
  • Occasional travel to other office locations using own transportation (mileage reimbursed), overnight stays (hotel and meals provided), and after-hours work as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
Must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License and maintain current insurance with a reliable vehicle for transportation.
Education:
High school diploma with proven experience in Information Technology. Associate degree and/or Certifications are preferred.
Experience:
Two years of helpdesk experience is preferred. Experience with Microsoft Intune/Entra a plus.
Website: