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First Steps Recovery Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

First Steps Recovery

AOD Counselor

Clovis, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

At First Steps Recovery, we don't just offer jobs -- we offer purpose. As a leading, accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility, our work changes lives daily. If you ...

First Steps Recovery

AOD Counselor

Clovis, CA

$22 - $28/hr

At First Steps Recovery, we don't just offer jobs - we offer purpose. As a leading, accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility, our work changes lives daily. If you're ...

First Steps Recovery

AOD Counselor

Clovis, CA · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

At First Steps Recovery, we don't just offer jobs - we offer purpose. As a leading, accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility, our work changes lives daily. If you're ...

First Steps Recovery

Staff Accountant

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$24.08 - $28.85/hr

Save Lives At First Steps Recovery, we don't just offer jobs -- we offer purpose. As a leading, accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility, our work changes lives ...

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First Steps Recovery information

See California salary details

$10

$24

$43

How much do first steps recovery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for first steps recovery in California is $24.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counselor at First Steps Recovery, and why are they important?

To thrive as an addiction counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by relevant degrees and state licensure or certification in addiction counseling. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, group therapy protocols, and evidence-based treatment modalities like CBT is typically required. Outstanding active listening, empathy, and strong interpersonal communication are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential to provide effective treatment, ensure compliance with regulations, and foster lasting positive change in clients' lives.

Can I work at a rehab without a degree?

First Steps Recovery and similar rehab facilities often hire staff such as counselors, technicians, and support workers without requiring a college degree, though specific roles may have different educational requirements. Relevant skills, certifications, or experience in addiction treatment, counseling, or healthcare can be important for employment. Licensing or certification requirements vary by position and state regulations.

What is First Steps Recovery?

First Steps Recovery is a rehabilitation facility that provides comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery services. The center offers a range of programs, including detoxification, residential care, and outpatient support, to help individuals overcome substance abuse and achieve lasting recovery. Their approach typically involves personalized treatment plans, therapy, and support from experienced professionals. The goal is to guide clients through every stage of recovery, from the initial steps to long-term sobriety.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the context of First Steps Recovery or similar fields, roles such as addiction counselors or recovery coaches can sometimes reach $10,000 monthly with experience and certifications, especially in private practice or specialized programs. These positions often require relevant training, strong interpersonal skills, and sometimes licensure, but they do not always require a traditional college degree.

What is the difference between First Steps Recovery vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectFirst Steps RecoverySubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often includes certification or licensing depending on stateRequires state-specific certification or licensure, such as CADC or LPC
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, hospitalsRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, private practices
Industry UsageUsed broadly for facilities offering recovery programsSpecific role within addiction treatment teams

First Steps Recovery typically refers to a facility or program offering recovery services, while a Substance Abuse Counselor is a professional providing counseling within such programs. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the facility name emphasizes the program, whereas the counselor title highlights the professional role.

How to get a job in recovery?

To get a job in recovery, such as a recovery support specialist or counselor, candidates typically need relevant experience, strong communication skills, and often a certification like a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) or similar credential. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work in addiction treatment settings can also improve employment prospects.

What does a typical day look like for a team member at First Steps Recovery?

At First Steps Recovery, team members typically begin their day with a handoff meeting to discuss resident updates and daily priorities. Responsibilities may include facilitating group therapy sessions, conducting one-on-one counseling, and coordinating with medical staff to monitor client progress. Collaboration is key, as staff regularly communicate with case managers, clinicians, and support staff to ensure comprehensive care. The work environment is supportive and focused on teamwork, with continuous learning opportunities available to enhance professional growth.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, or senior executives, which typically require advanced education, certifications, and significant experience. Freelance consultants, certain sales positions, and skilled trades like pilots or IT project managers may also achieve this level of income with the right client base or project volume.
What are popular job titles related to First Steps Recovery jobs in California? For First Steps Recovery jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Steps Recovery jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for First Steps Recovery jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for First Steps Recovery jobs? Cities in California with the most First Steps Recovery job openings:
First Steps Recovery jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Steps Recovery job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,954 per year, or $24 per hour.
Therapist - Substance Use Disorder Facility

