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Counseling Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

A Career that Empowers You to Build Your Future The Director, Assistant General Counsel - Litigation, is a senior legal leader responsible for managing high-impact litigation and serving as a trusted ...

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Counseling Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$22

$47

How much do counseling assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for counseling assistant in Riverside, CA is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a counseling assistant?

Counseling Assistants are professionals who support licensed counselors, therapists, or psychologists by performing administrative tasks, assisting with client intake, and maintaining records. They may also help facilitate communication between clients and counselors, schedule appointments, and provide basic information about counseling services. While they do not typically provide therapy themselves, their role is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of counseling offices and supporting client needs. Counseling Assistants often work in schools, mental health clinics, hospitals, or private practices. Their responsibilities may also include handling confidential information and ensuring a welcoming environment for clients.

What does a counseling assistant do?

Counseling Assistants play a crucial role in supporting licensed counselors by handling administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining confidential records, and preparing materials for sessions. They may also assist in gathering client information, monitoring session progress, and following up with clients to ensure continuity of care. While they do not provide direct counseling, their organizational support helps counselors focus on client needs. Effective communication and collaboration with the counseling team are essential for ensuring clients receive timely and coordinated support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a counseling assistant?

To thrive as a Counseling Assistant, you generally need a background in psychology or social work, strong interpersonal skills, and at least an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with client management software, scheduling tools, and basic office systems is typically required. Active listening, empathy, and strong organizational skills help Counseling Assistants build rapport with clients and support counselors effectively. These abilities are crucial for maintaining a supportive environment, managing sensitive information, and ensuring smooth counseling operations.

What is the difference between Counseling Assistant vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectCounseling AssistantMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, outpatient facilitiesHospitals, mental health facilities, residential programs
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health clinics, educational institutionsHospitals, psychiatric units, community mental health centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesSimilar support roles in mental health settings

Both Counseling Assistants and Mental Health Technicians support mental health services, but Counseling Assistants typically work in outpatient or educational settings with less direct patient care, while Mental Health Technicians often work in inpatient or hospital environments providing more hands-on support. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, making them common points of comparison for those exploring careers in mental health support.

Do you need a degree to be a counseling assistant?

A counseling assistant typically does not require a college degree, but some employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as communication, organization, and basic knowledge of mental health practices are important, and certifications in mental health support can be beneficial. Requirements vary by employer and location.

What field of counseling assistant pays the most?

Counseling assistants working in specialized fields such as mental health, substance abuse, or rehabilitation tend to earn higher salaries due to the complexity and demand of these areas. Those with additional certifications or experience in clinical settings can also command higher pay. Overall, counseling assistants in healthcare or clinical environments generally have higher earning potential than those in educational or community settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Counseling jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Counseling Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Counseling Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Counseling Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,303 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Alcohol & Drug Lead Counselor - Anaheim

Salvation Army

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

597th of 781 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

ABOUT THE ARC:
The Salvation Army (TSA) Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) is a no-fee program to assist men & women in their journey to complete our rehabilitation program. We are grateful for the contributions our valued employees make toward the maintenance and effectiveness of the programs. The organization is indebted to and dependent on the diligence and devotion of its employees.
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM TEAM:
Become part of the dedicated team at The Salvation Army! Together we can continue to serve and impact our local community, through the commitment to "Do The Most Good" at our Anaheim ARC, which supports the Adult Rehabilitation Program. This is an opportunity to promote a positive shopping/donor experience, enhance customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while contributing to the success of our Program and its participants.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS OFFERED:
  • Opportunity for career growth
  • Paid time off
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Wellness Program Incentives
  • Retirement Plan
  • Optional benefits, including Pre-paid Legal Service, AFLAC, Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Store Discounts
  • Great Work Perks Discounts (Amusement Parks, Museums, Services, and more!)
  • Employee Referral Bonuses

As our enthusiastic and hardworking Alcohol & Drug Lead Counselor, you will be responsible for (but not limited to):
PERSONNEL AND STAFFING
  • Recruit adequate staff for each program need in cooperation with the ARC HR coordinator, and in accordance with ARC and TSA policies
  • Recruit, train, and utilize community volunteers appropriately and effectively.
  • Hold weekly program meetings to assure communication and team support.

INTAKE OPERATIONS
  • Ensure intake operations are developed and operated with ARC standards.
  • Ensure all paperwork and data entry is performed as dictated by ARCC and conform with local requirements

CURRICULUM
  • Ensure curriculum is compliant with ARC standards
  • Ensure appropriate teaching objectives and outlines are utilized
  • Ensure appropriate teachers are recruited for all classes
  • Ensure one-on-one counseling (minimum bi-weekly) and group process counseling (weekly) is done

INTERN PROGRAM
  • Network with local colleges and universities to recruit interns
  • Adequately train interns
  • Either supervise and/or find supervisor consultant to provide appropriate supervision of interns
  • Assign counseling and teaching assignments to each intern

COUNSELING
  • Assist beneficiaries to understand and overcome social and emotional problems through individual and process group counseling.
  • Keep beneficiary files current with proper documentation of counseling and class activities for those
  • beneficiaries assigned.
  • Develop individual Rehabilitation Plans for beneficiaries seen in counseling.
  • Assist assigned beneficiaries in preparation for 3 and 5-month reviews.
  • Conduct Christian education classes as assigned.
  • Lead other groups or classes.
  • Teach classes in the program's educational component.
  • Attend weekly Case Conference and provide input to discussion as helpful.
  • Provide and maintain counseling statistics for monthly Program reports.
  • Document and maintain appropriate Progress Notes in beneficiary files.
  • Assess spiritual needs of beneficiaries seen in counseling and make referrals to Chaplain as needed.
  • Attend at least one Wednesday night chapel service each month.
  • Serve as back-up to other counselors as needed.
  • Support other staff of the Program Department as able.
  • Monitor Overtime. All overtime must be approved by Administrator or their designee.

OTHER DUTIES
  • Cooperate and coordinate with the Administrator to mutually develop the most successful program.
  • Ensure program department remains compliant with ARCC review standards.
  • Travel to events both in the area and in the territory
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the ARC Administrator.

Qualifications to be considered for this position:
  • Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) Level I certified or higherrequired.
  • 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.

Pay Rate: $27.00 hour
Schedule:
  • Work schedules are determined by Management and employee must be flexible to always ensure adequate coverage.
  • Full-time employees may be scheduled to work any full-time shift including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Salvation Army employees say

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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