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Independent Contractor Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

HealthRIGHT 360

Case Manager I, II, III

Pomona, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Registration as Substance Abuse Counselor from an approved/accredited California agency. * Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university. Experience: * Preferably a minimum of two years' experience ...

Newport Healthcare

Milieu Counselor/Clinician

Orange, CA · On-site

$25.27 - $32.85/hr

The Milieu Counselor specifically addresses patients in need of immediate or emergent services. Key ... or substance abuse setting required. Compensation ranges from $25.27 to $32.85 depending on ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

Counselor I

Pomona, CA

$24 - $26.40/hr

Registered and/or enrolled in a state-recognized substance use counselor certification program, with six months of substance abuse experience, with completion of required 80 hours of continuing ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

Counselor I

Pomona, CA · On-site

$24 - $26.40/hr

Registered and/or enrolled in a state-recognized substance use counselor certification program, with six months of substance abuse experience, with completion of required 80 hours of continuing ...

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Independent Contractor Substance Abuse Counselor information

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How much do independent contractor substance abuse counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor substance abuse counselor in Riverside, CA is $26.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor substance abuse counselor?

An Independent Contractor Substance Abuse Counselor provides counseling services to individuals struggling with substance use disorders on a contractual basis. Instead of being a full-time employee, they work independently with treatment centers, clinics, or private clients. Their responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, facilitating therapy sessions, and providing relapse prevention strategies. They manage their own schedules, billing, and administrative tasks. This role requires licensure or certification, depending on state regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor substance abuse counselor?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Substance Abuse Counselor, you need a solid understanding of addiction counseling principles, case management, and client assessment, usually backed by relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, telehealth platforms, and progress tracking tools is often essential in this role. Excellent communication, active listening, and cultural competency are standout soft skills for building rapport and trust with diverse clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively supporting client recovery while managing the administrative and practical aspects of private practice.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor substance abuse counselors, and how can they be addressed?

Independent contractor substance abuse counselors often navigate challenges such as managing their own caseloads, establishing boundaries with clients, and ensuring consistent client engagement without a traditional workplace structure. Because they typically work independently, they must also handle tasks like scheduling, billing, and maintaining compliance with state regulations. To address these challenges, many counselors utilize organizational tools, set clear policies with clients, and participate in professional supervision or peer consultation groups. Building a strong support network and staying current with continuing education also helps maintain high standards of care while supporting professional growth.

Is it worth becoming an independent contractor substance abuse counselor?

Becoming an independent contractor substance abuse counselor offers flexibility in scheduling and the potential for higher hourly rates compared to salaried positions. However, it also requires managing own client acquisition, insurance, and taxes, and may lack benefits like health insurance and paid time off. Success depends on experience, networking, and the ability to handle administrative responsibilities.

Where do independent contractor substance abuse counselors make the most money?

Independent contractor substance abuse counselors tend to earn higher incomes in regions with higher living costs and greater demand for mental health services, such as urban areas or states with expanded healthcare funding. Earnings can also increase with specialized certifications, experience, and the ability to work in private practice or specialized treatment settings.

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

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

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For Independent Contractor Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Independent Contractor Substance Abuse Counselor jobs?

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Independent Contractor Substance Abuse Counselor jobs near you

