Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
New grad substance abuse counselor jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a supervised practicum can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Government & Public Sector, with employers like Management & Training Corporation, Eliot Community Human Services, and JWCH Institute hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 27+ Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs
This posting will be used for on-going recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. New Mexico Rehabilitation Center (NMRC) is a Joint Commission accredited specialty hospital providing rehabilitation services to citizens of the State of New Mexico.
Preference will be given to candidates with any license related to this position, a minimum of LSAA Licensed Substance Abuse Associate.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
As part of interdisciplinary team, provide a safe therapeutic environment in a clinically managed, substance abuse (mental health enhanced) residential treatment facility that optimizes the client¿s opportunity to maintain sobriety and an enhanced quality of life.
How does it get done?
Functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team by participating in and contributing to clinical staffing. Engages clients in the therapeutic process and involves interested others (such as family and agencies) in their treatment progress.
Who are the customers?
Individuals with mental, emotional and substance abuse problems seeking treatment at NMRC.
Ideal Candidate
Individuals with mental, emotional and substance abuse problems seeking treatment at NMRC.
Minimum Qualification
High School diploma or Equivalency and two (2) years of experience in a substance abuse and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required experience.
Employment Requirements
This position will perform work in a rehabilitation center and in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Lifting up to fifty (50) pounds may be required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Effective 01/01/2015, the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute became a 100% Tobacco Free/E-Cigarette Free Campus. As such, no tobacco, tobacco products or E-Cigarette products are permitted on any part of the campus.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Mariko Morales 575-347-3417 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
This posting will be used for on-going recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. New Mexico Rehabilitation Center (NMRC) is a Joint Commission accredited specialty hospital providing rehabilitation services to citizens of the State of New Mexico.
Preference will be given to candidates with any license related to this position, a minimum of LSAA Licensed Substance Abuse Associate.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
As part of interdisciplinary team, provide a safe therapeutic environment in a clinically managed, substance abuse (mental health enhanced) residential treatment facility that optimizes the client¿s opportunity to maintain sobriety and an enhanced quality of life.
How does it get done?
Functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team by participating in and contributing to clinical staffing. Engages clients in the therapeutic process and involves interested others (such as family and agencies) in their treatment progress.
Who are the customers?
Individuals with mental, emotional and substance abuse problems seeking treatment at NMRC.
Ideal Candidate
Individuals with mental, emotional and substance abuse problems seeking treatment at NMRC.
Minimum Qualification
High School diploma or Equivalency and two (2) years of experience in a substance abuse and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required experience.
Employment Requirements
This position will perform work in a rehabilitation center and in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Lifting up to fifty (50) pounds may be required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Effective 01/01/2015, the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute became a 100% Tobacco Free/E-Cigarette Free Campus. As such, no tobacco, tobacco products or E-Cigarette products are permitted on any part of the campus.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Mariko Morales 575-347-3417 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
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Find JobsEntry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services15
- Education3
- Government & Public Sector3
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Non-Profit & Social Services1
Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level substance abuse counselor job?
Entry level employers typically look for a relevant degree in counseling, social work, or psychology, plus any supervised clinical hours completed during school. Internships, practicums, and volunteer work at treatment centers or community health organizations give you a concrete edge. Holding or actively pursuing a state counseling credential, even at the intern or associate level, signals readiness and helps your application stand out at this stage.
Which companies hire entry level substance abuse counselors?
Companies hiring entry level substance abuse counselors right now include Management & Training Corporation, Eliot Community Human Services, and JWCH Institute, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from community mental health centers, residential treatment facilities, and nonprofit behavioral health organizations that regularly bring on newer counselors and provide supervision toward full licensure.
Are there remote entry level substance abuse counselor jobs?
Yes, though most entry level roles are still on-site given the hands-on nature of clinical work. About 21% of entry level substance abuse counselor openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, typically in telehealth platforms or outpatient settings where virtual sessions are part of the service model. Remote roles at this level may still require occasional in-person supervision hours.
Are these new grad substance abuse counselor jobs?
Yes, the openings on this page include new grad, recent graduate, and junior substance abuse counselor roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or supervised practicums toward the requirement, or explicitly states that candidates working toward licensure are encouraged to apply. These roles are built for people entering the field, not candidates with years of independent practice.
Which industries hire the most entry level substance abuse counselors?
Entry Level substance abuse counselor roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Government & Public Sector, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they rely on a steady pipeline of newer counselors to meet high caseload demand and often provide the structured clinical supervision required for licensure progression.