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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Modesto, CA is $26.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $30.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use counselor?

A Substance Use Counselor is a mental health professional who helps individuals struggling with drug, alcohol, or other substance dependencies. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and support clients through recovery. Substance Use Counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community organizations, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to help clients understand their addiction, develop coping strategies, and maintain long-term sobriety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance use counselor?

To thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, you need a background in counseling, psychology, or social work—often with a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, assessment tools, and evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT or motivational interviewing is common. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies are essential for providing effective support, fostering recovery, and navigating the complexities of addiction treatment.

What are some common challenges substance use counselors face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed within the team?

Substance Use Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and co-occurring mental health disorders. These issues are typically addressed through regular team meetings, case consultations, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals like social workers and psychiatrists. Counselors also receive ongoing training and supervision to stay updated on best practices and to ensure they have the support needed to manage complex cases. This team-based approach helps provide comprehensive care and promotes the counselor's professional growth.

What is the difference between Substance Use Counselor vs Addiction Therapist?

AspectSubstance Use CounselorAddiction Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CADC, CAC)Licensed or certified in addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinicsRehab facilities, mental health clinics
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and community programsOften used interchangeably with Substance Use Counselor

Both roles focus on helping individuals overcome substance abuse, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology preference, with 'Addiction Therapist' sometimes implying a broader scope of mental health treatment. However, in practice, these titles are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Is it worth becoming a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor helps individuals recover from addiction by providing therapy, support, and education. The role often requires relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and empathy, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of substance abuse issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in mental health and community service.

What degree is best for a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many states also require certification or licensure, which may involve completing a master's degree and supervised clinical hours. Relevant skills include counseling techniques and knowledge of addiction treatment methods.

What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Counselor jobs in Modesto, CA?

For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Modesto, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Modesto, CA are:

What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Internship, 77% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,892 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Substance Use Counselor

Livingston Community Health

Livingston, CA • On-site

$33.66 - $39.55/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
Position Overview
This is a Part Time position - 28 hours per week
A successful Substance Use Counselor must be passionate about healthcare and want to make a difference in others' lives while serving as a mission-driven catalyst to help Livingston Community Health deliver the highest quality of care and excellent service to our patients and their families.
The Substance Use Counselor provides comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) services to individuals experiencing alcohol and/or drug-related disorders. Responsibilities include conducting screenings and assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, facilitating individual and group counseling, providing relapse prevention education, coordinating care with medical and behavioral health providers, and connecting patients with community resources. The counselor promotes recovery, supports harm reduction strategies when appropriate, and ensures services are delivered in accordance with evidence-based practices, ethical standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
  • Conduct substance use screenings and comprehensive assessments.
  • Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment and recovery plans.
  • Provide individual, group, and family counseling related to substance use and recovery.
  • Utilize evidence-based counseling techniques, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relapse prevention, and recovery-oriented interventions, as permitted by scope of practice.
  • Assist patients in identifying triggers, coping skills, and strategies to maintain recovery.
  • Coordinate care with medical providers, behavioral health clinicians, psychiatrists, and other members of the healthcare team.
  • Assist patients with referrals to higher levels of care, including detoxification, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and recovery support services.
  • Connect patients with community resources addressing housing, employment, transportation, legal concerns, and social services.
  • Educate patients and families about substance use disorders, treatment options, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), relapse prevention, and recovery resources.
  • Provide harm reduction education and support when appropriate.
  • Promote wellness and healthy lifestyle behaviors that support long-term recovery.
  • Recognize and respond appropriately to behavioral health crises.
  • Assess for risk factors such as suicidal ideation, overdose risk, and other safety concerns.
  • Follow clinic protocols for emergency referrals and crisis intervention services.
  • Maintain timely, accurate, and complete clinical records.
  • Document assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, case management activities, and discharge summaries.
  • Ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations governing substance use treatment records.
  • Encourage participation in peer support groups and community recovery programs.

Support Responsibilities
  • Support integrated care initiatives between primary care, behavioral health, and substance use treatment services. Consult with supervisors and licensed clinicians as appropriate.
  • Assist with population health initiatives targeting substance use prevention and treatment.
  • Maintain required certification, continuing education, and professional standards.
  • Support a welcoming, professional, and patient-centered environment.
  • Contribute and provide support as part of the team by fostering professional staff interactions and maintaining open communication and respect across the organization.
  • Demonstrate competence with the mission, vision, and values of the organization, providing quality services to the community.
  • Maintain confidentiality and respect for all sensitive information and protect company assets.
  • Present a positive view of the Company to the community and partners.
  • Attend and actively participate in all meetings (e.g., department meetings, program meetings, staff meetings) and other activities as required or assigned.
  • Comply with all Company policies and procedures, including but not limited to practicing workplace safety and reporting work-related injuries.
  • Perform other work-related duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the direction of leadership, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Education Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in a Behavioral Science or Mental Health Profession.
  • Experience with integrated care, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and trauma-informed care preferred.
  • Knowledge of Medi-Cal and California behavioral health programs preferred.
  • Familiarity with ASAM Criteria and California DHCS.
  • Experience at an FQHC or community health setting preferred.

Certification/License
  • Current Alcohol and Drug Counselor - Level III California Certification from a DHCS certifying agency.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the AHA.
  • Valid Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Multi-lingual: English plus Spanish, Punjabi, or Portuguese preferred.
  • In-depth knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, treatment modalities, and applicable federal and state regulations.
  • Skilled in screening, assessment, case management, treatment planning, and documentation requirements.
  • Maintain current knowledge and connection to community resources.
  • Skilled in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy, and patient engagement principles.
  • Ability to effectively provide individual and group counseling, including building rapport and trust with patients.
  • Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships that includes a strong understanding of patient/counselor boundaries.
  • A solid understanding of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
  • Knowledge of pharmacology and the physiological effects of alcohol and drugs.
  • Crisis intervention, suicide risk awareness, case management, and clinical documentation.
  • Trauma-informed care principles.
  • Family systems and the impact of addiction on families.
  • Confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
  • Cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
  • Maintaining accurate, timely, and legally compliant documentation using an electronic health records system.
  • Managing crises and de-escalating difficult situations.
  • Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Educating patients and families about addiction, recovery, and relapse prevention.
  • Using electronic health records (EHRs) and clinical documentation systems.
  • Patient rights and confidentiality requirements
  • Effective communication (verbal and written with patients and staff).
  • Computer proficiency (EHR systems, email, scheduling tools).
  • Time management and prioritization.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Conflict resolution and de-escalation.
  • Demonstrate reliability and accountability.

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