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How much do substance abuse intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSubstance Abuse InternSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsOften pursuing or holds a related degree, may have limited certificationLicensed or certified, with relevant state licensure
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, supervised environments, clinics, rehab centersIndependent or team-based counseling settings, clinics, rehab centers
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, non-profits, government programsRehab centers, mental health clinics, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonEntry-level, training, internship rolesLicensed, experienced professionals

The main difference is that Substance Abuse Interns are typically in training or internship roles, often pursuing relevant degrees and working under supervision. Substance Abuse Counselors are licensed professionals with full certification, able to provide independent counseling services. Interns gain experience and observe, while counselors actively treat clients and develop treatment plans.

What are some common challenges Substance Abuse Interns face when working with clients, and how can they effectively handle these situations?

Substance Abuse Interns often encounter clients who may be resistant to treatment, experience strong emotions, or have complex personal backgrounds. Building trust and maintaining professional boundaries can be challenging but is essential for effective support. Interns can handle these situations by practicing active listening, participating in regular supervision for guidance, and utilizing evidence-based interventions under the mentorship of experienced counselors. Developing strong communication and self-care skills also helps interns navigate emotionally demanding interactions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substance Abuse Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Intern, you generally need foundational knowledge in addiction counseling, psychology, or social work, often supported by enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with case management software, clinical documentation systems, and basic counseling techniques is typically expected. Compassion, strong listening skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for building trust with clients, supporting recovery, and contributing effectively to a treatment team.

What are substance abuse interns?

Substance abuse interns are students or recent graduates who are gaining supervised, practical experience in the field of addiction counseling and treatment. They typically work in rehabilitation centers, clinics, or community organizations, assisting licensed professionals with client assessments, group therapy, educational programs, and case management. The internship allows them to apply theoretical knowledge from their academic studies to real-world situations, develop counseling skills, and fulfill requirements for certification or licensure in substance abuse counseling.
What cities are hiring for Substance Abuse Intern jobs? Cities with the most Substance Abuse Intern 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 Substance Abuse Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Substance Abuse Intern jobs include:
Substance Abuse Intern jobs near you
Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient CADC

Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient CADC

Daymark Recovery Services, Inc.

North Wilkesboro, NC • On-site

$23.07 - $24.04/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Daymark Recovery Services rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Company Mission/ statement:
Our mission is to inspire and empower people to seek and maintain recovery and health. Daymark Recovery Services, Inc. is a mission driven, comprehensive community provider of culturally sensitive mental health and substance abuse services.
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Health Spending Account
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Employee Assistant Program
  • Referral Bonus Opportunities
  • Extensive Internal Training Program

Pay Scale: $23.07/hr.-$24.04/hr.
Summary:
Under direct and indirect supervision, provides, and/or administers a wide range of psychosocial evaluation/assessments, provides substance use counseling, and crisis intervention services in a high-intensity clinical environment which requires a high degree of independent decision-making. Most aspects of this job require clinical assessment, evaluation, and intervention skills to Substance Use and Co-occurring disorders individuals that are treated with Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient (SACOT) treatment, according to service definition a minimum of four hours per day, five days per week. This can include individual, family, and/or group therapy. Person Centered Plan (PCP) development and implementation are also core functions of this job.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provides SACOT services according to service definition. Coordinates with the LCAS or LCAS-A and Clinical Supervisor to ensure that the individual has access to counseling supports, psychoeducation, and crisis interventions. Facilitates individual and group counseling sessions. Provides substance use, health, and community services education. Assists with development of relapse prevention and disease management strategies.
  • Participate in the initial development and implementation, and ongoing revision of PCP. Provide ongoing assessment and re-assessment of the individual based on PCP and goals. Monitor and document the status of the individual's progress and the effectiveness of strategies and interventions outlined in PCP. Communicate individual's progress and the effectiveness of the strategies and interventions as outlined in PCP to individual's care team.
  • Provides case management and care coordination for individual. Coordinate with other members of individual's care team (i.e. MAT provider, TCM provider, PCP, etc). Link and refer individuals to needed services and supports.
  • Provide crisis interventions when clinically appropriate.
  • All other duties as assigned by supervisor

Productivity Guidelines
Outpatient services are expected to have an average of 4 billable hours per day over the course of a year.
Vacation and sick leave are not excluded from this expectation.
Official Daymark Holidays and FMLA are excluded from this expectation when reviewed monthly for productivity incentive and annually for the performance evaluation.
Group therapy has an enhanced productivity credit.
Clinician will receive 1 productivity credit for every 3 people in the group.
Performance Evaluation Standards
3.3 or less hours averaged
Rating 1= Needs improvement
3.4 to 4.5 hours averaged
Rating 2- Meets Expectations
4.6 to 5.5 hours averaged
Rating 3= Above Expectations
5.6 and above
Rating 4= Outstanding
Special Attributes: Strong evaluative and clinical assessment skills needed. Must be able to get along well with other professionals to build collaboration in the work environment of multiple providers, community agencies, and a variety of community stakeholders. Must have the ability to gain information, make assessments and build rapport with consumers and families, make sound decisions in emergency situations, and provide evidenced based clinical interventions. Must have ability to complete necessary paperwork and other job functions in a distracting and demanding environment.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None unless supervising a student and/or training a co-worker.
Education and/or Experience: Must meet qualifications of a behavioral health qualified professional (QP). An associate's or bachelor's degree in a human service field with two years MH/SA/IDD experience with the population served; or a bachelor's degree in a non-human service field and at least four years of full-time experience working with the MH/SU/IDD population.
Certificates, License, Registration:
Must be recognized and in good standing by the NCSAPPB as either a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CDAC), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor-Intern (CADC-I), or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor-Intern (CSAC-I).

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