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Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Counselor 1

Forest Knolls, CA · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

WE NEED SWING SHIFT AND NIGHT SHIFT (NOC) COUNSELORS VETERANS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY PURPOSE STATEMENT: Provide treatment and support to assist patients in their recovery from substance use, eating ...

Counselor 1

Forest Knolls, CA · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

WE NEED SWING SHIFT AND NIGHT SHIFT (NOC) COUNSELORS VETERANS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY PURPOSE STATEMENT: Provide treatment and support to assist patients in their recovery from substance use, eating ...

Counselor 1

Forest Knolls, CA · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

WE NEED SWING SHIFT AND NIGHT SHIFT (NOC) COUNSELORS VETERANS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY PURPOSE STATEMENT: Provide treatment and support to assist patients in their recovery from substance use, eating ...

Residential Counselor I

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$22.59 - $28.22/hr

... Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor, AOD Counselor and have 100 hours experience working with youth * - OR - Valid Vocational Training certificate, credential or documentation demonstrating a trade or ...

Service Coordinator

Napa, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $31.74/hr

... referral to financial/credit counseling, referral to legal services, and developing an ... to drug, alcohol abuse and family violence within the household. * Create and maintain an ...

Service Coordinator

Napa, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $31.74/hr

... referral to financial/credit counseling, referral to legal services, and developing an ... to drug, alcohol abuse and family violence within the household. * Create and maintain an ...

Police Officer/Trainee

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$61K - $124K/yr

... Officer Trainee, with an hourly salary range of $29.36 - $35.69, while attending the Academy ... drug and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances; performs the handling of domestic ...

Program Assistant (Weekend)

Novato, CA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... of drug & alcohol addiction & dependence in an exclusive, high-end environment conducive to ... We can assist you in becoming registered to be a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor . We ...

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Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$15

$27

$39

How much do drug alcohol trainee counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug alcohol trainee counselor in Santa Rosa, CA is $27.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.54 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drug alcohol trainee counselor?

A Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor is an individual who is in the process of receiving training and supervision to provide counseling and support services to people struggling with substance abuse. They typically work under the guidance of a licensed or certified counselor while gaining the necessary experience and education to become fully certified. Their duties may include conducting intake interviews, assisting with treatment planning, facilitating group sessions, and providing resources to clients. The trainee counselor plays a crucial role in helping clients begin their recovery journey while ensuring all actions adhere to ethical and legal standards. This position is often a stepping stone to becoming a certified or licensed substance abuse counselor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drug alcohol trainee counselor?

To thrive as a Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor, you need foundational knowledge of addiction counseling, strong interpersonal skills, and typically a relevant degree or progress toward certification. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and counseling documentation systems is often required. Outstanding active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity set individuals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for building trust, supporting recovery, and ensuring effective treatment planning for clients struggling with substance use disorders.

What are some common challenges drug alcohol trainee counselors face during their initial months on the job?

Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients, managing emotionally charged situations, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of treatment facilities. New counselors may also find it demanding to balance documentation requirements with direct client care. However, most teams provide strong supervision and peer support, which helps trainees develop their counseling skills and confidence over time.

What is the difference between Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectDrug Alcohol Trainee CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; ongoing trainingCertification or license often required; relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentInternship or supervised setting, entry-levelClinics, rehab centers, or hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageTraining role within addiction servicesProfessional role providing treatment

The main difference is that a Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor is an entry-level position focused on gaining experience and training, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a licensed professional providing direct treatment. Trainees work under supervision, whereas licensed counselors operate independently. Both roles are essential in addiction treatment settings, but the Trainee role is a stepping stone toward becoming a fully licensed Substance Abuse Counselor.

How much do drug alcohol trainee counselors make a year?

Drug and alcohol trainee counselors typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of this range, with salaries increasing as they gain skills and credentials in counseling and addiction treatment.

Is it hard to be a drug alcohol trainee counselor?

Becoming a drug alcohol trainee counselor involves completing relevant education, such as a certification or degree in addiction counseling, and gaining practical experience through supervised training. The role requires strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards, which can present challenges but are manageable with proper preparation and support.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Drug Alcohol Trainee Counselor job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,391 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG (AOD) COUNSELOR

The GEO Group

Santa Rosa, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


The GEO Group rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 43 rated prisons


Job description

Benefits Information

Full-time employees will enjoy a competitive benefits package with options for you and your family including: 

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401(k) Matching

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discount

Reduced Tuition Rates

Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401(k)

Pet Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Training

Flexible Spending Account

The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.  

Equal Opportunity Employer

Overview

Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.

Who We Are:

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

Why Work for GEO:

  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.
Responsibilities

Summary:Under close supervision, the Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. Conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Learns, uses and models principles of the "What Works" system through evidence-based practices in all interactions with clients and other staff members.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • The Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor facilitates group and individual SUD treatment and documents participants' attendance, participation and progress in case file and in database.
  • Conducts risk/need and secondary assessments and creates individual treatment plans (ISPs) for each assigned participant, including MAT participants.
  • The Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor reviews plan with participants on a regular basis and document progress or revisions so that they are gaining the life skills necessary to make a successful reentry into the community.
  • Coordinates substance abuse program using principles of the "What Works" system.
  • The Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor facilitates psycho-educational/behavior modification groups and individual sessions using principles of the "What Works" system.
  • Meets regularly with participants and documents participants' progress or regress in Company database.
  • The Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor notifies the Program Manager and treatment team of any problems/issues involving participants
  • Makes decisions regarding caseload matters.
  • Conducts and participates in case conferences including the MAT provider for each participant assigned to the caseload.
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with outside referral sources, such as MAT providers, in-patient substance abuse facilities or detox facilities.
  • Identifies problem areas that may impact participants' ability to successfully navigate and/or complete treatment.
  • Guides participants to develop strategies to overcome obstacles to success and completion of treatment.
  • Navigates data collection for tracking participant progress and reports out to customer.
  • Ensures that participants' records are accurately completed in a timely manner.
  • Maintains a treatment case file for every program participant.
  • Maintains knowledge of new developments in the field of substance abuse.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Bachelor's degree in social services, criminal justice preferred or Associate of Arts or Associate of Sciences degree from a granting institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) preferred.
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or equivalent preferred.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience in counseling duties with a criminal justice and/or substance abuse program.
  • Certified AODS Counselor, or Registered and in the process of completing the required hours of certification while under supervision by an agency/individual approved and recognized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
  • Knowledge of the transitional process, both documentation and operational, between in-custody and community-based modalities/programs preferred.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group counseling settings.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work with a team of professionals and have the ability to implement team strategy approaches to work assignments.
  • Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.
  • Effective communication skills with internal and external contacts at all levels.
  • Problem solving ability.
  • Good interpersonal skills while understanding the boundaries needed for working in custody.
  • Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred but not mandatory.
  • Good facilitation skills.
  • Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of client record management.
  • Basic computer skills.

GEO Reentry Services LLC.

PayPay USD $30.00/Hr.Bonus (if applicable)$2,500.00Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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