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Addiction Support Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$300 - $364/hr

Working collaboratively with all Center departments, the AMD helps to foster a patient-centered ... Provide ongoing training and support to all clinicians in the areas of Psychiatry and Addiction ...

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Addiction Support Worker information

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$8

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$24

How much do addiction support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for addiction support worker in California is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an addiction support worker do?

An Addiction Support Worker assists individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction by providing emotional support, guidance, and practical help. They work closely with clients to develop coping strategies, access treatment programs, and connect with community resources. Their duties may include conducting assessments, facilitating group sessions, supporting clients through recovery plans, and advocating for their needs. Addiction Support Workers often collaborate with healthcare professionals, social workers, and families to promote recovery and well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction support worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Support Worker, you need a background in counseling, social work, or psychology, often supported by a relevant diploma, degree, or certification in addiction studies. Familiarity with case management systems, harm reduction models, and crisis intervention tools is typically required. Strong communication, empathy, and resilience are vital soft skills for building trust and supporting individuals through challenging situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively guiding clients toward recovery, ensuring safety, and fostering positive outcomes.

What are some common challenges addiction support workers face when supporting clients in recovery, and how can they effectively address them?

Addiction Support Workers often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and complex co-occurring mental health issues. Building trust and maintaining open, non-judgmental communication are vital for helping clients feel supported and understood. Effective workers collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams—including counselors, healthcare professionals, and social workers—to develop individualized care plans and ensure clients have access to comprehensive support. Ongoing professional development and self-care are also important for managing the emotional demands of the role.

What is the difference between Addiction Support Worker vs Counsellor?

AspectAddiction Support WorkerCounsellor
Required CredentialsCertifications in addiction support, relevant trainingDegree in counselling, psychology, or social work
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, community clinics, outreach programsPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, schools
Employer & IndustryHealth and social services, addiction treatment centersHealthcare, mental health services, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on addiction recovery supportFocus on mental health and emotional well-being

While both roles support individuals with mental health challenges, Addiction Support Workers primarily assist those recovering from addiction through practical support and guidance. Counsellors provide therapeutic interventions for a broader range of mental health issues. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their focus and required qualifications.

Infographic showing various Addiction Support Worker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,491 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Associate Medical Director - Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine

Kids for the Future

On-site

$300 - $364/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Kids For The Future rating

3.3

Company rating: 3.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

  • Base Pay $307,299.20 - $363,521.60 / Year
  • Job Category MD, Director , Addiction Medicine
  • Employee Type FT Exempt
  • Required Degree Doctorate
  • Manage Others Yes
Contact information
  • Name Human Resources
  • Phone (530) 748-2334
Description

Under the direction of the Chief Clinical and Wellness Officer (CCWO), the Associate Medical Director of Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine (AMD) provides clinical leadership and program oversight for both psychiatry and addiction medicine services. The AMD is responsible for delivering high-quality, compassionate care to assigned patients of the El Dorado County Community Health Center and for advancing evidence-based approaches to psychiatric and substance use disorder treatment. As needed, the AMD will also assume care for a panel of addiction medicine patients, ensuring continuity and coverage across behavioral health services.

This role includes participation in call coverage on an as-needed basis, quality improvement initiatives, and interdisciplinary team meetings. The AMD provides supervision, guidance, and consultation to clinical staff in both psychiatry and addiction medicine, ensuring adherence to best practices and primary care integration. Working collaboratively with all Center departments, the AMD helps to foster a patient-centered environment that emphasizes timely access, dignity, and respect in every aspect of care delivery.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Physician scope of practice and clinical privileges/procedures are authorized by the approved written policy and procedures of El Dorado County Community Health Center, written in accordance with the laws governing the practice of medicine by Physicians and Surgeons in the State of California, as implemented and regulated by Medical Board of California,www.mbc.ca.gov

