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Substance Abuse Associate Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Substance Abuse Associate information

See Portland, OR salary details

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How much do substance abuse associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance abuse associate in Portland, OR is $17.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $19.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance abuse associate?

Substance Abuse Associates are professionals who assist individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support through counseling, education, and connecting clients with resources such as treatment programs or support groups. These associates often work under the supervision of licensed counselors and may help with intake assessments, documentation, and relapse prevention planning. Their goal is to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety while supporting their overall well-being.

What are common challenges substance abuse associates face when working with clients, and how can they manage them?

Substance Abuse Associates often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and managing complex emotional or behavioral issues. Effectively managing these challenges involves building strong rapport with clients, employing evidence-based motivational interviewing techniques, and working closely with a multidisciplinary team to tailor treatment plans. Ongoing supervision, professional development, and self-care practices are also essential for associates to maintain resilience and provide the best support for their clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance abuse associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Associate, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with case management software, treatment planning systems, and documentation protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and effective communication are vital for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering effective care, maintaining compliance, and fostering positive client outcomes.

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

AspectSubstance Abuse AssociateSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states require certification or trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; state certification or licensure often required
Work EnvironmentClinics, treatment centers, hospitals, outpatient facilitiesSimilar settings, including outpatient and inpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare and addiction treatment settings, often as entry-level staffLicensed professionals providing therapy and counseling services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in substance abuse treatmentSeeking licensed professionals for counseling services

Substance Abuse Associates typically perform supportive roles under supervision, focusing on client monitoring and assistance. Substance Abuse Counselors are licensed professionals providing therapy and treatment plans. Both roles are vital in addiction treatment but differ mainly in certification requirements and scope of practice.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substance Abuse jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Substance Abuse jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Substance Abuse Associate jobs in Portland, OR?

For Substance Abuse Associate jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Abuse Associate jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Abuse Associate jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Substance Abuse Associate jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Substance Abuse Associate job openings:

Substance Abuse Counselor

Vancouver, WA โ€ข On-site

Community Medical Services
Outpatient Health Careย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description


Pay : $36/hr

Schedule: Monday-Friday 6am-2pm


Community Medical Services (CMS) is hiring a Substance Abuse Counselor to assist patients recovering from addictions to opioids and other illicit substances. Whether facilitating individual or group sessions, or assisting patients with treatment plans and coping strategies, your work will help foster a safe place for anyone looking to start their recovery journey with us.


At Community Medical Services, we believe our team members grow best in a culture that matches our patient-focused, outcomes-driven mission. Through our performance-based pay model, employees are eligible for quarterly increases in base pay that recognize dedication and results.


In line with our value of Continuous Learning, we support career progression through company-sponsored education, professional development, and reimbursement programs. Whether you're pursuing a leadership path or deepening expertise as an individual contributor, CMS offers mobility and opportunities to grow your career while making a difference.


Along the way, we'll invest in your well-being through a benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

  • Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Short and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid sick, vacation, and holiday time
  • 401K retirement plan with match
  • Tuition and CME reimbursement up to 100%
  • Employee assistance program to support your mental health and wellness
  • Ongoing professional developmentย 

We're looking for someone who:

  • Is excited to work in an outpatient setting, much like a doctor's office or behavioral health clinic.
  • Enjoys a consistent schedule.
  • Is open to working with multi-cultural and low socio-economic individuals.

To thrive in this role, you must be able to:

  • Maintain and manage a caseload in compliance with regulatory standards and ratios.
  • Conduct individual sessions, facilitate group counseling and didactic educational presentations.
  • Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments and individualized treatment plans, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and unique client needs.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment through the ongoing assessment of the client and his/her natural supports that may result in modification to the service plan.
  • Coordinate care with other recovery and community-based service providers, engage in case management activity by sending referrals, completing documentation necessary to secure services, maintain chart compliance, etc.
  • Include family and natural supports in the client's treatment, per the client's preference.
  • Maintain and apply knowledge of new developments in the field of substance use as required by specific state licensure.
  • Maintain a collegian relationship with other substance use professionals, programs, and associations.
  • Maintain a thorough and comprehensive client record.
  • Serve as the point of contact for coordination and communication with other systems where clinical knowledge of the case is crucial.
  • Assist in screening and coordinating primary care services for clients.

Requirements

One of the following degrees required:

  • Associate degree: 2,500 hours of supervised substance abuse counseling experience.
  • Bachelor's degree: 2,000 hours of supervised substance abuse counseling experience.
  • Master's degree or higher:1,500 hours of supervised substance abuse counseling experience.ย 

Must have the following:

  • Must have Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) license
  • Behavioral health experience preferred

#CONSL


About Community Medical Services

Community Medical Services (CMS) is a CARF-accredited addiction treatment program providing services in the form of outpatient medication-assisted treatment and one-on-one and group counseling to those seeking help with their opioid use disorder. Headquartered in Arizona with more than 70 treatment clinics in 14 states, CMS is dedicated to meeting the challenges presented by the growing opioid epidemic in communities where treatment is lacking.


Our Commitment

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.


Other Conditions

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.