Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor

Location: Pico Rivera, CA 

Employment Type: Permanent

Salary: $25 – 28.00/hour 

Date Posted: August 06, 2026 

Summary

Manages and coordinates the substance abuse clinical/program modalities.  Participates in program structure/design with therapeutic supervisor and provides individual and group counseling. SAC I is an initial entry-level position with limited counseling experience.  SAC II is hired with substance abuse counseling experience.  SAC III position has experience supervising substance abuse counselors and in directing and treating crisis situations related to substance abuse

Essential Duties/Responsibilities 

Substance Abuse Counselor I/II

• Provides individual, family and group counseling to adults and adolescents with substance abuse problems
• Determines causal relationship between substance addiction, socio-economic factors and personality traits
• Coordinates with other treatment team members when specialized services required
• Works cooperatively with community agencies in the coordination of rehabilitation services for clients
• Counsels family members of clients to provide emotional support and provide information
• Reviews case records and refers clients to medical or psychiatric services as appropriate
• Leads client group utilizing accepted therapy mode, group therapy techniques and basic skills training
• Participates in utilization review activities
• Transport clients to accommodate community relationships.  Use of personal car or vehicle is required
• Monthly Productivity requirement is 100 hours.
• Maintain and ensures HIPAA, ethical standards and professional boundaries with all staff and clients
• Participates in the evaluation of counseling methods for the effective treatment of substance abuse related problems
• Prepares correspondence and reports as required
• Properly documents client’s progress on charts
• Assists in coordinating and synchronizing substance abuse and service plan issues
• Meets with clinicians to report observations and reactions to clients and to review clients progress
• Other duties as assigned or necessary to support the program and/or the company.

Substance Abuse Counselor III

• All SAC I/II duties.
• Supervises case work/counseling of subordinate staff.
• Models both appropriate and professional staff/client and staff/collaborative relationships.
• Supervises the timely completion of all intakes, and documentation completed by program staff.
• Adheres to any and all budget constraints communicated by the Program Director.
• Responsible for the spending, monitoring, distributing, and accounting of all petty cash.
• Transport clients to accommodate community relationships.  Use of personal car or vehicle is required
• Monthly Productivity requirement is 100 hours.
• Maintain and ensures HIPAA, ethical standards and professional boundaries with all staff and clients
• Reviews case notes for all active clients ensuring that all mistakes are corrected.
• Reviews the monthly service log to ensure that all services provided are documented.
• Responsible for the assignment and delegation of client case lads between program staff.
• Supervises the casework of subordinate staff while providing ongoing leadership and direction to them.
• Provides training to staff regarding crisis situations, proper protocol for referral, and communication with case managers (Deputy Probation Officers).
• Attends monthly site-managers meetings at the request of, or in the absence of, the Program Director.
• Provides training to new program staff ensuring they are properly oriented with their responsibilities, expectations and tasks involved in their position.
•        Other duties as assigned or necessary to support the program and/or the company.

Recovery Requirements

• Provide the best customer care possible.
• Identify and build upon the strenghts of consumers, coworkers, and the communities we serve.
• Support consumers’ steps towards Recovery and Wellness.
• Create an organizational culture that respects and celebrates the diversity of our consumers.
• Value learning as an ongoing process that enables us to better service our consumers and establishes our leadership in the industry.
• Research and utilize our industry’s best practices and analyze our own servies to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Level of Supervision

Given

Substance Abuse Counselor I

Does not supervise others

Substance Abuse Counselor II

May assist in orienting, training, assigning and reviewing work of other.

Substance Abuse Counselor III

Orienting, training, scheduling and reviewing work of others.

Interviewing new hires, input on performance appraisals and performance coaching.

Overall responsibility of documentation and program treatment.

Received

Substance Abuse Counselor I

Works under immediate supervision by Program Director and Licensed Clinician

Substance Abuse Counselor II/III

Works under direct supervision by Program Director and Licensed Clinician

Education/Licensing Requirements

Education and/or Experience

Substance Abuse Counselor I/II

College level courses related to treatment of chemical dependency required and A.A. degree preferred.

Substance Abuse Counselor III

A.A. degree preferred or at least two years working in substance abuse in a supervisory role.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Substance Abuse Counselor I

Requires a current Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor or is completing the required hours for certification.

Substance Abuse Counselor II/III

Requires a current Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor.

Proof of: valid California driver’s license and auto insurance, as well as proof of education are required

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Substance Abuse Counselor I

Community clinic, psychiatric hospital or residential placement experience required and knowledge of rehabilitation philosophy preferred.

Strong interpersonal skills, good written and verbal communication skills, and organization skills required.

Basic typing and PC skills required. 

Ability to effectively prioritize and mange time.

Substance Abuse Counselor II

Several years experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor.  Knowledge of rehabilitation philosophy required. 

Strong interpersonal skills, good written and verbal communication skills, and organization skills required.

Basic typing and PC skills required. Ability to effectively prioritize and mange time.

Substance Abuse Counselor III

Two years supervising other substance abuse counselors and directing, and treating of crisis situations related to substance abuse.

Some supervision/management experience in “dual diagnosis” treatment, crisis intervention, hospitalization programs, appropriate documentation and charting and confidentiality issues.

Intermediate typing and PC skills required. Ability to effectively prioritize and mange time.

Note:  For Kern County staff must be classified as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor or as Entry-Level Substance Abuse Counselors.

a. A Certified Substance Abuse Counselor is a person who holds current drug and/or alcohol counselor certification from one of the certifying bodies recognized by the state department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.

b.  An Entry-Level Substance Abuse Counselor is a person who has completed at least 5 classes and is currently enrolled in a TAP 21- based drug and alcohol studies program with the goal of becoming a certified substance abuse counselor or is currently enrolled in a TAP 21-based drug and alcohol studies program with 3 years of work experience in a substance abuse setting or has completed the educational requirements of a TAP 21-based drug and alcohol studies program and is completing the required hours for certification.

Physical Requirements

• Office Environment (not remote position). Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking;
• May be required to lift up to 20 pounds
• Requires significant use of computer, tablet, phone and/or general office equipment
• Needs adequate visual acuity, ability to grasp and handle objects
• Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone
• Will require off-site travel 20% - local and out of state (meetinng, county and/or client needs)
• Will use perdonal car or vehicle as required for travel and/or transportation.
• Not remote position.
• Will travel for meetings, training, etc. as needed. However, not remote position.

Decision Making Responsibilities

Substance Abuse Counselor I/II

Recognizes unusual client situations or circumstances and reports them to supervisor immediately. 

Based on psychosocial assessment and mental status exam, recommends coordination plans to licensed supervisor.

Substance Abuse Counselor III

Responds appropriately to case manager requests and maintains positive relationships and communications with collaborative personnel.