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Substance Abuse Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$28/hr

May assist with the assignment of cases. * Facilitates psycho-educational and behavior modification ... The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts risk and need assessments and creates individual treatment ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$28/hr

May assist with the assignment of cases. * Facilitates psycho-educational and behavior modification ... The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts risk and need assessments and creates individual treatment ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

May assist with the assignment of cases. * Facilitates psycho-educational and behavior modification ... The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts risk and need assessments and creates individual treatment ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Pico Rivera, CA

$25 - $28/hr

Level of Supervision Given Substance Abuse Counselor I Does not supervise others Substance Abuse Counselor II May assist in orienting, training, assigning and reviewing work of other. Substance Abuse ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide ... May assist with the assignment of cases. Facilitates psycho-educational/behavior modification ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide ... May assist with the assignment of cases. Facilitates psycho-educational/behavior modification ...

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Substance Abuse Assistant information

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How much do substance abuse assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse assistant in the United States is $67.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $92.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do substance abuse assistants make?

Substance abuse assistants typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with certifications or specialized skills can earn higher wages. Salaries often increase with additional training and responsibilities in treatment facilities or healthcare environments.

What are the most common challenges a substance abuse assistant faces when supporting clients in recovery programs?

Substance Abuse Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing clients’ fluctuating motivation levels, addressing relapses, and navigating emotional or behavioral crises. The role requires patience and strong communication skills to build trust and encourage consistent engagement with treatment plans. Additionally, balancing administrative duties—like maintaining accurate records and coordinating with counselors—while providing direct client support is a frequent part of the job. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team helps address these challenges and ensures comprehensive care for each client.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance abuse assistant?

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Assistant, you typically need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, along with relevant certifications or training in substance abuse treatment. Familiarity with client intake software, case management systems, and basic documentation tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential soft skills for building trust and rapport with clients. These skills ensure effective support for individuals struggling with addiction and contribute to positive treatment outcomes.

What is a substance abuse assistant?

Substance Abuse Assistants are professionals who support counselors and therapists in helping individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They assist with client intake, maintain records, lead group activities, and provide encouragement to clients during their recovery process. While they do not typically provide therapy, they play a vital role in daily operations and client support within rehabilitation centers or community programs. Their work helps ensure that clients receive consistent care and guidance as part of their treatment plan.

What is the difference between Substance Abuse Assistant vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectSubstance Abuse AssistantSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredHigh school diploma; state certification or licensure often required; some roles require a master's degree
Work EnvironmentClinics, treatment centers, hospitals, community programsSimilar settings, often with more direct client therapy responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by addiction treatment facilities, healthcare providersLicensed professionals working in similar environments, providing therapy and counseling
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles and support positionsCompared for licensed, client-facing therapy roles

Substance Abuse Assistants typically support treatment teams with administrative tasks and basic client support, requiring less formal education. Substance Abuse Counselors provide direct therapy and require licensure or certification. Both roles work in similar environments, but counselors have more advanced responsibilities and credentials.

What do you need to become a substance abuse assistant?

To become a substance abuse assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant training or certification in substance abuse counseling, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Some positions may require prior experience working with individuals with substance use issues or in healthcare settings.
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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 Substance Abuse Assistant jobs?

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

Substance Abuse Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,766 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

The GEO Group

Johnson City, TN • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

The GEO Group rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 43 rated prisons

Job description

Benefits Information
** Hiring with Sign On Bonus Paid in Quarterly Installments**
Full-time employees will enjoy a competitive benefits package with options for you and your family including:
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Matching
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discount
• Reduced Tuition Rates
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k)
• Pet Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Training
• Flexible Spending Account
The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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
The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting groups to provide education and treatment for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. Learns, uses and models principles of the "What Works" system through evidence-based practices in all interactions with clients and other staff members.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor provides relevant Substance Abuse information for class curriculum in our Relapse Prevention Program.
  • Facilitates didactic educational presentations including Living in Balance collection, and group counseling.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor coordinates substance abuse program at an office or group of offices using principles of the "What Works" system. Schedules intakes, and group and individual sessions. Discusses specific cases with case managers to determine if they are appropriate for substance abuse treatment. May assist with the assignment of cases.
  • Facilitates psycho-educational and behavior modification groups using principles of the "What Works" system. Documents participants' attendance, participation and progress in Company database.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts risk and need assessments and creates individual treatment plans for each assigned participant. Meets regularly with participants and documents participants' progress or regress in Company database.
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with outside referral sources, such as in-patient substance abuse facilities or detox facilities. Actively pursues and develops referrals from probation and evaluating agencies.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor provides re-entry follow up services at regular intervals, in coordination with other re-entry center programs staff, to ensure released inmates are keeping appointments and determining whether additional services and support networks are needed.
  • Maintains accurate clinical documentation including intake summaries, group notes, discharge summaries, treatment plans and updates. Updates therapeutic logs in a timely manner. Enters pertinent information into Company database.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor identifies problem areas that may impact participants' ability to successfully complete treatment. Guides participants to develop strategies to overcome obstacles to success completion of treatment.
  • May advise Customer of participants' progress regularly or at completion of treatment.
  • The Substance Abuse Counselor collects participants' fees for program participation. Tracks fee collection for office or group of offices Ensures that participants' records are accurately completed in a timely manner.
  • Maintains a specific substance abuse treatment case file for every program participant.
  • Selects and recommends new instructional materials and programs for use in the substance abuse program.
  • Maintains knowledge of new developments in the field of substance abuse.
  • Maintains a collegial relationship with other substance abuse professionals, programs, and associations.
  • Participates in related training for substance abuse.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent; and a minimum of three (3) years of full-time experience of counseling duties with a criminal justice or human services population in a substance abuse program.
  • Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor ("LADAC"), licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health; Tennessee Code Annotated 68-24-606 is required.
    • A waiver for LADAC may be granted only if all three (3) of the following criteria are met and is further subject to approval by the Tennessee Dept. of Corrections:
      1. The individual is currently engaged in formal supervision with appropriate supervision outlined by health-related boards and;
      2. The individual is actively pursuing licensure, and enrolled in core classes if still needed, and;
      3. A letter from the supervisor indicating current ongoing supervision with current placement and confirmation of the supervisor's current license would be required.
    • Or, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) or LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) credentials in the state in which the position resides.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group counseling settings.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work with a team of professionals and have the ability to implement team strategy approaches to work assignments.
  • Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.
  • Effective communication skills with internal and external contacts at all levels.
  • Problem solving ability.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) may be required as well as experience dealing with specific cultural group.
  • Problem solving ability.
  • Good presentation, public speaking and facilitation skills.
  • Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of client record management.
  • Basic computer skills.

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