Therapist - Substance Use Disorder Facility

First Steps Recovery

Clovis, CA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Join a Mission. Build a Future. Save Lives
At First Steps Recovery, we don't just offer jobs - we offer purpose. As a leading, accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility, our work changes lives daily. If you're driven by compassion, grounded in integrity, and thrive in a supportive, recovery-focused environment, you're exactly who we're looking for.
When you join First Steps Recovery, you become part of a tight-knit, multidisciplinary team that values empathy, growth, and evidence-based care. Whether you're working directly with clients or behind the scenes, every role here matters - and every day is an opportunity to make a difference.
Besides being an amazing company to work for, we also offer:
• Medical, Dental, Vision benefits for full time employees
• PTO / Sick Leave Plans for full time and part time employees
• Free Employee Assistance Program for full time and part time employees
• Free Legal consultations and benefits for full time and part time employees
• Free Life Insurance for full time employees
• Generous 401K program for full time and part time employees
If you're ready to be part of something bigger, we invite you to take your next step with us!
POSITION SUMMARY
Therapists are responsible for coordinating and providing individual, group therapy and biopsychosocial assessment services to patients as well as group, individual and family counseling for patients within the facility. The Therapist provides development of client resources, vocational counseling, discharge/continuing care planning, and placement of clients. The therapist works with the treatment team to plan and coordinate the client's progress through the continuum of care.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions:
  • Uphold and enforce First Steps Recovery standards, policies and procedures, client rights, and professional code of ethics and conduct.
  • Ability to utilize agency comprehensive assessment tools in KIPU (Biopsychosocial, Initial Treatment Plan, Individual Therapy Note, Transfer Note, Discharge Planning upon admission).
  • Identify and prioritize individual needs and problems of the patient.
  • Prepare comprehensive interpretive clinical summaries (as seen in KIPU).
  • Develop person-centered care plans, including prioritized problem lists, SNAP, client-reported goals, measurable and achievable objectives, and interventions.
  • Provide individual and group therapy sessions utilizing Evidence Based Practices.
  • Document client progress toward treatment plan goals and objectives in SOAP progress notes.
  • Prepare effective care level step-down Transition notes.
  • Develop solid discharge plans and summaries for assigned caseload.
  • Prepare clinical documentation accurately and within agency time frames.
  • Intervene during crisis intervention situations.
  • Cooperate with health insurance clinical utilization reviews by providing detailed Clinical Notes to assist with UR's.
  • Participate in weekly Clinical Treatment team meetings with other team members.
  • Participate in the agency's Orientation training, staff meetings, and in-service training.
  • Provide accurate assessment and referral when appropriate. Provide information to Probation Officers, Lawyers and Spouses/Family Members on the client's behalf.
  • Provide appropriate treatment interventions relative to the specific needs of each client.
  • Provide for discharge planning, contacting referring agency as needed.
  • Adhere to code of ethics, legal aspects of clinical practice, professional standards, duty to warn, abuse and neglect reporting policies and procedures, and exercise professionalism at all times.
  • Exercise awareness in cultural competency, client satisfaction, quality of services, client needs, and overall health and safety staff and clients.

Requirements
Competencies:
  • Ability to perform duties as a therapist with respect to screening, assessment, individualized treatment planning, crisis intervention, group and individual counseling, referral, discharge summaries, clinical documentation, and professional ethics.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with subordinate staff, supervisors, managed health care clinicians, medical and mental health professionals.
  • Ability to positively interact and develop rapport with clients and their families.

Education:
Candidate must have a Master's Degree in counseling or psychology from an accredited graduate school, current state license and/or certification.
Experience:
  • 1-2 years experience in the field of addiction and mental health or equivalent human services work experience preferred.
  • Experience in co-occurring disorders treatment a plus

Computer Skills:
  • Computer Literacy in doc, spreadsheet, and email.
  • Proficiency in KIPU Systems Client Management Software

Certificates & Licenses:
  • CPR/First AID
  • Intern number, registered with the BBS
  • or Licensed number with the BBS

Other Requirements:
  • Negative TB test results
  • Medical Clearance to work
  • Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequently: Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
  • Standing
  • Walking
  • Sitting
  • Transverse Stairs
  • Handling / Using Fingers

Occasionally: Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
  • Reach Outward
  • Reach Above Shoulder
  • Squat or Kneel
  • Bend or Twist

Other Physical Demands:
  • Ability to lift/carry 20-50 lbs, Ability to push/pull 20-50 lbs
  • Moderate frequency of computer keyboarding,
  • Moderate frequency of viewing a computer monitor
  • Daily cleaning including but not limited to: wiping, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing, washing dishes
  • Assisting in meal preparation, installing water containers for consumption, and shopping as necessary including pushing of carts and carrying grocery boxes/bags.
  • Conducting garbage disposal, recycling, and collection.
  • Occasional walks, hikes, and sports outings with clients for physical activities.
  • Frequent support of clients in gym environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed during day and night shifts primarily in residential detox facility. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and moderate in other situations.
BLOOD/FLUID EXPOSURE RISK:
Some job tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids and/or tissue. Staff must wear gloves and follow infectious control procedures when interacting with clients in conditions in which exposure is possible such as handling onsite urinary analysis, conducting first aid, and conducting search of client's belonging and person. Staff may be exposed to infectious disease, needles, and illicit substances during searches.
Work Schedule:
As a non-exempt hourly employee, the employee shall work a designated schedule as assigned by management. Employee shall not work over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week without prior authorization from management but if so, will earn overtime for any work performed in excess of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Employee must also follow company's policies regarding required meals and breaks.

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