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Drug And Alcohol Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

Counselor I

Pomona, CA

$24 - $26.40/hr

For Counselors assigned to residential programs, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms. * For Counselors assigned to ...

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All JobsDrug And Alcohol Counselor JobsDrug And Alcohol Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Drug And Alcohol Counselor information

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$14

$26

$38

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug and alcohol counselor in Riverside, CA is $26.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drug and alcohol counselor?

Drug and alcohol counselors are professionals who help individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. They provide support, counseling, and treatment plans to help clients overcome their dependence on drugs or alcohol. These counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or private practices. Their responsibilities often include conducting assessments, facilitating group or individual therapy sessions, and educating clients about coping strategies and relapse prevention.

What are some common challenges drug and alcohol counselors face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed?

Drug and Alcohol Counselors often encounter challenges such as client resistance to treatment, relapse, and managing complex co-occurring mental health issues. To address these, counselors use evidence-based techniques like motivational interviewing to build trust and encourage engagement. They also work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including social workers, medical professionals, and family members—to develop comprehensive treatment plans and provide ongoing support. Continuous professional development and supervision help counselors stay resilient and effective in their roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drug and alcohol counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, knowledge of addiction counseling techniques, and relevant state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and evidence-based treatment models is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help counselors build trust and motivate clients through recovery. These competencies are vital for providing effective support, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting positive outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

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

AspectDrug And Alcohol CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsState licensure, certification (e.g., CADC)State licensure, certification (e.g., CADC)
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitalsCommunity agencies, outpatient programs
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health servicesSubstance abuse treatment programs
Search & ComparisonOften searched interchangeably with Substance Abuse CounselorCommonly compared to Drug And Alcohol Counselor

Both roles involve helping individuals recover from substance dependency, often requiring similar credentials and working in healthcare or community settings. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, with slight variations depending on state licensing and employer terminology.

Is a drug and alcohol counselor a good job?

A drug and alcohol counselor is a rewarding profession that involves helping individuals recover from substance abuse. It typically requires strong communication skills, empathy, and relevant certifications or licenses. The job offers opportunities for personal fulfillment and job stability in healthcare and mental health settings.

Is it hard to be a drug and alcohol counselor?

Being a drug and alcohol counselor can be challenging due to the emotional demands of working with clients facing addiction and mental health issues. It requires strong communication skills, empathy, and often certification or licensing, with some roles involving irregular hours or high-stress situations. Success in this field depends on resilience, ongoing training, and the ability to handle difficult conversations.

What are popular job titles related to Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Drug And Alcohol Counselor job openings:

Drug And Alcohol Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug And Alcohol Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,763 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Certified Alcohol and Other Drug / Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Sierra Vista Behavioral Health Center

Highland, CA • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Sierra Vista Behavioral Health Center is seeking a certified counselor for its 116-bed behavioral health facility in Highland, near Redlands/San Bernardino.
Sierra Vista, which is licensed as a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), has a state-approved Special Treatment Program to serve adults with chronic and persistent mental illness, including schizophrenia and psychotic, mood, and personality disorders.
We're seeking a qualified CADC to serve as 12-step and group facilitator for residents with co-occurring drug and alcohol or substance abuse disorders.
[Other relevant certification subject to approval by contracted county.]
Salary Range: $21.00-$25.00 per hour depending on experience
We believe in cultivating a family culture and thrive on person-centered care, while building a positive culture focused on a shared vision, trust, communication, and collaboration. Our mission is to provide compassionate, quality care that focuses on the unique needs of our residents and families. We believe in teamwork, respect, appreciation, and integrity.
As the facility's certified Counselor, you will provide crucial therapeutic support to clients by assessing their needs, conducting individual and group counseling sessions, and implementing individualized treatment plans. You will work cooperatively with an interdisciplinary team under the supervision of the Program Director to offer treatment options, help resolve problems, and assist clients in managing stress, mental health challenges, and other life issues. You will maintain case notes, monitor client progress, and actively participate in the development of treatment plans.
Must Have:
  • Active CADC or related certification

AND
  • Two years' direct care work experience in an inpatient or outpatient behavioral setting; or
  • Two years of college-level coursework including behavioral health; or
  • A combination of relevant experience and education totaling two years.

Nice to have:
  • Background education in psychology, sociology, social work, counseling, or related fields.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Pay Transparency Statement
Compensation for roles varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the location, role, skill set and level of experience. As required by state or local law, we provide a reasonable pay scale to include the hourly or salary range that we reasonably expect to pay for roles, as stated above.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.

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