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

Newport Academy

Credentialed Recovery Counselor

Orange, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $32/hr

... and substance abuse issues located in Orange County. The program combines the key elements ... use, motivation for recovery, and in development of adolescent personal recovery plans ...

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All JobsSubstance Use Counselor JobsSubstance Use Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Substance Use Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$26

$37

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 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, and why are they important?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,271 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - In-Person

Recover Medical Group

Moreno Valley, CA • On-site

$55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

About the company

Recover is working to make addiction treatment and mental healthcare more effective, accessible, and affordable. We work with governments to use medicine to improve outcomes for people who need care.

Our program is an outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment program for people with substance use and mental challenges. We use a harm reduction approach to treatment, and are focused on serving marginalized and underserved communities. We are a small team growing quickly, and looking for people to grow with us.

Our team includes people from Yale Law, UCLA School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and White House alums.

The opportunity

As a counselor in Riverside County for Recover, you'll work directly with patients to treat a variety of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. The majority of your time will be spent providing counseling to adult patients in one-on-one, group, and family settings. You will be expected to develop relationships with your patients and help guide them through their recovery journey. You will also collaborate regularly with the rest of the treatment team consisting of the medical director, physicians, nurse practitioners, and case managers to develop and execute comprehensive treatment plans for patients. This position is best suited for someone who is comfortable working independently, will take ownership of patient care, build rapport, and who works well in a collaborative team environment.

This role is full time. You will report to Recover's Clinical Supervisor. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, and the position includes benefits. Role is 40 hours / week across 5 days.

Requirements

Need to have:

  • CAADC / LAADC certification valid in California from one of the three state-recognized certifying organizations
  • OR be an AMF / ASW / APCC in need of supervised practice hours
  • 2+ years of experience in mental health and/or substance use treatment

Nice to have:

  • Experience treating addiction
  • Lived experience with substance use
  • Fluent in Spanish

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Training & Development
  • Work From Home
  • Salary Range: $55-75k

Apply