Entry Level Addiction Counselor Jobs
New grad addiction counselor jobs open the door for recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where completed internships or a clinical practicum can matter more than years on a resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Science & Research, with employers like SUNY Upstate Medical University, RHA Health Services, and Medical University of South Carolina hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 59+ Entry Level Addiction Counselor jobs
We are hiring for:
Behavioral Health Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Team LeadType:
RegularIf you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!
Serves as the primary contact and coordinator of services supporting individuals with Mental Health or Substance Use Issues in residential, school, workplace and community settings. Coordinates and monitors the array of services and supports identified in each person’s Person Centered Plan. These interventions are strength-based and focused on promoting recovery, symptom reduction, increased coping skills, and achievement of the highest level of functioning in the community. Supervision is provided according to supervision requirements. Supervises and directs the work of others to provide quality services.Serves as the primary contact and coordinator of services supporting individuals with Mental Health or Substance Use Issues in residential, school, workplace and community settings. Coordinates and monitors the array of services and supports identified in each person’s Person Centered Plan. These interventions are strength-based and focused on promoting recovery, symptom reduction, increased coping skills, and achievement of the highest level of functioning in the community. Supervision is provided according to supervision requirements. Supervises and directs the work of others to provide quality services.
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
Requirements:
Graduate degree in Counseling or a related field
Valid licensure to provide mental/behavioral healthcare in the state of North Carolina
Licenses include LCAS
Minimum 2 years experience working with individuals with behavioral health issues
Employee supervisory experience strongly preferred
General working knowledge of the human services delivery system in North Carolina
Valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation
Responsibilities:
Supervision of an interdisciplinary team of professionals providing services in the community
Providing evidence-based individual therapy in a variety of settings
Facilitating relationships and serving as a link between the treatment team, the individual, natural supports, guardians, local agencies and the community
Minimizing the negative effects of psychiatric symptoms or substance dependence that interfere with the individual’s daily living and personal development
Supporting the team in providing the individual the development of various skill-building activities, including daily and community living skills, socialization skills, adaptation skills, and behavior and anger management
Overseeing and participating in a first responder on-call system available to individuals served by the team and/or their natural support network
Our ideal Team Leader is a licensed professional who is an excellent communicator and listener with strong therapeutic skills who works well as part of an interdisciplinary team and runs open and productive therapy sessions.
Pre-employment screening:
- Complete criminal background
- Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
- Drug testing
- Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
- Proof of employment history or references (if required)
- Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.
We offer the following benefits to employees:
- Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
- Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
- Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
- Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
- 401(k) retirement savings program
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
- Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities
- contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits
EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.
About RHA:
At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.
For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.
We are hiring for:
Behavioral Health Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Team LeadType:
RegularIf you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!
Serves as the primary contact and coordinator of services supporting individuals with Mental Health or Substance Use Issues in residential, school, workplace and community settings. Coordinates and monitors the array of services and supports identified in each person’s Person Centered Plan. These interventions are strength-based and focused on promoting recovery, symptom reduction, increased coping skills, and achievement of the highest level of functioning in the community. Supervision is provided according to supervision requirements. Supervises and directs the work of others to provide quality services.Serves as the primary contact and coordinator of services supporting individuals with Mental Health or Substance Use Issues in residential, school, workplace and community settings. Coordinates and monitors the array of services and supports identified in each person’s Person Centered Plan. These interventions are strength-based and focused on promoting recovery, symptom reduction, increased coping skills, and achievement of the highest level of functioning in the community. Supervision is provided according to supervision requirements. Supervises and directs the work of others to provide quality services.
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
Requirements:
Graduate degree in Counseling or a related field
Valid licensure to provide mental/behavioral healthcare in the state of North Carolina
Licenses include LCAS
Minimum 2 years experience working with individuals with behavioral health issues
Employee supervisory experience strongly preferred
General working knowledge of the human services delivery system in North Carolina
Valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation
Responsibilities:
Supervision of an interdisciplinary team of professionals providing services in the community
Providing evidence-based individual therapy in a variety of settings
Facilitating relationships and serving as a link between the treatment team, the individual, natural supports, guardians, local agencies and the community
Minimizing the negative effects of psychiatric symptoms or substance dependence that interfere with the individual’s daily living and personal development
Supporting the team in providing the individual the development of various skill-building activities, including daily and community living skills, socialization skills, adaptation skills, and behavior and anger management
Overseeing and participating in a first responder on-call system available to individuals served by the team and/or their natural support network
Our ideal Team Leader is a licensed professional who is an excellent communicator and listener with strong therapeutic skills who works well as part of an interdisciplinary team and runs open and productive therapy sessions.
Pre-employment screening:
- Complete criminal background
- Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
- Drug testing
- Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
- Proof of employment history or references (if required)
- Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.
We offer the following benefits to employees:
- Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
- Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
- Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
- Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
- 401(k) retirement savings program
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
- Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities
- contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits
EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.
About RHA:
At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.
For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.
See All 59 Entry Level Addiction Counselor Jobs
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Find JobsEntry Level Addiction Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- SUNY Upstate Medical University4
- RHA Health Services3
- Medical University of South Carolina3
- HealthRIGHT 3602
- Family Health Center2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services33
- Education12
- Science & Research5
- Non-Profit & Social Services3
- Construction & Real Estate1
Entry Level Addiction Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level addiction counselor job?
Entry level addiction counselor roles typically look for a relevant degree in counseling, social work, or psychology, plus any supervised clinical hours from an internship or practicum. Candidates who highlight hands-on experience with clients, knowledge of evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing, and progress toward state licensure or certification stand out most at this stage.
Which companies hire entry level addiction counselors?
Companies hiring entry level addiction counselors right now include SUNY Upstate Medical University, RHA Health Services, and Medical University of South Carolina, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Hiring at this level covers outpatient treatment centers, residential facilities, behavioral health nonprofits, and hospital systems that actively onboard and train new counselors.
Are there remote entry level addiction counselor jobs?
Yes, though most addiction counselor roles at the entry level are on-site due to the hands-on nature of direct client care. About 6% of entry level addiction counselor openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and these tend to involve telehealth counseling, case coordination, or administrative support functions within behavioral health organizations.
Are these new grad addiction counselor jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior addiction counselor roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts a completed internship or supervised practicum in lieu of post-graduation work history, or explicitly invites candidates who are working toward their state licensure or certification.
Which industries hire the most entry level addiction counselors?
Entry Level addiction counselor roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors drive entry level hiring because they rely on growing teams of counselors to meet rising demand for substance use treatment, mental health services, and integrated care programs.