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Direct First Responder Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Credentialed Recovery Counselor

Orange, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $32/hr

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Facilitate groups sessions as assigned by the Clinical Director ... Must have current TB test, health screening, first aid and CPR certification. OTHER SKILLS AND ...

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Direct First Responder Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do direct first responder counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct first responder counselor in Riverside, CA is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a first responder therapist make?

A first responder counselor typically earns between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries may also vary based on the work environment, such as emergency services or mental health agencies, and often require specialized training in trauma or crisis intervention.

What is the highest paid first responder job?

Among first responder roles, emergency management directors and fire chiefs tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with experience and certifications. These positions require leadership skills, advanced training, and often involve overseeing emergency response operations and planning.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding other counseling fields due to advanced degrees and licensure requirements. While direct first responder counselors typically earn less, specialized roles with additional certifications or private practice can increase earning potential.

What is the difference between Direct First Responder Counselor vs Emergency Response Counselor?

AspectDirect First Responder CounselorEmergency Response Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant counseling or social work certification, CPR/First AidSimilar certifications, often with additional emergency response training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at emergency scenes, hospitals, or crisis centersEmergency scenes, crisis intervention settings, community outreach
Employer & IndustryEmergency services, hospitals, mental health agenciesDisaster response teams, crisis centers, community organizations

Both roles involve providing immediate psychological support during emergencies, but Direct First Responder Counselors often work directly at emergency sites, while Emergency Response Counselors may focus more on crisis intervention and follow-up support in various settings.

How to make 200,000 as a therapist?

A Direct First Responder Counselor can increase earnings by gaining specialized certifications, working in high-demand settings, and accumulating experience. Salaries vary widely, but reaching $200,000 typically requires advanced credentials, private practice, or leadership roles within mental health organizations.
What are popular job titles related to Direct First Responder Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Direct First Responder Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct First Responder Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct First Responder Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Direct First Responder Counselor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Direct First Responder Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct First Responder Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,725 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Credentialed Recovery Counselor

Credentialed Recovery Counselor

Newport Academy

Orange, CA • On-site

$23.75 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Newport Academy is a gender-specific, comprehensive treatment program for adolescents suffering from mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse issues located in Orange County. The program combines the key elements essential in effectively treating adolescent girls and boys with substance abuse and other mental health disorders. As compared with adults, adolescents have higher rates of dual diagnosis and developmental differences. Adolescent treatment needs can be challenging and often involves more comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approaches. At Newport Academy, we deliver a highly individualized, holistic approach to treatment where psychological, biological, spiritual, social and educational needs are continually assessed and revised throughout the treatment process.
Job Description
Looking for Credentialed or Credential Eligible Recovery Counselor to work with adolescents struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues in a residential setting. Applicant must have certificate from California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors or be credential eligible or license eligible. Must have a passion for working with adolescents!
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Facilitate groups sessions as assigned by the Clinical Director
• Facilitate individual sessions as assigned by the Clinical Director
• Consistently monitors and evaluates behavior and assess degrees of improvement in behavior and treatment goals
• Maintain personal interaction with clients and assist in immediate problem solving during crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries, set limits and manage clients in various
therapeutic settings.
• Enforce the rules and regulations of Newport Academy including executing
behavioral/recovery contracts as needed
• With written consent, facilitate communication with outside consultants and concerned parties acting as a treatment team liaison on a weekly basis or as needed
• Attend all treatment planning meetings and utilize feedback from treatment team in the treatment of the client
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled
• Ongoing review and development of group treatment curriculum including content, process, and structure
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director
• Demonstrates skill sets in conducting goal-oriented recovery groups
• Demonstrates skills in conducting groups oriented to social skills, identification of triggers and high risk relapse situations, social pressures to use, motivation for recovery, and in development of adolescent personal recovery plans
Qualifications
  • Must have credential or license or be credential-eligible or license-eligible as a CADC or LADAC in the State of California.
  • 2+ years' experience working with adolescents and young adults with substance abuse and mental health issues and have personal familiarity with the 12-Step Model of Recovery.
  • Must have received criminal clearance from the State of California.
  • Must have current TB test, health screening, first aid and CPR certification.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Proficiency in basic computer skills and with relevant software used at Newport
  • Academy.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Must be able to present a positive working environment
  • Must be able to work with a wide variety of people in a positive manner

Additional Information
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