Addictions counselor assistant vs service counselor

The differences between addictions counselor assistants and service counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an addictions counselor assistant and a service counselor. Additionally, an addictions counselor assistant has an average salary of $46,799, which is higher than the $35,402 average annual salary of a service counselor.

The top three skills for an addictions counselor assistant include patients, social work and substance abuse. The most important skills for a service counselor are social work, crisis intervention, and patients.

Addictions counselor assistant vs service counselor overview

	Addictions Counselor Assistant	Service Counselor
Yearly salary	$46,799	$35,402
Hourly rate	$22.50	$17.02
Growth rate	12%	12%
Number of jobs	86,506	44,284
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	12	12

What does an addictions counselor assistant do?

An addictions counselor assistant works with a head counselor to provide support to patients suffering from addiction. They deal with the clerical and administrative side of running a counseling firm. This includes managing data, maintaining confidentiality of patient information, monitoring adherence to government regulations, and assisting with patients' treatment.

What does a service counselor do?

Service counselors provide guidance to couples, individuals, groups, and families who are going through issues that influence their well-being and mental health. They comprehensively approach their clients by utilizing a "wellness" model that focuses on and motivate the client's potentials. Their duties include inspiring clients to talk about their emotions and experiences, helping them determine their action plans and goals, as well as designing therapeutic methods. Also, they may refer their clients to other services or psychologists.

Addictions counselor assistant vs service counselor salary

Addictions counselor assistants and service counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Addictions Counselor Assistant	Service Counselor
Average salary	$46,799	$35,402
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $64,000	Between $24,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City	Bellevue, WA	Urban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying state	Maryland	Hawaii
Best paying company	Chino Valley Unified School District	Google
Best paying industry	Education	Education

Differences between addictions counselor assistant and service counselor education

There are a few differences between an addictions counselor assistant and a service counselor in terms of educational background:

	Addictions Counselor Assistant	Service Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Northwestern University	SUNY at Binghamton

Addictions counselor assistant vs service counselor demographics

Here are the differences between addictions counselor assistants' and service counselors' demographics:

	Addictions Counselor Assistant	Service Counselor
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4%	Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 7.1% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%	Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 7.1% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between addictions counselor assistant and service counselor duties and responsibilities

Addictions counselor assistant example 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.
Maintain data entry of office and patient records, while maintaining HIPPA compliance and patient confidentiality.
Conduct in-person assessments to employees formally refer to the employee assistance program (EAP) and formulate treatment goals and plans.

Service counselor example responsibilities.

Develop contracting strategy to build capacity and achieve ongoing compliance with Medicare and Medicaid provider network adequacy requirements.
Implement patient financial services department to assist patients and family members to ensure successful patient representation and expeditious benefit recovery.
Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.

Addictions counselor assistant vs service counselor skills

Common addictions counselor assistant skills

Patients, 24%
Social Work, 11%
Substance Abuse, 9%
Crisis Intervention, 8%
Chemical Dependency, 4%
PowerPoint, 4%

Common service counselor skills

Social Work, 16%
Crisis Intervention, 9%
Patients, 7%
Support Services, 6%
Social Services, 6%
Rehabilitation, 6%

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Addictions Counselor Assistant
Addictions Counselor Assistant vs Service Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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