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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Pendleton, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Substance Use Counselor information

See Pendleton, OR salary details

$14

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$36

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Pendleton, OR is $25.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $29.23 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 cities near Pendleton, OR are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Pendleton, OR with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Pendleton, OR as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,728 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Alcohol and Drug Counselor I

Pendleton, OR • Hybrid

Community Counseling Solutions
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees

$25.19 - $36.97/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Community Counseling Solutions rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

JOB TITLE: Alcohol and Drug Counselor I

LOCATION: Pendleton, OR - SUD Office

FLSA: 1.0 FTE (Expectation to work 40 hours a week)

SUPERVISOR: Addictions Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Manager

PAY GRADE: Non-Exempt B08 ($25.19 - $36.97 per hour, depending on experience)


**Potential for 10% bilingual increase - Must meet the OHA qualification standards


*** $5,500.00 Hiring Bonus available until 10/31/26!!(2 year Commitment, staggered-taxable payout)


Community Counseling Solutions provides a team-based Servant Leadership environment! Located in Eastern Oregon with year-round recreation based near the Columbia River and at the base of the Blue Mountains. Big city amenities in rural family-oriented communities.


Apply Directly at https://ccswebsite.org/employment/

Our mission is to provide dynamic, progressive, and diverse supports to improve the well-being of our communities and we're looking for motivated employees to help us continue our vision!

CCS has a benefit package including, but not limited to:

  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • 6% initial 401K match
  • Potential for tuition reimbursement
  • Paid vacation tiers ranging from accrual of 1 day to 4 days per month (Annual rollover cap of 220 hours, additional hours can be paid out at the end of the fiscal year)
  • 9 Paid holidays, Community service day
  • Floating holiday & 2 Wellness days provided after 1 year introduction
  • Workplace Flexibility schedule options available after 1 year introduction (work from home hours vary by position & schedule)
  • Employee Assistance, Wellness Benefits, Dependent Care & Long-Term Disability Insurance


DESCRIPTION

Provides culturally competent and appropriate alcohol and drug outpatient treatment and other behavioral health counseling to people served by Community Counseling Solutions (CCS). The position provides the treatment in accordance with the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR's) and the mission and values of CCS. The position works closely with other involved community partners and is professional in all aspects of service delivery. Additionally, this position assists administration in meeting the alcohol and drug treatment needs of the community.


SUPERVISION

Supervision Received


This position is supervised by an Addictions Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Manager or Clinical

Director.


Supervision Exercised


This position does not supervise other employees.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide comprehensive alcohol and drug treatment assessments. Develop client centered service plans. Provide individual, group and family therapy. Conduct thorough discharge summaries and relapse prevention plans. Provide all other associated services to ensure the highest quality of treatment.
  • Where appropriate, provide Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) activities if qualified to do so.
  • Actively participate in joint case planning and coordination with agency employees. Act as a liaison between clients and other agencies. Act as a client advocate when appropriate.
  • Actively participate in group and individual supervision sessions.
  • Work with other staff and community representatives to initiate new programs, reviews, evaluates and help revise existing programs as necessary.
  • Perform joint case planning and coordination in areas of alcohol and drug counseling and behavioral health counseling with other community agencies including but not limited to: schools, group homes, police organizations, district attorney's offices, courts, community clinics and hospitals and other agencies in the Department of Human Services.
  • Provide alcohol and drug and behavioral health education and information to various interest groups.
  • Complete all paperwork in a way that is professional, clinically sound and timely as prescribed by the OAR's and other pertinent guidelines. Required to ensure that all paperwork is present, and/or the client record is well maintained.
  • Attend trainings, meetings, conferences, etc. as directed by administration and use the information gathered to benefit the agency and the customers.
  • Utilize agency software/computer systems to prepare current client records of treatment and reports as necessary and required.
  • Transports clients as required
  • Administer forms for urinalysis testing (UA's), provide accurate information on the UA's to clients, in some cases observes the UA, and record all pertinent information.
  • Must report all abuse to appropriate legal office, complete all necessary paperwork and investigations, and develop safety plans as required.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.


Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS


Education and/or Experience


A high school diploma. Able to pass a criminal history background check.


Those recovering from a substance use disorder must be able to document continuous abstinence under independent living conditions or recovery housing for the immediate past two years.



Certifications


Preferred Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification-level I or eligible for certification within 2 years of employment.


Other Skills and Abilities


Must possess, or have the ability to acquire, knowledge of symptoms and challenges faced by people with mental illness and addictions. Must have, or possess the ability to acquire, knowledge about relevant OAR's.


Must have the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing and have the ability to work independently and complete all responsibilities in a thorough and timely fashion.


Must have skills to professionally work with the public and the ability to coordinate services across various agencies and community groups.


Must be able to develop cooperative and respectful relationships with clients and their families.


Must have knowledge, or the ability to acquire knowledge, about the recovery model.


Must possess the ability to represent the interest of the customer and the agency in a favorable light in the community.


Must have the ability to work well with teams and other groups of individuals.


Must be computer literate and have the ability to type and utilize word processing and other software programs/systems.


The position requires the handling of highly confidential information. Must adhere to rules and laws pertaining to client confidentiality.



CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS


Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 181.536-181.537 and in accordance with OAR 410-007-0200 through 410-007-0380.


In addition to a pre-employment background check, each employee, volunteer and contractor shall be checked on a monthly basis against the OIG and GSA exclusion lists, as well as other federal and state agency lists. If it is discovered that an employee, volunteer or contractor is excluded or sanctioned it will be the cause for immediate termination of employment, volunteering, or the termination of the contract.


PRE HIRE DRUG SCREEN REQUIRED


PERSONAL AUTO INSURANCE


Must hold a valid driver's license as well as personal auto insurance for privately owned Vehicles utilized for CCS business such as client service purposes, travel between

business offices and the community, to attend required meetings and trainings.


Must show proof of $300,000 or more liability coverage for bodily injury and $100,00 or more liability coverage for property damage, and maintain said level of coverage for the duration of employment at CCS.


The employee's insurance is primary with CCS insurance being secondary. CCS reserves the right to deny any employee the use of a vehicle owned by CCS.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS


While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use office automation including computer and phone system that requires fine manipulation, grasping, typing, and reaching. Sitting for several hours reviewing reports and other written materials, and talking on phone. This position may occasionally be required to lift up to ten (10) pounds. Incumbent will occasionally have to reach, bend, kneel and squat when adjusting equipment or retrieving supplies.


The employee needs to be able participate in vehicle travel between partner offices, individual homes, in the community, and to attend required meetings and/or trainings.


WORK ENVIRONMENT


Work is performed in an office environment as well as in the community. At times, work may be conducted from home via phone and video services. The noise level in the office environment is usually moderate, but occasionally one may be exposed to loud noises. The noise in the community, including the homes of customers, is often difficult to predict. Occasional out of area travel and overnight stays will be required for attendance at meetings and/trainings.


However, the employee also will be required to work in the community and homes of the clients we serve. Handicap access may not be available at all places where this position must go. There are some situations where this position may be required to respond to environments where a client is in crisis. The environments in these situations are difficult to predict and may be in uneven terrain.


This position exposes the employee to the everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as an office.


Community Counseling Solutions

IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MEMBER OF NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES CORPORATION


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