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Aod Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Center Point, Inc

Certified AOD Counselor

San Pablo, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

The Certified AOD Counselor is responsible for providing substance use disorder (SUD) counseling and rehabilitative services to participants within a CDCR Day Reporting Center serving the Adult ...

Amity Foundation

AOD Counselor III

Chowchilla, CA

$35 - $45/hr

The Journey AOD III is responsible for providing trauma informed group counseling services to participants enrolled in the Youth Offender Program (YOP). This includes a variety of services including ...

Amity Foundation

AOD Counselor III

Chowchilla, CA · On-site

$27 - $36.25/hr

The Journey AOD III is responsible for providing trauma informed group counseling services to participants enrolled in the Youth Offender Program (YOP). This includes a variety of services including ...

Center Point, Inc

AOD Counselor

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

Counselor I - AOD Registered Counselor: * Registered with an approved California certifying organization as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor. * Must remain in good standing and continue ...

Phoenix House California

Outpatient AOD Counselor

Venice, CA · On-site

$25 - $33.50/hr

Reporting to the Clinical Manager, the Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Counselor is responsible for individual service coordination for patients enrolled in Phoenix House Adult/Adolescent Residential ...

DIAMOND HOUSE DETOX

AOD Counselor I

Sacramento, CA

$23 - $26/hr

The Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor I provides vital support to individuals undergoing substance use treatment. This position requires a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to help ...

First Steps Recovery

AOD Counselor

Shingle Springs, CA

$24 - $31/hr

Registered as an AOD intern or a RADT-1 Intern * Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification Desired. (CCAPP,CAADE,CADTP or Affiliate) Experience: * 1-2 years experience in the field of addiction and ...

First Steps Recovery

AOD Counselor

Shingle Springs, CA · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Registered as an AOD intern or a RADT-1 Intern * Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification Desired. (CCAPP,CAADE,CADTP or Affiliate) Experience: * 1-2 years experience in the field of addiction and ...

First Steps Recovery

AOD Counselor

Shingle Springs, CA · On-site

$23 - $31/hr

Registered as an AOD intern or a RADT-1 Intern * Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification Desired. (CCAPP,CAADE,CADTP or Affiliate) Experience: * 1-2 years experience in the field of addiction and ...

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Aod Counselor information

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How much do aod counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for aod counselor in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges AOD Counselors face when supporting clients through recovery?

AOD Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and co-occurring mental health issues. Building trust and maintaining client engagement can require patience and strong interpersonal skills, as clients may be ambivalent about change or struggle with external factors like family dynamics or legal issues. Counselors must also balance case management tasks with direct counseling, all while maintaining professional boundaries and practicing self-care to avoid burnout.

What are AOD Counselors?

AOD Counselors, or Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors, are professionals who help individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. They provide assessment, counseling, treatment planning, and support to clients dealing with addiction to alcohol or other drugs. AOD Counselors work in various settings such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, community organizations, and private practices. Their goal is to assist clients in achieving and maintaining sobriety, improving mental health, and rebuilding their lives.

What is the highest paid type of counselor?

Among counseling roles, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors tend to have higher salaries, especially those with advanced degrees and certifications. For example, clinical, psychiatric, and school counselors with specialized training and experience often earn higher wages, particularly in private practice or specialized settings.

What is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors are often those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or specialized skills, such as clinical supervisors or program directors. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, especially in private practice or specialized treatment centers. Factors like location, education, and certifications influence earning potential.

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

To thrive as an AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) Counselor, you need a solid understanding of addiction counseling principles, assessment techniques, and typically a relevant certification or degree such as CADC or a similar credential. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and evidence-based treatment methods is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust are vital for supporting clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential to effectively guide individuals toward sobriety and ensure ethical, effective care within treatment programs.

What is the minimum education requirement to become a certified aOD counselor?

To become a certified alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or coursework in addiction counseling. Many states or certifying bodies also require completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours and passing a certification exam.

Is a substance abuse counselor a good career?

