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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 ...

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Redlands, CA · On-site

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

Counselor Full-time Monday-Friday 5:00 am-1:30 pm Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Aegis Treatment Centers

Counselor

Ontario, CA · On-site

Counselor Full-Time Monday-Friday 5:00 am-1:30 pm Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Apply Early

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Ontario, CA · On-site

Counselor Full-Time Monday-Friday 5:00 am-1:30 pm Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Ontario, CA

Counselor Full-Time Monday-Friday 5:00 am-1:30 pm Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation ... 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.

Apply Early

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Banning, CA

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

Aegis Treatment Centers

Counselor

Banning, CA

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

Apply Early

Pinnacle 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

Ontario, CA · On-site

Counselor Full-time Monday-Friday 5:00 am-1:30 pm Pinnacle's Voice: A Tale of Transformation ... substance use disorders. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Apply Early

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Banning, CA · On-site

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

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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 4, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. 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.
Credentialed Recovery Counselor

Credentialed Recovery Counselor

Newport Academy

Orange, CA • On-site

$23.75 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Newport Academy is a gender-specific, comprehensive treatment program for adolescents suffering from mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse issues located in Orange County. The program combines the key elements essential in effectively treating adolescent girls and boys with substance abuse and other mental health disorders. As compared with adults, adolescents have higher rates of dual diagnosis and developmental differences. Adolescent treatment needs can be challenging and often involves more comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approaches. At Newport Academy, we deliver a highly individualized, holistic approach to treatment where psychological, biological, spiritual, social and educational needs are continually assessed and revised throughout the treatment process.
Job Description
Looking for Credentialed or Credential Eligible Recovery Counselor to work with adolescents struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues in a residential setting. Applicant must have certificate from California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors or be credential eligible or license eligible. Must have a passion for working with adolescents!
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Facilitate groups sessions as assigned by the Clinical Director
• Facilitate individual sessions as assigned by the Clinical Director
• Consistently monitors and evaluates behavior and assess degrees of improvement in behavior and treatment goals
• Maintain personal interaction with clients and assist in immediate problem solving during crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries, set limits and manage clients in various
therapeutic settings.
• Enforce the rules and regulations of Newport Academy including executing
behavioral/recovery contracts as needed
• With written consent, facilitate communication with outside consultants and concerned parties acting as a treatment team liaison on a weekly basis or as needed
• Attend all treatment planning meetings and utilize feedback from treatment team in the treatment of the client
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled
• Ongoing review and development of group treatment curriculum including content, process, and structure
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director
• Demonstrates skill sets in conducting goal-oriented recovery groups
• Demonstrates skills in conducting groups oriented to social skills, identification of triggers and high risk relapse situations, social pressures to use, motivation for recovery, and in development of adolescent personal recovery plans
Qualifications
  • Must have credential or license or be credential-eligible or license-eligible as a CADC or LADAC in the State of California.
  • 2+ years' experience working with adolescents and young adults with substance abuse and mental health issues and have personal familiarity with the 12-Step Model of Recovery.
  • Must have received criminal clearance from the State of California.
  • Must have current TB test, health screening, first aid and CPR certification.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Proficiency in basic computer skills and with relevant software used at Newport
  • Academy.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Must be able to present a positive working environment
  • Must be able to work with a wide variety of people in a positive manner

Additional Information
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