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, Consulting & Professional Services, and Education, 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 40+ Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs
Pay:
Substance Abuse Counselor I (Intern): $19.00 per hour
Substance Abuse Counselor I (Licensed): $21.00 per hour
Schedule: Full-Time, Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts
Benefit package includes:
- Medical, vision, and prescription drug benefits
- Dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Paid holidays
- Bereavement leave
- Civic duty and military leave
Impact lives with Management & Training Corporation (MTC)! At the Ernestine Glossbrenner Unit in San Diego, Texas , our foundation is based upon the philosophies of caring about others, giving back, and making a social impact. We provide a safe and secure working environment for our staff while helping an at-risk population receive the treatment necessary for success on their road back to a healthy, productive life.
Position Summary:
Reports to the substance abuse counselor II. Performs moderately complex substance abuse counseling work. Work involves planning, coordinating, and implementing substance abuse counseling activities; and coordinating with other departments to ensure the maximum utilization of resources available for chemical dependency treatment and rehabilitation in compliance with Management & Training Corporation (MTC) and Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) directives.
Essential Functions:
1. Provides substance abuse counseling and recovery skills training; participates in inmate orientation, educational and individual and process counseling groups in compliance with program standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
2. Provides a comprehensive evaluation from a battery of valid measurement tools to assess the recovery needs and the re-offense risk of DWI inmates.
3. Participates in the development and implementation of a comprehensive treatment plan (CTP) which is developed based on results of an evaluation battery designed to assess inmate needs and risk associated with recidivism.
4. Maintains accurate and complete case reports, records, and statistics necessary for the evaluation of the program. Maintain confidentiality of inmate records. Compiles data and submits reports and related documentation as appropriate.
5. Participates in sessions designed to teach and practice complex life skills such as assertiveness, anger management, goal setting, managing criminality and changing thinking errors.
6. Implements follow-up and after care plans for inmates that participate in the program prior to their release; and disseminates information on community resources for inmate placement in follow-up treatment.
7. Make available to all inmates, recovery oriented support groups.
8. Within 30 days of completion of the program, works with the treatment team to develop a comprehensive assessment plan (CAP) for each inmate on caseload to reflect the evaluation results together with comments about the inmate’s level of participation and quality of completion in the DWI programs.
9. Submit copy of the CAP to the Parole Division to be included in the Parole Case Summary.
10. Promote the development of positive social skills through modeling appropriate behaviors and intervening when inappropriate behaviors are observed; provide regular feedback to staff regarding social skills procedures and intervention techniques.
11. Maintain accountability of staff, inmates, and property; adhere to safety practices.
It is expected that the incumbent shall perform other duties as assigned within his/her capabilities as determined by management.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Graduation from an accredited senior high school or equivalent or GED. Must possess current valid letter of registration as Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor- Counselor Intern (LCDC-CI) from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or current valid certification as a Certified Criminal Justice Professional Applicant Status (CCJP-A) by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals, or Treatment Specialist (must obtain LCDC-CI or CCJP-A within 180 days of hire date). Must maintain valid registration or certification for continued employment in position. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) or valid certification as a Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) within five (5) years from the date of their registration as a LCDC-CI Counselor Intern or CCJP-A. Must sign a Credential Contingency Agreement that will remain in effect only until the initially established expiration date. Failure to comply with this contingency statement will result in separation of employment. Credential Contingency Agreement will not be extended or renewed as a result of an employee’s separation of employment or acceptance of another position. Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required, unless waived by management.
WHY: Be the answer from the inside. Make a real difference every day!
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.
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Find JobsEntry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Management & Training Corporation16
- Eliot Community Human Services4
- JWCH Institute3

- The Johns Hopkins University3

- Bronxcare Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center2

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services19
- Consulting & Professional Services15
- Education4
- Government & Public Sector2
- 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 June 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 13% of entry level substance abuse counselor openings are remote or hybrid as of June 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, Consulting & Professional Services, and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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.