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

unicare

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Ontario, CA

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

Job Summary The Substance Use Disorder Counselor will work with individuals, families, and groups to provide therapeutic support and education to those affected by substance misuse in a manner that ...

unicare

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Ontario, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

Job Summary The Substance Use Disorder Counselor will work with individuals, families, and groups to provide therapeutic support and education to those affected by substance misuse in a manner that ...

Clarvida

Substance Abuse Counselor

Orange, CA

$25 - $28/hr

Use of personal car or vehicle is required * Monthly Productivity requirement is 100 hours ... Substance Abuse Counselor III * All SAC I/II duties. * Supervises case work/counseling of ...

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Riverside, CA is $26.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $30.10 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.

What do you need to be a substance use counselor?

To become a substance use counselor, you typically need a relevant bachelor's degree or higher in fields like psychology, social work, or counseling, along with specialized training in addiction treatment. Certification or licensure, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), is often required or preferred. Strong communication skills, empathy, and knowledge of addiction recovery are essential for success in this role.

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 helping others, though it may involve emotional challenges and variable work hours.
What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:
Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,271 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Unicare Health, LLC

Ontario, CA • On-site

$43 - $65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor will work with individuals, families, and groups to provide therapeutic support and education to those affected by substance misuse in a manner that upholds Unicare Community Health Center's mission to improve the health status and well-being of underserved segments of the population in the communities we serve through the direct provision or coordination of health care, health education, and services The Substance Use Disorder Counselor will help clients understand the nature of substance misuse develop coping strategies, and work toward reducing and/or eliminating use, guided by evidence-based harm reduction strategies.
Duties/Responsibilities:
The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time with reasonable accommodation.
  • Conduct patient interviews to gather information, assess ASAM level of care and associated needs, determine the appropriate need, and develop a plan based on ASAM criteria.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment of results and client needs.
  • Provide individual, group, or family counseling to help clients address their addiction.
  • Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
  • Assist clients in accessing additional resources, such as housing, employment, or medical care, to support their recovery.
  • Educate clients and their families about the effects of substance misuse and the importance of recovery.
  • Provide relapse prevention strategies and support during recovery.
  • Maintain accurate records of client interactions, treatment progress, and outcomes.
  • Maintain accuracy, completeness, and timeliness with SUD records. All SUD documentation must be closed within 48 hours of the encounter to ensure high standards of care and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Comply with legal and ethical standards related to confidentiality and patient privacy including 42 CFR in part 2.
  • Participate in the development of patients' individualized care plans, in a timely and thorough manner.
  • Collaborates closely with the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) team, including supporting patient adherence and engagement to this care.
  • Coordinates and collaborates with Behavioral Health Providers, Primary Care Providers, Behavioral Health Coordinators and MA's, Case Managers, Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Director of Behavioral Health, Chief Medical Officer, MAT team and other Staff to improve health outcomes and to support patient adherence and engagement to this care.
  • Facilitate referrals to other services and allied agencies as needed.
  • Works closely with Unicare's Psychiatrists and other therapists when needed.
  • Serves as a mandated Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult/Elder Abuse reporter.
  • Facilitates and participates in chart reviews and audits of behavioral health clinicians.
  • Attends and participates in a variety of internal and external meetings.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.
  • Is engaged and facilitates outreach initiatives.
  • Proactively utilize clinical supervision and/or peer consultation.
  • Productivity expectations are balanced with quality of care and documentation requirements, though direct patient care usually comprises 7 hours/day.

Non-Essential Functions
  • As directed by the Director of Behavioral Health, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

Professional Requirements
  • Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
  • Maintain current license, registrations and/or certifications.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
  • Report to work on time and as scheduled.
  • Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
  • Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
  • Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
  • Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.
  • Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
  • Must have reliable transportation.

Qualifications
  • One (1) to (2) years' experience required.
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with one of the California Department of Health Care Services' currently approved certification organizations.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Requires a comprehensive knowledge of substance use disorder in outpatient settings including the most recent evidence-based harm reduction intervention and motivational interviewing techniques.
  • General knowledge of behavioral health counseling skills, including the ability to perform biopsychosocial assessments, crisis prevention, and coping skills development.
  • Knowledge and ability to find resources for patients and the ability to link and refer patients as needed.
  • Applied understanding of the ASAM Levels of Care.
  • General understanding of Medication Assisted Treatment as part of holistic SUD treatment.
  • Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.
  • Knowledge of providing culturally competent services to a variety of diverse patients.
  • Possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to corporate mission.
  • Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrate resourcefulness in setting priorities.
  • Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices.
  • Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.
  • Ability to work with a diverse population.
  • Willing to work flexible hours, including evening and/or weekends.
  • Must be self-directed and work productively with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook
  • Knowledge of Electronic Health Records

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions
  • Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
  • Pushing and pulling objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Frequent wrist, hand, and finger dexterity to perform fine motor function.
  • Position requires light to moderate work with 25 lb. maximum weight to lift and carry.
  • Full range of body motion requires twisting body, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, listening, talking, and/or hearing, and seeing.
  • Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Conditions
  • Non-Ionizing Radiation (microwaves)
  • Hazardous Exposure (chemical [E.G. Latex] and infectious)

Work Schedule
  • You will generally be scheduled to work each day Monday through Friday, with starting times each day varying between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and ending time between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., as required to meet the operational needs of the company. There will be occasional Saturdays as needed.

You will need to travel to other clinic locations as needed for cross coverage support.
Our Mission
The mission of Unicare is to be a community health care organization that treats everyone with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity to help create an environment in which all can prosper.

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