2

Entry Level Substance Abuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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 ...

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

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 ...

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

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

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Substance Abuse information

See salary details

$33K

$59K

$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.
More about Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse jobs?

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:

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.

$18 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Completes comprehensive assessments of clients' substance abuse history and develops individualized treatment plans.

  • Provides individual and group counseling, and may facilitate didactic groups.

  • Documents treatment and discharge plans, clients' progress, and responses to treatment, and maintains related records.


Job description

Who is Alpharus Health?

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change. 

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll be working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice.  You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

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: Farmington Correctional Center 1012 W Columbia St, Farmington, MO 63640 

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, normal business hours

Substance Use Counselors are responsible for:

  • Completes comprehensive assessments of clients’ substance abuse history and treatment requirements, and develops individualized treatment plan.
  • Provides individual and group counseling and may facilitate didactic groups.
  • Documents treatment and discharge plans, and clients’ progress and responses to treatment; and maintains related records and charts.
  • Performs case management and contributes to client care monitoring.

 Job Requirements:

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Ability to obtian Certification as a Missouri Alcohol Drug Counselor (MAADC) is required, and Gateway will help you obtain that within the 1st 30 days of employment. Gateway provides trainings and clinical supervison!
  • Must be able to obtain Missouri Department of Corrections clearance.

Physical Requirements:

  • 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 $18 per hour - $24 per hour.

  • Alpharus Health conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Apharus Health:

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 Alpharus
  • 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

Alpharus Health 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.