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Entry Level Substance Abuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gateway Foundation

Substance Abuse Counselor

Dallas, GA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Are you interested in Substance Abuse Counseling and want to get certified for FREE? Who is Gateway ... Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Paulding PSATC ...

Gateway Foundation

Substance Abuse Counselor

Garden City, GA · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Coastal State ... Counselors Substance Abuse Counselors are responsible for: * Conducts client interviews and ...

New Season

Substance Abuse Counselor

Franklin, NH · On-site

$23 - $31/hr

As a Substance Abuse Counselor you'll engage with your patients with individual, group, and/or ... Job or State Requirements HS Diploma/GED or Associates with entry level experience

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 ...

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 ...

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Entry Level Substance Abuse information

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

As of Aug 15, 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 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.

How to start a career in entry level substance abuse?

To start a career in entry-level substance abuse roles, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue certifications such as Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work in healthcare or social services can also be beneficial, along with developing strong communication and empathy skills. Some positions may require background checks and ongoing training.

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 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.

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.

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, which may extend the process to around 2-3 years in total.
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Cities with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse job openings:

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

The most popular types of Substance Abuse jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs include:

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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 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,014 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Gateway Foundation

Dallas, GA • On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Are you interested in Substance Abuse Counseling and want to get certified for FREE?
Who is Gateway Foundation?
Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.
Why join us?
We also pride ourselves on being a great place to work! Gateway provides a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. We aim to develop our staff by providing the training and clinical supervision hours you need to pursue a career in substance use counseling! Gateway will help you get a certification by reimbursing for all costs, and provides a growth path for employees to advance.
We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections
Perks of working in correctional healthcare:
  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
  • Exposure to diverse patient demographics
  • Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
  • Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting

**Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors**
Location: Paulding PSATC 1295 North Industrial Blvd Dallas, GA 30132
Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6:45 AM - 5:15 PM (10-hour shifts)
Substance Abuse Counselors are responsible for:
  • Conducts client interviews and assessments to review substance use disorder and treatment history.
  • Evaluates client response to treatment to recommend modifications to the treatment plan and assist with caseloads and development of individualized treatment plan and preparing individually appropriate goals, interventions, and necessary support.
  • Assists with and provides didactic group counseling, including psychoeducation, drug education, and family education to ensure peer support occurs.
  • Provides individual client counseling, educational programs and lectures to address relapse prevention, problem solving, behavior modification, anger management, etc., and to assist in overcoming substance use disorder, adjusting to pro-social life, and making cognitive and behavioral changes.
  • Carries case load up to 25 clients, per State and contract requirements.
  • Collaborates with clients to develop discharge summary and continuing care and relapse prevention plans for supervisor's approval to integrate aftercare treatment with referral resource services.
  • Coordinates required services to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations in support of continued recovery.
  • Collects and maintains treatment records and reports to ensure organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance.
  • Performs office administrative duties, such as answering telephones; relaying messages; responding to inquiries regarding program services and policies; filing, photocopying and faxing documents; planning special events, assembling intake packets, etc.

Job Requirements:
  • Must have a mimimun of a Bachelor's Degree in a helping profession from an accredited college or university
  • Some previous counseling experience, experience in substance use disorder or mental health treatment is preferred
  • Must obtain certification as identified by state within 24 months of the first date that the counseling services are provided. Acceptable Certifications include Certified Addiction Counselor from the Georgia Addiction Counselor's Association (GACA), Certified Addiction Counselor from the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC), and Certification as a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Acceptable Licensures include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS).
  • Must be able to obtain Georgia Department of Corrections clearance to work in the correctional institution

Physical Requirements:
  • Works in a correctional facility
  • Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with clients
  • Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data
  • Ability to record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy
  • Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises

Compensation (based on experience and credentials):
  • Non-Credentialed range begins at $19.00 per hour - $20.00 per hour.
  • Credentialed ranges begins at $23.08 per hour - $25.00 per hour.
  • Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:
Health and Wellness:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:
  • 18 paid time off days per year - accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work-life-balance

Personal Development:
  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU's and job-related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

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