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Entry Level Addiction Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Momentum

CLINICIAN I/II - CSU *20hrs*

San Jose, CA · On-site

$88 - $125/hr

Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness and/or addiction issues encouraged ... Each position has a total of six steps, Step 1 (entry level) through Step 6 (15 years of employment ...

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All JobsAddiction JobsEntry Level Addiction JobsEntry Level Addiction Jobs in California

Entry Level Addiction information

See California salary details

$20.6K

$49.9K

$85.2K

How much do entry level addiction jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level addiction in California is $49,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,804.00 and $54,347.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level addiction job?

Entry level addiction jobs are positions in the field of addiction treatment and recovery that require minimal prior experience or education. These roles often include titles such as addiction technician, behavioral health aide, or support staff in treatment centers. Employees in these positions assist with daily care of clients, monitor behavior, provide support for recovery activities, and help maintain a safe environment. Entry level addiction jobs are a great way to start a career in substance abuse counseling and behavioral health, often providing on-the-job training and opportunities to advance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level addiction counselor?

To thrive as an Entry Level Addiction Counselor, you need a foundational knowledge of substance abuse treatment, basic counseling techniques, and typically a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and in some states, certification like CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) is often required. Compassion, strong listening skills, and the ability to build trust with clients are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective support, ensuring compliance, and fostering recovery in individuals struggling with addiction.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level addiction counselors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Entry-level addiction counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients, managing emotionally charged situations, and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. These challenges can be managed effectively through ongoing supervision, seeking support from experienced colleagues, and participating in regular training. It's also important to practice self-care and utilize available resources within the team to prevent burnout. Many organizations offer mentorship programs to help new counselors navigate these early hurdles and develop their skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Addiction vs Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectEntry Level AddictionEntry Level Substance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification or licensure often required
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, clinics, community health programsRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly in addiction treatment settingsSpecific role within addiction treatment teams
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in addiction treatmentClarifying responsibilities and qualifications for entry-level counselors

Entry Level Addiction roles generally refer to basic positions in addiction treatment, often requiring minimal certifications. Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselors are more specialized, typically needing certification or licensure, and focus on providing counseling services. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in responsibilities and qualification requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction jobs in California?

The most popular types of Addiction jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Addiction jobs in California?

For Entry Level Addiction jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Addiction jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Addiction jobs in California are:

Entry Level Addiction jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Addiction job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,867 per year, or $24 per hour.

PD REGISTERED NURSE - CSU The primary need is for overnight shift coverage/night shift.