Lead Counselor California

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Hesperia, CA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Pinnacle Treatment Centers rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Lead Counselor
Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm
Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery
"I found myself like a lot of people in a position I never thought I would be in. I needed help bad... It all started with a call... one of the easiest and hardest things I've ever done. Every day I wake up and think how good it feels and how lucky I am to have found this place."
-Patient, Pinnacle Treatment Centers
About Us: Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services, committed to transforming lives through compassionate care. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, focusing on the holistic well-being of our patients, and treating our teammates with the same level of individualized compassion and empathy. We believe in providing a supportive and inclusive environment for both our patients and our dedicated team of professionals. Pinnacle transforms the lives of more than 35,000 individuals daily resulting in a network of care spanning across the country.
Position Overview: As a Lead Counselor, you will provide leadership for other counselors. You will be responsible for the management of an individual caseload, participation in various facility committees, and carrying out other management-related duties as specified by the Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Director. You will also assist the Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Director in areas of problem-solving, conflict resolution, readiness for state, CARF visits, and other areas assigned.
Teammate Appreciation Benefits: At Pinnacle Treatment Centers, we value our teammates and offer a variety of benefits to support their personal and professional growth.
1. Variable Pay Structure: Competitive compensation based on experience, education, and licensure.
2. STAR LRP Eligibility: 90% of our facilities are eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program. This federal program selects applicants to forgive 100% of their student loans.
3. Continuing Education: Free access to over 600 CEU courses to enhance your skills and knowledge.
4. Paid Time Off: 18 days of PTO, sick leave, and 8 paid holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: Be part of a workforce that reflects the diversity of our patient population.
6. Free Clinical Supervision: Available based on licensure and availability to support your professional growth.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Ensure the completion of patient databases, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other essential documentation in accordance with applicable federal and state standards and agency policies and procedures.
  • Provide patients with orientation regarding objectives of the program, phase system requirements, rules and regulations, sanctions, hours of services, patient rights, and additional information to help patients adjust to the program.
  • Assure each patient is assessed and placed according to the treatment phases in accordance with Federal and State standards and agency policies.
  • Assure all clinical documentation and patient charts updated in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Counsel patients in crisis situations by identifying patient resources and coping abilities to help patients cope with and resolve crisis.
  • Counsel patients who have refused to comply with specific program requirements to increase patient awareness of consequences of noncompliance.
  • Arrange referrals to other agencies and resources in the community when appropriate.
  • Perform treatment plan reviews.
  • Participate in case conferences and case reviews in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Review counselor documentation and sign off on documentation as directed by the Clinical Supervisor or Clinic Director
  • Assist with the overall direction and development of all substance abuse services.
  • Participate in treatment team meetings and grievance hearings as needed.
  • Conduct/assist with weekly staff meetings with the counseling team.
  • Conduct/assist with ongoing review of counselor's case files to ensure compliance with Federal, State and PTC requirements.
  • Assist Clinical Supervisor/Director with annual performance reviews of the counseling staff.
  • Assist Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Director as needed in state and CARF inspections, staff meetings and other areas.
  • Assist with in-service training to clinical teammates on regularly scheduled basis.
  • Monitors clinical records regularly for quality and compliance with State and Federal regulations. Conducts mock inspections.
  • Perform intakes on new patients.
  • Develop preliminary and comprehensive treatment plans.
  • Provides training and technical assistance to community agencies as requested.
  • Provides guidance to counselors in managing difficult or complex patients.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files on each patient on their caseload and team caseload per federal, state and PTC requirements.
  • Oversees substance abuse counseling case assignments and discharges.
  • Attend team meetings and complete all training courses timely as required.
  • Attend ongoing training per program/Federal/ State requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Pay Range:
  • $28/per hour to $32/per hour

Qualifications:
  • Possess certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor with a CA approved certification agency or current credentials as licensed or license-eligible with the Board of Behavioral Sciences or the Board of Psychology.
    • If license-eligible, must maintain the Board's requirements to be able to practice including receiving the necessary amount of clinical supervision by a Board approved supervisor.
    • Proof of licensure or certification by a State approved regulatory agency is required immediately once employed. Employees must be credentialed prior to providing any counseling services per the DHCS (Department of Health Care Services). Qualifications and the review of support documentation will be evaluated for approval.
  • The evaluation of patients, treatment planning, and counseling services.
    • The use, abuse and treatment of illicit drugs and addiction.
    • Organization and time management.
    • Communication skills both written and verbal.
    • Professional demeanor and customer service practices.
    • Competence with Microsoft computer programs.
    • Proof of licensure or certification by a State approved regulatory agency is required immediately once employed. Employees must be credentialed prior to providing any counseling services per the DHCS
    • (Department of Health Care Services). Qualifications and the review of support documentation will be evaluated for approval.

Preferred
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities amongst the counseling team.
  • Demonstrated superior clinical skills and the ability to share expertise with others.

Join our Team & Start Saving Lives Today
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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