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What is an addictions counselor assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
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An addictions counselor assistant performs various tasks that support the work of an addictions counselor. These tasks generally include arranging appointment schedules, managing caseloads, updating patient data, developing support group activities, and helping counselors communicate with patients, especially those that are reluctant to receive treatment.

Furthermore, an addictions counselor assistant performs all these tasks while maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to all laws and regulations, such as HIPAA. They may also coordinate with law enforcement regarding the treatment of patients that have been charged for possessing and using illegal drugs.

The ideal educational background for this role is a four-year degree in psychology, social work, or other related fields. More than that, having completed training for substance abuse counseling is a huge plus, as well as prior work experience in a similar role. For some employers, certain certifications or licenses may also be a requirement.

When you become an addictions counselor assistant, your salary can range between $29,000 to $73,000 a year, with the median at $46,000 annually.

What general advice would you give to an addictions counselor assistant?

Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Vanguard University

Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are still out there. Whether you are seeking to land a job in education or the non-profit sector, you will need to familiarize yourself and get used to all things digital, for the sake of communicating effectively. The younger your student or service partner's mindset, the more digitally savvy you will need to be, especially in the classroom and in the non-profit world.
ScoreAddictions Counselor AssistantUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $46,799

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.9

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.18%

Asian 7.11%

Black or African American 12.80%

Hispanic or Latino 18.54%

Unknown 5.19%

White 54.19%

Gender

female 68.41%

male 31.59%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Addictions counselor assistant career paths

Key steps to become an addictions counselor assistant

  1. Explore addictions counselor assistant education requirements

    Most common addictions counselor assistant degrees

    Bachelor's

    57.4 %

    Associate

    15.3 %

    Master's

    12.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific addictions counselor assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Patients24.14%
    Social Work11.33%
    Substance Abuse9.02%
    Crisis Intervention8.13%
    Chemical Dependency3.83%
  3. Complete relevant addictions counselor assistant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New addictions counselor assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an addictions counselor assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real addictions counselor assistant resumes.
  4. Research addictions counselor assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Certify in CPR and CPI.
    • Med certiffy, CPR certify.
    • Work on PowerPoint presentations, and coordinate the presentations with board activity.
    • Maintain strict confidentially of client information in accordance with HIPPA and PII policy.
  5. Prepare your addictions counselor assistant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your addictions counselor assistant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an addictions counselor assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable addictions counselor assistant resume templates

    Build a professional addictions counselor assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your addictions counselor assistant resume.
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    Addictions Counselor Assistant Resume
    Addictions Counselor Assistant Resume
    Addictions Counselor Assistant Resume
    Addictions Counselor Assistant Resume
    Addictions Counselor Assistant Resume
    Addictions Counselor Assistant Resume
  6. Apply for addictions counselor assistant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an addictions counselor assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first addictions counselor assistant job

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Average addictions counselor assistant salary

The average addictions counselor assistant salary in the United States is $46,799 per year or $23 per hour. Addictions counselor assistant salaries range between $34,000 and $64,000 per year.

Average addictions counselor assistant salary
$46,799 Yearly
$22.50 hourly

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How do addictions counselor assistants rate their job?

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Addictions counselor assistant reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

To help most people out of their respective concern.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Cons

The over documentation required by DHS that robs the quality time needed in intervention and treatment. This lopsided demand makes the term “best practices” mere bureaucratic lip service without the means to actually deliver quality hands on services.

Pros

Change agent when people are stuck and need support in the process of restoration. One on one and group processing is powerful.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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