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Entry Level Substance Abuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR I

Hillsboro, IL · On-site

$19.76/hr

Responsibilities Summary This is an entry-level position that learns to implements Substance Abuse education and provides case management of the program's resident to assist them in achieving their ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR I

Hillsboro, IL · On-site

$19.76/hr

Responsibilities Summary This is an entry-level position that learns to implements Substance Abuse education and provides case management of the program's resident to assist them in achieving their ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR I

Hillsboro, IL · On-site

$19.76/hr

Responsibilities Summary This is an entry-level position that learns to implements Substance Abuse education and provides case management of the program's resident to assist them in achieving their ...

Alpharus Health

Substance Use Counselor

Chillicothe, MO

$18 - $24/hr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Chillicothe ... Completes comprehensive assessments of clients' substance abuse history and treatment requirements ...

Gateway Foundation

Substance Use Counselor

Fulton, MO · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Fulton Reception ... Completes comprehensive assessments of clients' substance abuse history and treatment requirements ...

Alpharus Health

Substance Use Counselor

Chillicothe, MO · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Chillicothe ... Completes comprehensive assessments of clients' substance abuse history and treatment requirements ...

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Entry Level Substance Abuse information

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$33K

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$84.5K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level substance abuse in the United States is $59,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $69,000.00 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.
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Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Substance Abuse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,014 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR I

The GEO Group

Hillsboro, IL

$19.76/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provides case management of residents to coordinate their services and resources.

  • Learns to prepare and submit treatment and educational materials, and maintains records and clinical charting.

  • Assists in providing counseling, participates in treatment planning, and monitors resident interactions.

The GEO Group rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 43 rated prisons

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.

Who We Are:

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

Why Work for GEO:

  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities

Summary

This is an entry-level position that learns to implements Substance Abuse education and provides case management of the program’s resident to assist them in achieving their established plan goals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides case management of residents to coordinate their services and resources.
  • Learns the process of preparing and submitting all treatment and educational outlines, lectures, handouts and other relevant materials.
  • Maintains records and daily clinical charting as required internally or by the client.
  • Learns the methods of implementing substance abuse and life skills assessments and the way of integrating the results into resident client treatment plans.
  • Participates in all training and supervision activities as provided for internally or by the client.
  • Assists in preparing schedules, reports or other information required for the program and requested by the management or the client.
  • In conjunction with Treatment Alternative for Safer Communities (TASC) or as part of re-entry process, learns to assess the resident’s aftercare needs, issues, and services.
  • Learns to provide counseling to residents, family or significant others as requested by the management or correctional staff.
  • Coordinates individual clinical care of assigned resident caseload.
  • Participates in treatment planning and conferences.
  • Observes and supervises resident interactions.
  • Assists in providing individual and group therapy or counseling. meets with assigned residents as necessary.
  • Maintains and updates residents’ records and documents program in charts.
  • Performs Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessments and any other required assessment instruments.
  • Assists client’s staff in monitoring offender behavior and developing intervention plans regarding difficult offenders.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree in a social or human services field preferred.
  • Certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling within two (2) years of employment.
  • Experience providing human service functions preferred.                   

GEO Reentry Services LLC.

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