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Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM

$31.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Primary Duties and Responsibilities * The Substance Abuse Counselor provides ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM

$31.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Primary Duties and Responsibilities * The Substance Abuse Counselor provides ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$31.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Primary Duties and Responsibilities * The Substance Abuse Counselor provides ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$31.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Primary Duties and Responsibilities * The Substance Abuse Counselor provides ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$31.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Primary Duties and Responsibilities * The Substance Abuse Counselor provides ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$28/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides relevant Substance Abuse information for class curriculum in our Relapse Prevention Program. * Facilitates didactic educational presentations including Living ...

Res Home Care

Substance Abuse Counselor

Bohemia, NY · On-site

$60K/yr

Wellness resources Substance Abuse Counselor RES Home Care is seeking a compassionate, experienced Substance Abuse Counselor to provide specialized community-based services through the NYS Traumatic ...

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How much do substance abuse counselor trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse counselor trainee in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How many years does it take to become a substance abuse counselor trainee?

Becoming a substance abuse counselor trainee typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by obtaining relevant training or certification, which can take several months to a year. The trainee position often serves as an entry-level role while gaining supervised experience, and additional education or certification may be needed to advance to fully licensed counselor roles, which can take 2-4 years depending on state requirements.

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

AspectSubstance Abuse Counselor TraineeSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some states require specific certifications or courseworkRequires a relevant degree (e.g., Bachelor's or Master's in counseling or social work) and state licensure
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical settings, outpatient clinics, or community health centersIndependent or supervised counseling sessions in clinics, hospitals, or rehab centers
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in addiction treatment facilities, often as a stepping stoneLicensed professional providing ongoing counseling and treatment plans

The main difference between a Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee and a Substance Abuse Counselor is experience and certification level. Trainees are in the early stages, often supervised and working towards full licensure, while counselors are fully qualified professionals providing comprehensive treatment.

How much do substance abuse counselors make?

Substance abuse counselors in Virginia typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, certification, and work setting. Entry-level trainees may start at lower wages, while experienced counselors with certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on the employer and location within the state.

What types of support and supervision can a substance abuse counselor trainee expect during their training period?

As a Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee, you will typically work under the direct supervision of a licensed or certified counselor. You'll participate in regular case reviews, receive feedback on your counseling techniques, and attend training sessions to develop your skills. Team meetings and collaborative case management are common, providing opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues. This structured support helps trainees build confidence, ensure ethical practice, and prepare for independent client work as they progress toward certification.

Is it worth becoming a substance abuse counselor trainee?

Becoming a substance abuse counselor trainee provides an entry point into a helping profession focused on addiction recovery, often leading to certification and full counselor roles. The position offers experience in counseling techniques, client interaction, and knowledge of substance use disorders, which can improve job prospects in the mental health field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance abuse counselor trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee, you need foundational knowledge in addiction counseling, basic interviewing techniques, and typically a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and initial progress toward relevant certifications such as CADC or CAC are common requirements. Active listening, empathy, and resilience are critical soft skills for building trust and supporting clients through recovery challenges. These competencies are vital for delivering effective support, ensuring ethical care, and preparing for advancement within the counseling profession.

What is a substance abuse counselor trainee?

A Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee is an individual who is in the process of gaining supervised experience and training to become a licensed or certified substance abuse counselor. Trainees typically work under the guidance of experienced counselors to learn how to support clients struggling with addiction or substance use disorders. Their responsibilities may include conducting intake interviews, assisting in treatment planning, leading group sessions, and providing individual counseling, all while adhering to ethical and legal standards. This role is an entry-level position designed to prepare individuals for full counselor credentials through hands-on experience and ongoing education.
What cities are hiring for Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs? The most popular types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee jobs include:
Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee/Counselor

baymark

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$44K - $80K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Description
Position at MedMark Treatment Centers
Compassionate Substance Abuse Counselor Needed!
Position Overview:
Substance abuse counselor will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and individual sessions to assist with crisis management and coping strategies. Additionally, counselor will evaluate patients' progress during therapy. Substance abuse counselors may also need to collaborate with doctors, nurses and therapists for patients' therapy and treatment for best overall outcome.
Responsibilities:
  • Conducts individual initial assessment and evaluation interviews for service eligibility determination

  • Involve families and significant others in patient's recovery process whenever possible

  • Facilitates, establishes and reviews with each patient the initial treatment plan

  • Respond, as needed, to patient grievances and complaints

  • Develop aftercare plans and discharge plans

  • Other related duties as determined by supervisor

Qualifications:
  • Certification or license is required ADT, CAC-AD, CSC-AD, LCPC, LCSW, LGADC or LCADC from the State of Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

  • Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen

Salary Range:
Salary ranges from $44,000 - 80,000 annualized. (This position is non-exempt, overtime eligible with prior approval)
The salary of the candidate(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, specialty and training.
Qualified Part-Time Employees receive:
  • 401K Retirement Plan

  • Accrued Sick Time

  • Candidate Referral Program

  • Bereavement Leave

  • Jury Duty & Witness Duty Leave

  • BayMark University Learning

Total compensation goes beyond the value on the paycheck. Please consider the total compensation package by contacting us at BayMark Health Services for more information.
What to expect from us:
MedMark Treatment Centers, a BayMark Health Services company, is a progressive substance abuse treatment program that is committed to the highest quality of patient care in a comfortable outpatient clinic setting. Our ultimate goal is to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of opioid use disorder to help each of our patients achieve long-term recovery and an improved quality of life.
BayMark Health Services is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) and to follow compliance guidelines with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, natural origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition, disability or veteran's status or any other classification protected by State/Federal laws.

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