ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Living at Reflections

Program Assistant (Weekend)

Novato, CA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

Under the supervision of a delegated Substance Abuse Counselor or Program Director, work towards obtaining the Twelve (12) Core Functions hours needed to become a certified substance abuse counselor

Live Oaks Wellness

Residential Counselor

Novato, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Looking for a client-focused Residential Counselor, who has knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clientele! We are seeking to fill a Part-Time Residential Counselor position. General ...

Muir Wood Teen Treatment

IOP Therapist

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$105K/yr

... Substance Abuse Counselor | Residential Counselor | Milieu Therapist | Clinical Therapist | Marriage and Family Therapist | Social Worker | Trauma Therapist | DBT Therapist | Group Therapist | Crisis ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSubstance Abuse Counselor JobsEntry Level Substance Abuse Counselor JobsEntry Level Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$15

$27

$38

How much do entry level substance abuse counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level substance abuse counselor in Santa Rosa, CA is $27.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level substance abuse counselor do?

An entry level substance abuse counselor works with individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, providing support, education, and counseling to help them recover. They typically conduct intake assessments, assist in developing treatment plans, lead individual or group therapy sessions, and monitor clients’ progress. Entry level counselors often work under the supervision of licensed professionals and may also help clients access community resources and support networks.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level substance abuse counselors when working with clients?

Entry level substance abuse counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients who may be hesitant to engage or have a history of relapse. Managing emotional boundaries is also important, as clients may share difficult experiences that can be emotionally taxing. Additionally, counselors must navigate complex family dynamics and coordinate care with other professionals, such as social workers and medical staff, to provide comprehensive support. Developing effective communication and self-care strategies can help new counselors manage these challenges and thrive in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level substance abuse counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor, you generally need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with knowledge of addiction theories and treatment modalities. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and sometimes state-specific certification or licensure is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and empathy help counselors build trust and effectively support clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective treatment, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering meaningful client progress.

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

AspectEntry Level Substance Abuse CounselorSubstance Abuse Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often required
Work EnvironmentCounseling sessions, treatment centers, clinicsAssist in treatment settings, support counseling activities
Employer & IndustryRehab centers, clinics, mental health facilitiesRehab facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Job Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles involving client interaction and counselingOften searched as a related support role in substance abuse treatment

In summary, Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselors and Substance Abuse Technicians both work in addiction treatment settings, often requiring similar certifications. Counselors typically engage directly in client counseling and treatment planning, while Technicians support these activities. Both roles are essential in the treatment process and are commonly sought by individuals starting their careers in substance abuse treatment.

How long does it take to become an entry level substance abuse counselor?

Becoming an entry-level substance abuse counselor typically requires completing a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by obtaining a relevant certification or associate degree, which can take about 1-2 years. Additionally, some states require supervised clinical experience and passing a licensing exam, which may extend the process to around 2-3 years in total.

How much do entry level substance abuse counselors make?

Entry level substance abuse counselors typically earn between $30,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on location, education, and certification. Starting salaries may be lower in some areas, but with experience and additional credentials, earnings can increase. These roles often require a relevant degree and state certification or licensure.

Is it hard to become an entry level substance abuse counselor?

Becoming an entry-level substance abuse counselor typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant certification or training such as a state-approved counseling program. Some positions may require a bachelor's degree in a related field, and obtaining certification like the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) can improve job prospects. The process involves gaining supervised experience and passing licensing exams, but overall, it is accessible with the proper education and training.
More about Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor job openings:

Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Substance Abuse Counselor job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,923 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Sonoma, CA • On-site

Align Recovery Centers
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Align Recovery Centersexternal

$32 - $36/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Introduction
Align Recovery Centers is a 45-bed facility, located in Sonoma, CA. Align believes in providing Personalized, Integrated care, offering an array of modalities to avoid the "one-size-fits-all" approach to treatment. We are seeking team members who are open to the opportunity to operate in client-centric, experiential environment that fosters compassionate care.
Summary
The Drug and Alcohol Case Manager will be responsible for providing direct program implementation activities under the supervision of the Clinical Director to individuals in a detox and residential treatment envionment. As an integral part of the agency's Clinical Care Team, the ideal candidate would . They will receive clinical supervision from a Licensed Clinical Supervisor.
Responsibilities include conducting participant screenings and assessments; facilitating trauma-informed, culturally affirming individual and group level counseling sessions with a strong focus on addiction; providing targeted case management; and tracking participant progress. The Case Manager will have clear professional guidelines about how to successfully work with the agency's substance abuse client population.
Essential Functions
• First and foremost, teamwork with an ability to exhibit empathy and problem solving skills to benefit all parties involved in care.
• Conduct individual and group level rehabilitation counseling sessions.
• Conduct client intake screenings and assessment plans.
• Develop and implement outreach, recruitment, and linkage referrals to community-wide stakeholders.
• Provide case management services for clients, such as referrals to food assistance, childcare, transportation, housing; care coordination; employment development; skills building.
• Provide necessary program documentation, including the completion of reports, administration of evaluation tools, and other program related assignments.
• Attend and actively participate in unit, case conference, internal staff in-service, community, and other relevant agency events.
• Other activities as required to conduct program and agency objectives.
Requirements
Experience, Education, Skills and Abilities:
• CADC or CADC-CAS related licensure a must.
• 2+ years of experience in substance use counseling.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Have experiential knowledge of recovery and/or populations of focus.
• Knowledge of substance use, mental health, and related issues.
• Microsoft Office and Kipu experience a plus.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with clients and families from diverse cultural, ethnic, educational, and socio- economic backgrounds..
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with staff from diverse cultural, ethnic, educational, and socio- economic backgrounds.
• Ability to process new information, think, and conceptualize tasks as appropriate.
• Experience working in a non-profit community-based organization.
• Bilingual Spanish a plus.
• Proficient writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously in high pressure environments.
• Valid California Driver's License and current automobile insurance.
Salary Description
$32-36 per hour

Apply