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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Mental Health Counselor I to join our Residential Support Services (RSS) team. RSS offers affordable housing with 24/7 individualized care that includes meals, medication management ...

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Novato, CA · On-site

$23.50/hr

We are seeking a Mental Health Counselor I to join our Residential Support Services (RSS) team. RSS offers affordable housing with 24/7 individualized care that includes meals, medication management ...

We are seeking a Mental Health Counselor I to join our Residential Support Services (RSS) team. RSS offers affordable housing with 24/7 individualized care that includes meals, medication management ...

We are seeking a Mental Health Counselor I to join our Residential Support Services (RSS) team. RSS offers affordable housing with 24/7 individualized care that includes meals, medication management ...

We are seeking a Mental Health Counselor I to join our Residential Support Services (RSS) team. RSS offers affordable housing with 24/7 individualized care that includes meals, medication management ...

We are seeking a Mental Health Counselor I to join our Residential Support Services (RSS) team. RSS offers affordable housing with 24/7 individualized care that includes meals, medication management ...

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Addiction Counselor information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$35.5K

$59.3K

$77.6K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Santa Rosa, CA is $59,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,700.00 and $66,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, state licensure or certification, and specialized training in substance abuse treatment. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), motivational interviewing techniques, and standardized assessment tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are crucial for building trust and effectively supporting clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential to provide ethical, evidence-based care and to foster lasting positive change in clients' lives.

Can I be an addiction counselor without a degree?

Becoming an addiction counselor typically requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but most states and employers prefer candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Additionally, many addiction counselors obtain certification or licensure, which often involves completing specific education and supervised experience requirements. Without a degree, it may be difficult to meet licensing standards or advance in the profession.

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

AspectAddiction CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure (e.g., CADC, LPC)Similar certifications, often overlapping with addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitals, community agenciesRehab centers, outpatient clinics, community health settings
Industry UsageCommonly used term for professionals helping with addiction issuesOften used interchangeably, but sometimes more focused on substance-specific treatment

Both Addiction Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors work in similar environments and often hold comparable certifications. The main difference lies in terminology; Addiction Counselors typically have a broader focus on various addictive behaviors, while Substance Abuse Counselors may focus more specifically on substance-related issues. However, in practice, these roles are often interchangeable, and the choice of title depends on employer preference or certification specifics.

What does an addiction counselor do?

An addiction counselor helps individuals who are struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide emotional support, and lead individual or group therapy sessions. Addiction counselors also educate clients and their families about addiction, help them develop coping strategies, and connect them with additional resources for recovery. Their goal is to support clients on their journey to achieve and maintain sobriety.

What are some common challenges Addiction Counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Addiction Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and managing clients with co-occurring mental health disorders. Building a trusting relationship is crucial, as is maintaining patience and empathy throughout the recovery process. Counselors frequently collaborate with healthcare professionals, social workers, and families to create a supportive network for clients. Continuous professional development and self-care are important for managing the emotional demands of the role.

Is addiction counselor a good career?

An addiction counselor is a mental health professional who helps individuals recover from substance use disorders through counseling and support. The role often requires relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and empathy, with job growth driven by increasing awareness of addiction issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others and working in healthcare or social services environments.

What is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors typically work in specialized settings or hold advanced certifications, with salaries reaching over $70,000 annually. Factors such as experience, location, and additional qualifications can influence earning potential, and some may earn higher salaries in private practice or supervisory roles.

How to get a job as an addiction counselor?

To become an addiction counselor, you typically need a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with certification or licensure specific to your region. Gaining experience through internships or supervised practice is also important, and strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for working effectively with clients.
What are popular job titles related to Addiction Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Addiction Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Addiction Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,287 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Temporary Counselor-Harstad House

Temporary Counselor-Harstad House

PROGRESS FOUNDATION

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$23.56/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of an Assistant Director or the Program Director, the Counselor provides support and assistance to clients at one of the Progress programs, all of which are housed in multi-level facilities. Generally, the Counselor has primary responsibility for advocating for and responding to the treatment and rehabilitation needs of the program clients. Specifically, Counselors perform the following functions:
I. Essential Functions
  1. Conduct intake interviews with prospective clients.
  2. Orient new clients to the program and facility or, whenever possible, enable another client to orient a new client.
  3. Respond to psychiatric and/or medical emergency situations throughout the facility in a professional, thorough, and timely manner, and do crisis intervention work with clients.
  4. Assist clients in the evacuation of all floors of the facility in case of fire, earthquake, or other emergency.
  5. Develop treatment plans with maximum client participation, and support clients' efforts to implement them.
  6. Communicate appropriately with referral sources and other treatment personnel both within and outside the agency, exchanging information relevant to client treatment.
  7. Complete all intake and discharge paperwork on assigned clients and maintain progress records on all clients.
  8. Initiate and participate in discharge planning, so that clients can transition smoothly to the next level of care or the community.
  9. Lead or co-lead day or evening group sessions, including house meetings or other activities, adhering to the schedule of fixed events, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
  10. .Assume primary case coordinating responsibilities for clients, as assigned.
  11. Relay clinical and house-status information to other staff at shift changes, staff meetings, and at other appropriate times.
  12. Monitor and record client medications, complying with program procedures.
  13. Participate in meal planning and preparation at designated intervals, and encourage clients to become involved in these activities. Counselors are to join program clients for all meals.
  14. Attend and participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and case consultation meetings, as scheduled.
  15. Consult with the Assistant Director, Program Director and the Program Consultant, as necessary, on such issues as case review, medications, group dynamics, etc.
  16. Be responsible for the physical plant. This includes investigating problems throughout the facility and performing minor cleaning, repair work, and other household tasks, and reporting more serious maintenance problems in a timely manner to the Assistant Director or Program Director.
  17. Report any suspected abuse of clients directly to the appropriate agencies as outlined in policy and law and per the adult abuse reporting document signed upon hiring.
  18. Promote the social rehabilitation philosophy among program staff and clients.
  19. Must be able to work overnight, awake and alert shifts.
  20. Comply with all applicable federal, state and local governmental laws and regulations, as well as all agency policies and procedures, including the code of ethics.
  21. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Director.
  22. Inform the Assistant Director or Program Director of any personal events and/or circumstances which may affect the ability to perform the proscribed job responsibilities and functions or to meet minimum qualifications.

II. Functions Which May Be Accommodated For Persons with Disabilities Covered Under The "Americans With Disabilities Act"
  1. Lead and/or participate in outings and other recreational activities planned for clients.
  2. Shop for groceries and other household items with program clients.
  3. Drive clients to treatment-related destinations.
  4. Attend meetings, both programmatic and administrative, as a representative of the program, when assigned by the Assistant Director or Program Director.