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Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Pico Rivera, 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

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

$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 ...

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 ...

Phaxis

Substance Abuse Counselor

Bronx, NY · On-site

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

Must Have Qualifications: - Education and Experience Requirement(s) Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or CASAC-T or LCSW with three (3) to five (5) years of substance abuse ...

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/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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Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee information

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$35

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

As of Aug 20, 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 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 $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Management and Training Corporation

Morganfield, KY • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description


Pay: $30.00 per hour
Schedule - Full Time, 8hr shifts, Monday - Friday
Our staff also enjoy these benefits:
  • Health, dental, vision, prescription drug and life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Professional development assistance
  • Career advancement opportunities

Empower Change as a Substance Abuse Counselor! Join the team at the Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center in Morganfield, KY as a Substance Abuse Counselor, where you'll make a lasting impact by providing support, guidance, and hope to those in need. We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to truly change lives. If you're driven by compassion and a desire to help others succeed, we'd love to have you on board!
What you will be doing: You'll be responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of an effective trainee employee assistance program (TEAP) to spread awareness, aid in prevention, train staff and network with the community in relation to substance use/ abuse issues.
Essential functions:
  1. Assist in developing procedures to coordinate and integrate TEAP components with other center programs, policies and zero tolerance.
  2. Work with new students for testing, assessments and development of assistance plans during the 45-day probation period, participate in career preparation period, and provide information on prevention activities on and off center.
  3. Provide assessment and assistance/ intervention plan for any student who tests positive for drugs or alcohol.
  4. Provide input to counseling, health/ wellness, and human resources department for necessary referral of students and/ or staff with TEAP problems.
  5. Provide on-going comprehensive training for all staff to aid in identification and reporting substance abuse problems, individual counseling skills and general team building throughout the center.
  6. Conduct TEAP classes, group education, materials and information, peer support and other prevention sessions to students/ staff.

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in education, behavioral science or related field required
  • Must be certified for drug and alcohol counseling.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required.

Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
About Us
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