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

City of Chino

Counselor II, Part-time

Chino, CA · On-site

$35.43 - $43.06/hr

Has knowledge of substance use disorders, addiction recovery, and counseling techniques for ... individuals, families, and groups. Can assess client needs, conduct interviews, provide crisis ...

Amity Foundation

Counselor II/III - CRC

Norco, CA

$32/hr

The Counselor II/III (ISUDT) The Counselor III is responsible for the delivery of face-to-face rehabilitative programming services provided in the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program ...

Amity Foundation

Counselor II/III - CRC

Norco, CA

$32/hr

The Counselor II/III (ISUDT) The Counselor III is responsible for the delivery of face-to-face rehabilitative programming services provided in the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program ...

Amity Foundation

Counselor II/III - CRC

Norco, CA · On-site

$32/hr

The Counselor II/III (ISUDT) The Counselor III is responsible for the delivery of face-to-face rehabilitative programming services provided in the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program ...

Zinnia Health LLC

Group Facilitator

Lake Arrowhead, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Current certification to provide substance use disorder counseling services in the state of operation (e.g., Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor or equivalent credential) * CPR/First Aid/BLS ...

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

Substance Use Counselor information

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$37

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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.

Is becoming a substance abuse counselor worth it?

A substance use counselor helps individuals recover from addiction by providing therapy, support, and education. The role often requires certification, strong communication skills, and emotional resilience, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of substance abuse issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others and making a positive impact on community health.

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 is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors are often those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or who work in specialized settings such as private practice or healthcare facilities. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, with some senior or specialized roles earning higher compensation depending on location and employer.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 13% Full Time, 82% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,271 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Clinician-SUD Counselor

Clinician-SUD Counselor

South Coast Children's Society

Upland, CA • On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Clinician: SUD Counselor is a master's level position that also holds a certification is substance abuse treatment, responsible for supporting clients experiencing First Episode Psychosis (FEP) that may also be struggling with substance abuse. This role focuses on helping clients clarify their personal goals, cope with stress, develop healthier interpersonal interactions, and overcome barriers to recovery. Using an empowering and strengths-based approach, the Clinician: SUD Counselor will guide clients through structured behavioral interventions aimed at learning new skills and supporting behavior change. These interventions include social skills training, substance use treatment, behavioral activation, harm reduction techniques, relapse prevention, and psychoeducation. The Clinician: SUD Counselor will also foster peer support, promoting a sense of self-efficacy and autonomy in clients' recovery journey.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work with clients to identify personal recovery goals and develop concrete, achievable plans for reaching those goals.
  • Provide prevention services to individuals at risk for developing substance use problems, focusing on early intervention and harm reduction strategies.
  • Work with clients to identify personal goals and motivations for reducing substance use and help them take actionable steps toward these goals.
  • Provide ongoing support and counseling to reinforce behavior change, addressing setbacks and promoting long-term recovery.
  • Collaborate with clients to identify obstacles to recovery and work together to create strategies for overcoming them.
  • Provide structured behavioral interventions aimed at promoting positive behavior change, including techniques such as behavioral activation and social skills training.
  • Facilitate coping skills training to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges associated with First Episode Psychosis.
  • Support clients in learning and practicing new strategies for managing interpersonal relationships and navigating social situations effectively.
  • Offer psychoeducation on mental health, recovery, and coping strategies to clients and their families.
  • Educate clients about the nature of First Episode Psychosis, including symptoms, treatment options, and recovery pathways, with the goal of increasing self-awareness and self-management.
  • Promote emotional regulation and resilience through various therapeutic techniques.
  • Foster a peer support environment by promoting the sharing of lived experiences and helping clients connect with others who are on similar recovery journeys.
  • Use strengths-based and person-centered approaches to empower clients, supporting them in developing confidence and taking ownership of their recovery.
  • Collaborate closely with the CSC team (including Team Leaders, Education/Employment Specialists, Outreach Specialists, and SUD Counselors) to ensure clients' needs are being met holistically and that interventions are integrated across the team's efforts.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned to assist the needs of the program or organization

Requirements
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Education/Experience
  1. Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
  2. Certification in addiction studies, certified alcohol and drug counselor, certified substance abuse counselor, or equivalent.
  3. Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with substance abuse, psychosis, mental health disorders, or related conditions.
  4. Experience in working with adolescents and young adults is highly desirable.
  5. Familiarity with Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) models or similar evidence-based treatment approaches for psychosis is a plus.

Licensure, Registration, Certification
  1. Active BBS registration.
  2. Certification in addiction studies, certified alcohol and drug counselor, certified substance abuse counselor, or equivalent.
  3. Valid CA driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
  4. Completion of CPR/First Aid certification within the first thirty (30) days of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to drive a motor vehicle without restrictions, often in heavy traffic and frequently long distances (one hour or more) to ensure safe transport to client settings and to safely transport clients to appointments as needed.
  • Senses of vision, hearing and smell sufficient to regularly operate a motor vehicle, to visualize threats in the environment or risks to clients, and to operate safely in the field.
  • Required to occasionally lift and carry 10-20 pounds.
  • Regularly required to sit, stand, climb stairs (1 or more flights) and walk while in route to and during family visits.
  • Regularly required to sit and use computer in office settings.

Salary Description
$71,640- $93,320

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