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Addiction Counselor Intern Jobs in Riverside, CA

Lead Counselor

Perris, CA

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

... addiction. · Valid Driver's License and Clean MVR · Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs ... INTERN PROGRAM 1. Network with local colleges and universities to recruit interns 2. Adequately ...

Lead Counselor

Perris, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

... addiction. • Valid Driver's License and Clean MVR • Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs ... INTERN PROGRAM 1. Network with local colleges and universities to recruit interns 2. Adequately ...

Addiction Counselor Intern information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.9K

$56.6K

$74.1K

How much do addiction counselor intern jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor intern in Riverside, CA is $56,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $63,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Addiction Counselor Intern do?

An Addiction Counselor Intern assists licensed addiction counselors in providing support and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Their responsibilities often include conducting intake interviews, helping with group and individual counseling sessions, maintaining client records, and learning to develop treatment plans under supervision. Interns gain hands-on experience while completing required hours for certification or licensure, and they work closely with experienced professionals to develop essential counseling skills and ethical practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Addiction Counselor Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor Intern, you need foundational knowledge in substance abuse counseling, active listening, and a relevant academic background in psychology or social work. Familiarity with case management software, basic clinical documentation, and pursuing or holding certifications like CADC or similar are common requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build rapport with clients and support effective treatment. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering compassionate care, maintaining client trust, and supporting recovery in a clinical or community setting.

What types of supervision and support can an Addiction Counselor Intern expect during their internship?

As an Addiction Counselor Intern, you will typically work under the direct supervision of a licensed counselor or clinical supervisor, who provides regular feedback and guidance. Most programs offer structured supervision sessions, case discussions, and opportunities to observe experienced professionals, ensuring you gain practical skills while maintaining client safety. You’ll also collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, nurses, and other counselors, which fosters a supportive learning environment and helps you build a strong professional network.

What is the difference between Addiction Counselor Intern vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddiction Counselor InternSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsOften pursuing relevant certifications or degrees, supervised internshipTypically requires certification or licensure, such as CADC or LPC
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, clinics, rehab centers under supervisionFull-time roles in clinics, rehab centers, or healthcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and training phase, often part of a licensing pathwayLicensed professionals providing treatment and counseling services

The main difference is that an Addiction Counselor Intern is in a training or supervised internship phase, often working towards certification, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a licensed professional providing direct treatment. Interns gain experience and mentorship, whereas licensed counselors have full responsibilities for client care.

What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Addiction Counselor Intern jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Addiction Counselor Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor Intern job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,572 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Lead Counselor

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

558th of 759 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

FULL TIME $ 22.50 hr. 
 

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Bachelors’ degree plus 3 years work/volunteer experience in the substance abuse field.

· 1-year experience teaching or presenting material pertaining to Rehabilitation from addiction.

· Valid Driver’s License and Clean MVR

· Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, MSWord, Excel, and Access with ability to learn additional software as appropriate.

· Age 21 or above

· Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.

· Ability to make critical decisions and work with minimal supervision

· Ability to track multiple tasks efficiently, completing each in a professional and timely fashion.

· Professional judgment and integrity in holding in confidence all information pertaining to beneficiaries, families and co-workers.

· Commitment to support and apply the philosophy and goals of The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Program and the ARC Mission Statement.

· Active Christian worldview.

· If in recovery, must have 3 years of continuous sobriety.

· No evidence of existing chemical dependency.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel or twist on an intermittent or continuous basis

· Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and other office equipment

· Ability to communicate clearly on the telephone

· Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

· Ability to perform various repetitive motion tasks

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the Center Administrator the Lead Counselor is responsible for managing the Program staff providing the counseling care and education that is directly provided to beneficiaries. As a team member in the Rehabilitation area, she/he promotes a climate for effective performance and learning through her/his attitudes, willingness to teach and learn and availability to beneficiaries and staff. Encouragement is given to the individual to continue to seek experience and training, which will enhance her/his ability to work, more effectively with those who seek Salvation Army services. Recommended Reading: My Brother, New Frontier, War Cry, Year Book.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

A. PERSONNEL AND STAFFING

1. Recruit adequate staff for each program need in cooperation with the ARC HR coordinator, and in

accordance with ARC and TSA policies

2. Recruit, train, and utilize community volunteers appropriately and effectively.

3. Hold weekly program meetings to assure communication and team support.

B. INTAKE OPERATIONS

1. Ensure intake operations are developed and operated with ARC standards.

2. Ensure all paperwork and data entry is performed as dictated by ARCC and conform with local requirements

C. CURRICULUM

1. Ensure curriculum is compliant with ARC standards

2. Ensure appropriate teaching objectives and outlines are utilized

3. Ensure appropriate teachers are recruited for all classes

4. Ensure one-on-one counseling (minimum bi-weekly) and group process counseling (weekly) is done

D. INTERN PROGRAM

1. Network with local colleges and universities to recruit interns

2. Adequately train interns

3. Either supervise and/or find supervisor consultant to provide appropriate supervision of interns

4. Assign counseling and teaching assignments to each intern

E. COUNSELING

1. Assist beneficiaries to understand and overcome social and emotional problems through individual and process group counseling.

2. Keep beneficiary files current with proper documentation of counseling and class activities for those

beneficiaries assigned.

3. Develop individual Rehabilitation Plans for beneficiaries seen in counseling.

4. Assist assigned beneficiaries in preparation for 3 and 5-month reviews.

5. Conduct Christian education classes as assigned.

6. Lead other groups or classes.

7. Teach classes in the program’s educational component.

8. Attend weekly Case Conference and provide input to discussion as helpful.

9. Provide and maintain counseling statistics for monthly Program reports.

10. Document and maintain appropriate Progress Notes in beneficiary files.

11. Assess spiritual needs of beneficiaries seen in counseling and make referrals to Chaplain as needed.

12. Attend at least one Wednesday night chapel service each month.

13. Serve as back-up to other counselors as needed.

14. Support other staff of the Program Department as able.

15. Monitor Overtime. All overtime must be approved by Administrator or their designee.

F. OTHER DUTIES

1. Cooperate and coordinate with the Administrator to mutually develop the most successful program.

2. Ensure program department remains compliant with ARCC review standards.

3. Travel to events both in the area and in the territory

4. Perform other duties as assigned by the ARC Administrator.


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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US