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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 ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Long Beach, CA

$25 - $28/hr

Substance Abuse Counselor Location: Pico Rivera, CA Employment Type: Permanent Salary: $25 - 28.00/hour Date Posted: August 06, 2026 Summary Manages and coordinates the substance abuse clinical ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Orange, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Substance Abuse Counselor Location: Pico Rivera, CA Employment Type: Permanent Salary: $25 - 28.00/hour Date Posted: August 06, 2026 Summary Manages and coordinates the substance abuse clinical ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$31.50/hr

The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. The Substance Abuse ...

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

As of Aug 26, 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.

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 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 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.

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 long does it take to become a substance abuse counselor?

Becoming a substance abuse counselor typically requires completing a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by obtaining relevant education such as a certification or associate degree in addiction counseling, which can take several months to two years. Additionally, trainees often need to complete supervised clinical hours, which vary by state, and obtain state licensure or certification to practice independently.

How much do substance abuse counselor trainees make?

In Virginia, substance abuse counselor trainees typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, depending on the facility and level of experience. As trainees gain certification and experience, their pay can increase, and they may transition into full counselor roles with higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as supervision and training opportunities to meet licensing requirements.

Is it hard to become a substance abuse counselor trainee?

Becoming a substance abuse counselor trainee typically requires completing relevant education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and gaining supervised experience. Some positions may also require obtaining a certification or license, which involves passing an exam and meeting specific training hours. The difficulty varies depending on individual background and the specific requirements of the training program.

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 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee/Counselor

Baltimore, MD • On-site

MedMark Treatment Centers
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents

Learn more about MedMark Treatment Centersexternal

$45K - $55K/yr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description

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 $45,000 – $55,000 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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