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Substance Abuse Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bernalillo County

Substance Abuse Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.60 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Substance Abuse Technician Department: Behavioral Health Location: 5901 ZUNI RD SE Pay Range: $18 ... Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) preferred.

The Recovery Village

Substance Abuse Counselor

Salem, OR · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Uses substance abuse and co-occurring therapeutic interventions and de-escalation techniques to assist patients with accomplishing all treatment plans goals and objectives and successfully complete ...

Bernalillo County

Substance Abuse Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.60 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Substance Abuse Technician Department: Behavioral Health Location: 5901 ZUNI RD SE Pay Range: $18 ... Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) preferred.

The Recovery Village

Substance Abuse Counselor

Salem, OR

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Uses substance abuse and co-occurring therapeutic interventions and de-escalation techniques to assist patients with accomplishing all treatment plans goals and objectives and successfully complete ...

Bernalillo County

Substance Abuse Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.60 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Substance Abuse Technician Department: Behavioral Health Location: 5901 ZUNI RD SE Pay Range: $18 ... Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) preferred.

The GEO Group

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Substance Abuse Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide ... May assist with the assignment of cases. Facilitates psycho-educational/behavior modification ...

The Recovery Village

Substance Abuse Counselor

Indianapolis, IN

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position will collaborate with the Treatment Team to formulate the Master Treatment Plan and assist ... Uses substance abuse and co-occurring therapeutic interventions and de-escalation techniques to ...

Bernalillo County

Substance Abuse Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.60 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Substance Abuse Technician Department: Behavioral Health Location: 5901 ZUNI RD SE Pay Range: $18 ... Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) preferred.

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How much do substance abuse assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse assistant in the United States is $67.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $92.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do substance abuse assistants make?

Substance abuse assistants typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with certifications or specialized skills can earn higher wages. Salaries often increase with additional training and responsibilities in treatment facilities or healthcare environments.

What are the most common challenges a substance abuse assistant faces when supporting clients in recovery programs?

Substance Abuse Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing clients’ fluctuating motivation levels, addressing relapses, and navigating emotional or behavioral crises. The role requires patience and strong communication skills to build trust and encourage consistent engagement with treatment plans. Additionally, balancing administrative duties—like maintaining accurate records and coordinating with counselors—while providing direct client support is a frequent part of the job. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team helps address these challenges and ensures comprehensive care for each client.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance abuse assistant?

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Assistant, you typically need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, along with relevant certifications or training in substance abuse treatment. Familiarity with client intake software, case management systems, and basic documentation tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential soft skills for building trust and rapport with clients. These skills ensure effective support for individuals struggling with addiction and contribute to positive treatment outcomes.

What is a substance abuse assistant?

Substance Abuse Assistants are professionals who support counselors and therapists in helping individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They assist with client intake, maintain records, lead group activities, and provide encouragement to clients during their recovery process. While they do not typically provide therapy, they play a vital role in daily operations and client support within rehabilitation centers or community programs. Their work helps ensure that clients receive consistent care and guidance as part of their treatment plan.

What is the difference between Substance Abuse Assistant vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectSubstance Abuse AssistantSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredHigh school diploma; state certification or licensure often required; some roles require a master's degree
Work EnvironmentClinics, treatment centers, hospitals, community programsSimilar settings, often with more direct client therapy responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by addiction treatment facilities, healthcare providersLicensed professionals working in similar environments, providing therapy and counseling
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles and support positionsCompared for licensed, client-facing therapy roles

Substance Abuse Assistants typically support treatment teams with administrative tasks and basic client support, requiring less formal education. Substance Abuse Counselors provide direct therapy and require licensure or certification. Both roles work in similar environments, but counselors have more advanced responsibilities and credentials.

What do you need to become a substance abuse assistant?

To become a substance abuse assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant training or certification in substance abuse counseling, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Some positions may require prior experience working with individuals with substance use issues or in healthcare settings.
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Substance Abuse Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,766 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Substance Abuse Technician

Bernalillo County

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$18.60 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Bernalillo County rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

514th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Posting Title:
Substance Abuse Technician
Department:
Behavioral Health
Location:
5901 ZUNI RD SE
Pay Range:
$18.60 - $26.50
Close Date:
August 8, 2026
Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.
The Substance Abuse Technician provides support to individuals requiring social, behavioral health, or substance abuse assistance. Maintains accurate documentation, supports program operations across various settings, and stays informed on best practices in community health, harm reduction, and rehabilitation services.
FUNCTIONAL AREA
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The Substance Abuse Technician provides professional-level support in the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. This position delivers detoxification services, facilitates therapeutic activities, and monitors client progress in accordance with treatment plans. The technician works directly with clients and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to support recovery, education, and reintegration into the community.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
FUNCTIONAL AREA
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  • Obtains relevant information about clients through interview, assessment and case history; assists and supports clients through addiction detoxification and recovery; observes, intervenes, and reports client adherence to program goals and objectives.
  • Works in conjunction with other department staff to administer scheduled program curriculum and other activities utilized for treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse.
  • Gathers and researches data utilized to track the reliability and validity of treatment that has been provided; makes recommendations regarding modification of services and service delivery.
  • Processes new clients, i.e., issuance of clothing, orientation to the rules of facilities and assists clients with daily activities, events, and informational literature.
  • Will provide education to individuals and groups in the community and facilitate group presentations and workshops.
  • Transports clients to appointments and other service locations outside of assigned program.
  • Maintains progress notes and documents on behavioral incidents through observation of clients and maintain confidential records.
  • Participates in reviews of job performance and adhere to recommended measures for change.
  • Receives guidance and training from Program Supervisor within the division.
  • Maintains current knowledge base on counseling issues regarding substance abuse through conferences, educational training and networking with other agencies or groups.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned or required.
  • Incumbent(s) in this classification may handle sensitive and/or confidential records, plans, documents or decisions that require maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Two (2) years of work experience involving substance abuse, healthcare, law enforcement, emergency management, or corrections.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PREFERENCES
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  • Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) preferred.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE
The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:
  • Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
  • Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
  • Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position.
  • Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.
  • Pursuant to the criminal history screening for Caregivers Act, Section 29-17-1 through Section 29-17-5 NMSA 1978, new hires at the MATS facility will be required to complete caregiver criminal history screening for all caregivers. Conviction of a disqualifying condition is cause for termination or sufficient reason not to hire if applicant has a disqualifying condition on their record at time of application.
  • Employee may be required to work different shifts and program reassignments.
  • May be required to work mandated overtime as needed.
  • This job profile is classified as safety-sensitive. Employees with safety-sensitive job profiles are subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and random drug & alcohol testing in accordance with the organization's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy.

WORKING CONDITIONS
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  • Essential job duties are performed indoors in climate-controlled environment.
  • Indoor work surface is even, dry, carpeted or tiled floor.
  • Works alone primarily, with or without directions. Works with groups and with a select team at times

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  • Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
  • Various forms of paperwork are handled in performance of essential job duties.

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