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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 ...

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 ...

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Redlands, CA · On-site

  • PTO

Counselor Full-time Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery "I found myself like a ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Ontario, CA · On-site

  • PTO

Counselor Full-Time Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery "I found myself like a ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Aegis Treatment Centers

Counselor

Ontario, CA

Counselor Full-Time Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery "I found myself like a ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Ontario, CA · On-site

  • PTO

Counselor Full-Time Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery "I found myself like a ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Aegis Treatment Centers

Counselor

Ontario, CA

Counselor Full-Time Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery "I found myself like a ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Aegis Treatment Centers

Counselor

Redlands, CA

Counselor Full-time Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery "I found myself like a ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Aegis Treatment Centers

Counselor

Pomona, CA

Counselor Full-time Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery "I found myself like a ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Pomona, CA · On-site

  • PTO

Counselor Full-time Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery "I found myself like a ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Medcadre Inc

Health Care Practitioner

Homeland, CA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Physician - Detox & Substance Use Treatment The Physician is responsible for providing medical care ... Collaborate with Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Counselors, and other healthcare ...

MedCadre

Health Care Practitioner

Homeland, CA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Job Title: Physician - Detox & Substance Use Treatment Position Summary The Physician is ... Collaborate with Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Counselors, and other healthcare ...

Stars Behavioral Health Group

Recovery Counselor

Orange, CA

$21.75 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Recovery Counselor Division/Program: Orange: Coastal Star Crisis Residential Central Starting ... substance use rehabilitation), daily exercise and health/wellness education Learn more about SBHG ...

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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 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.

Residential Counselor

ETTIE LEE YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

Fontana, CA • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services has served the complex needs of at-risk youth with emotional and behavioral problems and their families throughout Southern California for nearly 70 years.

Currently, Ettie Lee is seeking a Residential Counselor for its Short Term Residential Treatment Program (STRTP) in Fontana and Redlands, CA.

The Position:

Direct Care Staff will work with Severely Emotionally Disturbed (SED) youth placed in a 24/7 residential setting by Children and Family Services (CFS)/Probation.  As a member of the STRTP Team, the Residential Counselor is vital in setting the tone, direction and priorities of the residents by utilizing a Trauma-Informed Approach. If you are looking to make a difference in the lives of youth, families and the community, this position may be right for you.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Managing the daily living environment of the home including supporting clients in school
  • Work closely with therapists and are under the coordination of the Administrators and the Program Manager
  • Helping residents manage their response to traumatic stress that results in behaviors such as running away, fighting, substance use and non-compliance
  • Providing daily leisure-time and recreation activities
  • Ensuring medical and dental needs are met
  • Preparing and distributing meals and clothing shopping
  • Documentation of client progress
  • Maintaining a safe and clean living environment

Direct Care Staff are crucial to the Ettie Lee team as they provide direct care to the youth served.  They must come to the position with a great amount of dedication, acceptance and understanding.  It is important they are resilient with a great deal of "bounce back" due to the pressures of the work. 

Why you should work with us - great benefits:

  • 100% Paid Employee Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance for full-time employees
  • 403 (b) Retirement Plan with 2% match
  • 11 Paid Holidays per year
  • Generous Time Off Accrual
  • Unused Sick Leave Reimbursement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Scholarship
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program

Must have One of the Following Qualifications:

  • Have a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree;
  • Have a valid Child Development Teaching Permit;
  • Have completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth;
  • Have a valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth;
  • Have previously been employed as a staff or volunteer at a group home or short-term residential therapeutic center for at least one year.

Requirements:

  • Must be able to pass criminal/fingerprinting background check, TB Test, physical exam and drug test
  • Must have a valid California Driver’s License, a minimum of 5 years of driving experience and a DMV record acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier
  • Must be 21 years or older

Hours and Shifts:  Shifts for this position are either Sundays - Wednesdays or Wednesdays - Saturdays; hours are overnight. 

Your schedule will be determined in the interviewing process.

Job Type/Rate: Part-Time $16.00/hour

All application questions must be answered in their entirely, including professional references, and electronically signed at the end for consideration. Thank you. 

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