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Aod Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Counselor II: Certified as an AOD Counselor. * Counselor III: Certified as an AOD Counselor, with one (1) year of full- time experience providing certified AOD counseling services. What We Offer:

Counselor II: Certified as an AOD Counselor. * Counselor III: Certified as an AOD Counselor, with one (1) year of full- time experience providing certified AOD counseling services. What We Offer:

Counselor II: Certified as an AOD Counselor. * Counselor III: Certified as an AOD Counselor, with one (1) year of full- time experience providing certified AOD counseling services. What We Offer:

Counselor II: Certified as an AOD Counselor. * Counselor III: Certified as an AOD Counselor, with one (1) year of full- time experience providing certified AOD counseling services. What We Offer:

Counselor II: Certified as an AOD Counselor. * Counselor III: Certified as an AOD Counselor, with one (1) year of full- time experience providing certified AOD counseling services. What We Offer:

Counselor II: Certified as an AOD Counselor. * Counselor III: Certified as an AOD Counselor, with one (1) year of full- time experience providing certified AOD counseling services. What We Offer:

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Aod Counselor information

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$25

$35

How much do aod counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 is an AOD counselor?

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 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 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 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.

How to become an AOD counselor?

To become an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselor, individuals typically need to complete a state-approved addiction counseling training program, accumulate a specified number of supervised clinical hours, and obtain certification or licensure such as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). Requirements vary by state but generally include passing an exam and maintaining ongoing education to renew credentials.
More about Aod Counselor jobs

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:

Infographic showing various Aod Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,978 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Counselor AOD Registered MC Swing Shift

Southern California Alcohol and Drug Programs, Inc.

Downey, CA โ€ข On-site

$23.65 - $24.89/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

About Us:

Southern California Alcohol and Drug Program

Southern California Alcohol and Drug Programs, Inc. (SCADP) was established in 1972 in a grassroots effort by community members seeking alternatives to prison for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). SCADP is now a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing residential treatment services and outpatient counseling services to individuals throughout Los Angeles, as well as housing and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence. SCADP now offers services with a continuum of care to underserved and disadvantaged populations throughout the Los Angeles area.

PAY RATE: $23.65 - $24.89 Per Hour
BENEFITS: SCADP offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Counselor AOD I – MC, is a Registered AOD Counselor, under supervision of a Certified AOD Counselor or Licensed Therapist, is responsible for the provision of alcohol and drug treatment services to clients and their families, engaging in treatment plan process with therapist and case manager and ongoing clinical documentation to support the whole person care of the client. The Counselor will have completed the formal coursework required for Certification by an approved Certifying Organization, and be achieving the supervised hours required for Certification. Meets annual registration renewal requirements and submits annual renewal of Registration until Certification is earned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • As -part of a multi-disciplinary Case Management team, performs primary alcohol and drug counseling functions including screening, assessment, and intake;
    • Provides one on one mentoring and support to clients
    • Teaches clients independent living and problem-solving skills – develop, plan and initiate methods of exposing clients to healthy lifestyle activities designed to alter former lifestyles, attitudes, images and other negative behavioral patterns.
    • Acts as advocate for client before outside social service and legal organizations
  • Collaborate with Case Manager and therapist to ensure that critical linkages to support services meeting the medical, mental health, housing and education needs of the participant are consistently and effectively delivered;
    • As part of the Case Management Team, conducts crisis intervention
    • Leads or coordinates group, individual, and educational sessions
    • Coordinates treatment services with members of the multidisciplinary Case Management team
    • Conducts discharge and transition planning; drafts discharge summary
  • Meets regularly with supervisor and multidisciplinary Case Management Team to ensure the implementation of prescribed treatment protocol, the success of the client in the execution of the treatment/case plan.
    • Attend and participate in scheduled supervision meetings with assigned supervisor;
    • Attend and participate in shift exchange meetings, case conferences, staff meetings and other treatment team meetings in accordance with program needs
  • Ensures timely and accurate records are kept, both hard (paper) copy and electronic health records. These records shall document all treatments and client progress, including records of client self-administration of prescribed medication.
    • The Counselor shall monitor Self-administration of medication, and shall monitor and collect drug screens as may be required.
    • All record-keeping shall support client’s privacy rights under HIPAA, be in accord with State and Federal law, and SCADP policy and procedure.
    • Prepare reports as required by funder.
  • Adheres to professional standards of care and conduct, as set forth by licensure/certification and SCADP policy, including ongoing professional education and organizational training sessions as may be required.
  • Transports program participants to scheduled appointments, events and meetings as may be required and as assigned.
  • Assist with program and outreach events as may be required.
  • Participates in coverage of telephone hotline, pursuant to organization training and procedure.
  • Other duties as may be required to support SCADP mission and goals.

ESSENTIAL ABILITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Ability to work and deal with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as SCADP serves the neediest of the needy in our programs, which may include clients with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration, and other challenges.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Services for this position must be provided on-site. As a result, the position requires incumbents to report to work on-site each day of active employment
  • SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT: Perform client screening, intake, orientation, and assessment functions necessary to complete admission to the residential program, and screen for continuing stay criteria based on ASAM Criteria.
  • TREATMENT AND COUNSELLING:
    • Deliver treatment using trauma informed approach and evidence based practice protocols
    • Provide individual, group and family therapeutic counseling
    • Act as client advocate to agencies and persons when appropriate
  • COORDINATION WITHIN TEAM:
    • Respond to client crises and emergencies as needed
    • Coordinates treatment services with members of the multidisciplinary Case
  • Management team
    • Conducts discharge and transition planning; drafts discharge summary
    RECORDKEEPING: Provides complete, timely, and accurate documentation of all treatment in Electronic Health Record system and client files, ensuring confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
  • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
    • Participates in routine clinical supervision with supervisor
    • Attend staff meetings, case conferences, required training to ensure continuum and quality of care.
    • Performs required professional education and program training
  • Other duties as required and is subject to change at any time.

MANDATED REPORTER

As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters, and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
  • Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as SCADP serves the neediest of the needy in our programs which may include clients with homelessness, mental-illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration and other challenges.

EDUCATION:

  • Alcohol and Drug Counseling Registration by an approved accrediting organization (CCAPP, CADTP or CADEE)

EXPERIENCE:

  • A minimum of 1 year of experience in the provision of SUD treatment services working with the target population

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services related discipline
  • Strong crisis management skills
  • Conflict resolution & de-escalation skills
  • Bilingual Spanish and English (written and verbal)
  • Demonstrated ability with EHR

Southern California Alcohol and Drug Programs, Inc. (SCADP) is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.