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

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Substance Use Counselor information

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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.

Behavioral Health Intern

Hermiston, OR • On-site

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

$12K - $25K/yr

Part-time, Internship

Posted 9 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

POSITION TITLE: Behavioral Health INTERN

FLSA: Temporary - Part Time Employee (20 hours per week)

LOCATION: Any CCS Location within the 5 counties we serve: Umatilla, Morrow, Grant, Gilliam & Wheeler

Pay Options: $25,000 stipend for one year of half-time service! 

                         $12,500 stipend for six months of half-time service!

MULTIPLE POSITIONS AVAILABLE!


DESCRIPTION:

NEW opportunity for master's students to complete their graduate program internship requirements while gaining hands-on experience working directly in the community mental health field!

The Behavioral Health Intern provides culturally competent and appropriate mental health and substance use treatment to people served by Community Counseling Solutions (CCS). This treatment is provided in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) and the mission and values of CCS. The Behavioral Health Intern works closely with clinical staff, supervisors, community partners, and CCS administration in meeting behavioral health needs.


SUPERVISION:

Supervision Received: Internship Supervisor, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Director, Clinical Manager, and/or Site Manager depending on location. Must also comply with all master's program supervisory requirements, as specified by each degree program.

Supervision Exercised: None.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide case management services to children, adults, and families.

Provide clinical services including screening, assessment, individual and group therapy, and consultation within credential guidelines.

Participate in joint case planning and coordination.

Act as liaison and advocate for clients when appropriate.

Participate in supervision sessions.

Coordinate with schools, DHS, courts, clinics, law enforcement, and other agencies.

Provide behavioral health education and prevention.

Complete documentation in a timely fashion and according to OARs.

Attend trainings and meetings.

Report abuse as required by law.

Other duties as assigned.

***Interns DO NOT participate in after-hour emergency services or conduct urinalysis testing.


STIPEND:

Selected Behavioral Health Interns should have no expectation of receiving compensation of any form for the hours spent in the internship. However, they will receive a stipend to cover expenses, such as meals, lodging, travel, books and required educational materials up to a maximum of $25,000 per completed year (or a maximum of $12,500 per completed six months). 


Requirements

ELIGIBILITY:

Students currently enrolled in a master's program relevant to community mental health, who will be eligible to begin their graduate degree program in Fall 2026 or later (and who are not current CCS employees) may apply.


Examples of relevant graduate degree programs:

Clinical Mental Health

Social Work

Marriage and Family Therapy

Community Mental Health

Psychology

School Counseling

School Social Work


INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT TERMS:

If selected, applicants for this Behavioral Health Internship understand and agree to the following:

To submit proof of graduate program enrollment prior to the start of the internship, and each quarter thereafter.

To complete a background check and pre-hire drug screen with satisfactory results.

To complete CCS Human Resources orientation and training.

To hold a valid driver's license and auto insurance.

To comply with all applicable CCS policies, clinical guidelines, procedures, training requirements, and Behavioral Health Internship program expectations.

To participate in the Behavioral Health Internship program for at least 20 hours per week, on-site at a CCS location, for either a one-year or six-month period.

             -Please note that it is expected that this timeframe will exceed typical master's program internship requirements, as selected interns will be required to complete a period of training and onboarding at CCS prior to accruing formal internship hours for their degree program.

That it is the specific intent of this program that the Behavioral Health Intern's graduate course work is to provide significant educational benefits to the intern, but is limited to complementing rather than displacing the work of paid CCS employees.

If a graduate student intern leaves CCS, either voluntarily or involuntarily, before completing the six-month or one-year commitment, they must repay the full amount of any stipend payments they have received.


WORK ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Office and community settings; variable environments; occasional travel. Regular office work; occasional lifting up to 10 lbs; travel as needed.


What Community Counseling Solutions employees say

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