Momentum for Health

San Jose, CA • On-site

$65.27/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

**This position is based within the Crisis Stabilization Unit which operates 24/7 to reduce the symptoms of crisis in individuals served. Shift availability will vary including shifts that occur during AM, PM and NOC (overnight awake shift). The primary need is for overnight shift coverage/night shift. This is an on-call/as needed, non-benefited position. Hourly rate $59.12 + 10% Differential. Experience working with individuals with behavioral health conditions or addiction experience preferred.**
Pay rates for Union positions are set in the Collective Bargaining Agreement with SEIU Local 521. Each position has a total of six steps, Step 1 (entry level) through Step 6 (15 years of employment with the organization). Union staff are promoted from Step 1 to Step 2 upon their one-year anniversary. The current Step 1 rate for this position is $59.12/hr, and the current Step 6 rate for this position is $65.27/hr.
** In addition to our competitive salaries, we pay a shift differential for certain shifts in our 24-hour programs as follows: (Only 1 differential -whichever is highest will apply at a time).
• 6.25% additional pay for overnight (NOC) shift from 11 pm to 7 am
• 4.75% additional pay for evening shift from 5:30 pm to 10:59 pm
• 4.75% additional pay for weekend shifts from 12:01 am on Saturday thru 11:59pm on Sunday
TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
  1. Evaluate and assess clients for symptoms of illness, responses to treatment, general behaviors and general physical condition.*
  2. Provide treatment services, within scope of practice, working individually and in groups. Administer First Aid and CPR in emergency situations. Note physician orders and protocols and follow through as needed.*
  3. Assist clients in seeking and/or receiving medical care. Supervise client medication support systems, including maintenance of PRN medicine supply and upkeep of medical equipment and ensure compliance with applicable health and safety or other regulatory requirements.*
  4. Provide medical coordination and leadership.*
  5. Develop and implement staff and client education and training on medical issues.*
  6. Serve as a member of the treatment team and participate in crisis intervention. Provide support and appropriate supervision of clients as required.*
  7. Complete clinical records and other required documentation in accordance with agency, payor and regulatory requirements, utilizing paper or computer technology as required.*
  8. Participate in management of team/program discretionary resources available to meet client needs.*
  9. Assure program facilities are clean and well kept, encouraging clients and/or staff in necessary tasks.*
  10. Develop, implement and periodically assess systems that monitor First Aid supplies and disaster plans.*
  11. Attend and participate in staff, program and agency meetings and training as required.*
  12. Provide transportation in personal or agency vehicle, including but not limited to the transportation of clients and/or program supplies for agency business.*
  13. Perform additional duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (E = Essential; D = Desired)
  1. Education and Experience: Completion of an accredited nursing program and at least two years human service experience required. Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in a related field may substitute for one year of human service experience. Previous experience working with the target population preferred. One year of experience in a mental health setting is required for all Social Rehabilitation Certified Facilities; (E) two or more years of experience. (D)
  2. Current and valid registration with the State of California as a Registered Nurse. (E)
  3. First Aid Certification or successful completion of First Aid Certification within 30 days of hire, if assigned to residential facilities. (E)
  4. Nursing practices and procedures; knowledge of medications and side effects for medications used in treatment of mental illness; community resources; tact and diplomacy; the ability to exercise good judgment and act calmly in emergency situations; and an ability to work effectively with persons differing in value systems, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds, language capabilities and disabilities.
  5. Certified to write 5150 holds or obtain certification within six months of hire. (E)
  6. Demonstrated ability to:
    • Work independently and in a small team environment; (E)
    • Engage and communicate effectively with others in both verbal and written English; (E)
    • Monitor and support developmental growth and the recovery process; (E)
    • Manage multiple tasks and demands; (E)
    • Employ tact and diplomacy, exercise good judgment, and act calmly in emergency situations; (E)
    • Work from a strengths-based, harm-reduction, social rehabilitation model; (E)
    • Work effectively with persons of different value systems, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds, language capabilities and disabilities; (E)
    • Work collaboratively with individuals identified as those with substance use concerns, serious mental illness who meet the following criteria: histories of hospitalization, institutionalization, including with the criminal justice system, substance abuse, low engagement in medication treatment, and difficulty in participating in structured activities and living independently; (E)
    • Work with populations identified as high risk and/or considered under-represented in the County Mental Health system with multiple barriers; (E)
    • Exhibit exemplary customer service, compassion, and care in the execution of all duties and interactions. (E)
  7. Demonstrated ability to work with participants who:
    • May also have histories of assaultive behavior; (E)
    • May have resided in long term care facilities for extended periods; (E)
    • May have patterns of service that relied almost exclusively on emergency and institutional care; (E)
    • May have cognitive difficulties and medical co-morbidities and are considered medically fragile; may also be developmentally disabled; (E)
    • May have long-term patterns of homelessness and criminal justice involvement. (E)
  8. Knowledge of:
    • And demonstrated ability to administer American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and DMS assessment criteria to identify substance use issues and concerns.
    • Clinical techniques for assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of people with psychological disorders and associated medications; problem resolution and conflict resolution techniques; (E)
    • Community resources, including those required to meet the non-mental health needs of the target population; (E)
    • Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). (D)
  9. Special Requirements: Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations and Momentum practices. (E)
  10. Proven proficiency in typing-minimum 40 net wpm; computer literacy, including Internet search and a basic proficiency level in Microsoft Office applications and Windows-based databases; (E) familiarity with UNIX-based databases. (D)
  11. A valid California Driver License, with access to a reliable vehicle or for driving a company vehicle, current proof of auto liability insurance, and a clean DMV record, with eligibility for a Class B license. (E)
  12. Physical requirements needed to perform the essential functions of this job, with or without accommodation:
    • Standing, walking, grasping, finger flexion, moving/lifting/carrying objects up to 40 lbs., bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, withstanding repetitive motion, and reaching repeatedly are required constantly (over 2/3 of the workday); (E)
    • Hearing and talking on telephone and in person is required occasionally (under 1/3 of workday); (E)
    • Balancing, climbing and crawling may be required occasionally; (E)
    • Physically able to assist clients and/or staff in the evacuation of program facilities in emergency situations. (E)

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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