A substance abuse counselor is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from addiction through counseling and support. It typically requires relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in various settings such as clinics or treatment centers. Job stability and demand are generally good due to ongoing need for addiction treatment services.

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

AspectAod CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure in addiction counselingRequires certification or licensure in substance abuse counseling
Work EnvironmentWorks in clinics, rehab centers, or community programsWorks in rehab centers, outpatient clinics, or hospitals
Industry UsageCommonly used in addiction treatment settingsUsed in substance abuse treatment facilities and mental health clinics

Both Aod Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors focus on addiction treatment, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Aod' (Alcohol and Other Drugs) is a broader term sometimes used interchangeably with 'Substance Abuse.' Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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What cities are hiring for Aod Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Aod Counselor job openings:
What states have the most Aod Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Aod Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aod Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aod Counselor jobs are:
Aod Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aod Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 62% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Nights, and 16% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
Certified AOD Counselor

Certified AOD Counselor

Center Point, Inc

San Pablo, CA • On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Center Point is seeking a compassionate and experienced leader to serve as a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor for our new Contra Costa County Day Reporting Center (DRC) in San Pablo, CA. This innovative program is anticipated to launch around July 1, 2026, under contract with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP), and will provide services to adults on parole.
We are beginning the recruitment process now in anticipation of hiring for this position on or after July 1, 2026.
About the Position:
The Certified AOD Counselor is responsible for providing substance use disorder (SUD) counseling and rehabilitative services to participants within a CDCR Day Reporting Center serving the Adult Parole population. Services are delivered through individual counseling, group facilitation, case conferencing, treatment planning, and participant engagement activities designed to support recovery, behavioral change, and successful community reintegration.
Under the direction of program leadership, the Certified AOD Counselor works collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff to provide evidence-based substance use disorder services aligned with CDCR DRP contract requirements and best practices in behavioral health treatment.
As this is a new program launch, AOD Counselors will play an important role in helping establish a supportive, recovery-oriented program culture while assisting participants in achieving individualized treatment goals and reducing recidivism.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Conduct individual and group substance use disorder counseling sessions for adults on parole.
  • Conduct participant assessments, intake interviews, and treatment planning activities.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans and support participants in achieving treatment goals.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences and collaborate with program staff regarding participant progress and service needs.
  • Monitor participant engagement, attendance, and progress in treatment services.
  • Maintain accurate and timely participant documentation, including progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.
  • Utilize evidence-based interventions, motivational interviewing, and recovery-oriented practices in service delivery.
  • Communicate participant concerns, behavioral issues, and service needs to program leadership and DRP representatives as appropriate.
  • Assist participants with identifying barriers to recovery and accessing supportive community resources.
  • Maintain assigned caseload and ensure compliance with documentation and reporting requirements.
  • Support program operations, quality assurance activities, and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Collaborate with CDCR staff, parole agents, behavioral health providers, and community partners.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of full-time experience providing counseling services to justice-involved populations in a substance use disorder treatment setting.
  • Current Certified AOD Counselor certification through a California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) approved certifying organization required.
  • Applicants who have completed the Occupational Mentor Certification Program and obtained AOD certification may also be considered.
  • Experience working with justice-involved individuals, specifically Adult Parole populations, strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment practices, recovery-oriented systems of care, Motivational Interviewing, and evidence-based interventions.
  • Strong communication, counseling, documentation, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to effectively engage diverse participant populations in individual and group settings.
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical standards of conduct.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic documentation systems.
  • Must be able to successfully complete and pass a DOJ Live Scan background clearance.
  • Must possess a valid California driver’s license with no serious infractions within the past four (4) years.
  • Must be insurable under the agency’s automobile insurance policy.
  • Must have access to reliable personal transportation for work-related duties.
  • Must possess current TB clearance and CPR/First Aid Certification or obtain upon hire.
Benefits/Perks:
  • Highly competitive compensation.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision.
  • 17 days off (PTO/Sick time), increasing with tenure. Paid holidays.
  • 401K with matching contribution & Life insurance program.
Pay Frequency: Twice monthly.
Work Remotely: No.
Job Type: Full-time.