Associate Medical Director Duties
  • Ensure clinicians receive ongoing training and support. Train new hire clinicians during the orientation period and provide continual leadership support throughout their tenure at EDCHC.
  • Serve as liaison for all new EDCHC providers to explain Behavioral Healthcare Services and how to refer. Provide ongoing training and support to all clinicians in the areas of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine.
  • Ensure all direct reports adhere to EDCHC policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Serve as champion for ongoing clinic improvement initiatives and activities. Provide ongoing communication with all providers about updates to Behavioral Healthcare, and how to ensure proper use of the services.
  • Conduct routine performance evaluations and chart reviews of clinicians in collaboration with the CCWO.
  • Resolve clinical or clinician concerns or issues that may arise.
  • Lead the development of clinical policies, protocols, and standards in partnership with the CCWO.
  • Collaborate with clinic leadership to ensure overall excellence in patient care.
  • Attend, participate in, and lead committees, chart reviews, and other meetings as assigned by the CCWO.
  • Support CCWO with additional activities as needed to ensure clinical and organizational success.
  • Assume responsibility for the care of their patients, including providing direct psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and preparation of treatment plans including pharmacotherapy.
  • Monitor and document progress in treatment. Coordinate treatment with PCP and other patient clinicians within a team approach. When a patient's condition is stable, psychotropic treatment may be prescribed by PCP based on psychiatric complexity.
  • Engage with psychotherapists to ensure continuity of care, including crisis intervention as needed.
  • Provide direct care for a panel of addiction medicine patients as needed, delivering evidence-based substance use disorder treatment consistent with best practices.
  • Perform procedures, minor surgeries, and highly difficult medical work within the scope of their training.
  • Integrate the work of the clinic with other programs in the center and community to assist clients.
  • Act as Supervising Physician for FNP and PA-C provider staff (Non-Physician Providers), signing the Center's FNP protocols and PA-C DSA agreements. Available for consultation with such staff for unusual or difficult medical problems.
  • Makes referrals to psychotherapy and/or addiction medicine services where required.
  • Engage multidisciplinary team as needed regarding patients in psychiatric and addiction medicine treatment to ensure continuity of care.
  • Serve as consultant to medical providers as needed regarding psychiatric care, substance use disorder treatment, and co-occurring conditions.
  • Share in office call coverage for the Center on an as-needed basis.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge in the practice of medicine relevant to the Center's clients, in relation to the Physician's Board Certification.
  • Become familiar with and comply with all Health Center policies and procedures relating to the management of the Health Center and its employees.
  • Adapt medical treatment and orders to the needs of uninsured and low-income clients, always with Best Practices in mind.
  • Ensure that all protected health information (PHI) in local computer/networks is stored in compliance with HIPAA regulations as specified in the Provider Agreement.
  • Complete legible and legally defensible medical records in a timely manner on a daily basis, including completing accurate and timely charting in the eCW Electronic Medical Record on client transactions, orders, test results and progress notes summarizing client care for continuity of care between visits.
  • Order relevant lab tests and procedures with appropriate consent to help diagnose or manage a patient's condition. Receive and review lab reports, providing feedback to clients and/or consultation to primary therapist as needed.
  • Participate in a comprehensive quality improvement process which includes routine auditing of medical records to ensure quality clinical care and that clinic protocols are followed, and ensuring that the Board's quality assurance committee's recommendations concerning medical care are implemented.
  • Coordinate communication during the following situations: a) call if they are going to be late; b) sign out clients to the appropriate clinician/clinic staff for call or follow-up; c) give appropriate notice as required by EDCHC for time off; d) respond to messages in a timely manner during working hours and while on-call as needed.
  • Establish and maintain good relationships within the healthcare community.
  • Carry out such other duties as assigned by the CCWO.
  • Complete and submit all billing in an agreed-upon timely manner.
  • Attend continuing education programs and provide evidence of necessary education completion to upgrade skills and maintain licensing requirements.
  • Attend and participate in staff meetings as required or requested.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCEKnowledge of:
  • current, standard psychiatric and addiction medicine care practices, treatments, tests, and therapies.
  • current therapies in addition to complying with CA State requirements for Continuing Medical Education.
  • current knowledge of clinical operations and the delivery of quality medical care consistent with a licensed care physician, certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine.
  • third party payers issues, California medical practice guidelines and malpractice laws, Title 22 regulations, Bureau of Primary Care and funding sources preferred.
  • current and emerging trends in technologies, techniques, issues, and approaches in area of expertise.
  • scope of practice laws regarding professional licensure and Center Protocols and Standardized Procedures.
  • general information about federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding scope of practice issues affecting licensed community clinics.
  • basic information about public and private health insurance and third-party reimbursement issues.
  • community resources related to specialty care and other health-related services.
Skills in:
  • excellent oral and written communication.
  • excellent, efficient and effective use of the eCW EMR system.
  • exercising good judgment in clinical decision making and client care.
  • maintaining a positive, flexible, and solution-focused attitude.
  • quickly synthesizing medical, psychiatric, and addiction medicine data and formulating effective and evidence-based clinical recommendations.
  • using a computer for word processing, data entry and e-mail.
  • demonstr
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