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Substance Use Navigator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CARDEA HEALTH

Substance Use Navigator

Oakland, CA

$26.39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Substance Use Navigator builds relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness in a variety of settings including temporary shelter, transitional housing, and other residential ...

Marshallmedical

Substance Use Navigator

Placerville, CA

$28.85 - $34.61/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) is a care coordinator, group facilitator and an integral team member of the Marshall CARES (Clinically Assisted Recovery and Education Services ...

PIH Health

Substance Use Navigator, FT Days

Los Angeles, CA

$22.75 - $29/hr

... Use Disorder (MOUD). Navigators conduct initial brief assessments, introduce patients to MOUD ... Nonjudgmental, energetic, positive approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

PIH Health

Substance Use Navigator, FT Days

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $29/hr

The navigator is a care coordinator and an integral team member of a statewide initiative to improve access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). Navigators conduct initial brief assessments ...

Community Health System

Substance Use-STD Navigator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

ResponsibilitiesThe Substance Use and STD Navigator provides direct services to identified patients with substance use disorder or sexually transmitted diseases at Community Medical Center's (CMC ...

CommonSpirit Health

CHW Wellness Navigator

Grass Valley, CA

$21.75 - $27.75/hr

One California As a Substance Use Navigator, you will be responsible for interacting and working collaboratively with the healthcare team and directly with patients in both the hospital and Emergency ...

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Substance Use Navigator information

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How much do substance use navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use navigator in California is $22.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use navigator?

A Substance Use Navigator (SUN) is a professional who helps individuals struggling with substance use disorders connect with treatment and support services. They typically work in healthcare or community settings, providing guidance, resources, and encouragement to people seeking recovery. SUNs assess clients’ needs, coordinate care, and help reduce barriers to accessing treatment, such as insurance issues or finding appropriate programs. Their goal is to support individuals throughout their recovery journey and ensure they receive the necessary care and follow-up.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a substance use navigator?

To thrive as a Substance Use Navigator, you need a background in counseling, substance use disorder knowledge, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field, along with any required state certifications. Familiarity with electronic health records, case management systems, and referral networks is important for efficient client support. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and motivational interviewing abilities help build trust and guide clients through recovery. These skills are vital for effectively connecting individuals to needed resources, supporting recovery, and improving health outcomes.

How does a substance use navigator collaborate with healthcare teams to support patients in recovery?

Substance Use Navigators work closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and behavioral health specialists, to ensure coordinated care for patients with substance use disorders. They act as a bridge between patients and providers, facilitating access to treatment resources, coordinating follow-up care, and advocating for patient needs. Navigators often participate in case conferences and maintain regular communication with team members to update care plans and address any barriers to recovery. This collaborative approach helps create a supportive environment and improves patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Substance Use Navigator vs Substance Use Counselor?

AspectSubstance Use NavigatorSubstance Use Counselor
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification, but may have certifications like Peer Support or relevant trainingLicensed or certified, such as CADC or LPC
Work EnvironmentCommunity outreach, hospitals, clinics, and recovery centersTherapy settings, clinics, outpatient or inpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, community programsRehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, private practices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, support services, and navigation assistanceProviding therapy, treatment planning, and counseling services

Substance Use Navigators primarily assist clients in accessing resources and navigating treatment options, often with less formal credentials. Substance Use Counselors provide direct therapy and treatment, requiring licensure or certification. Both roles are vital in addiction recovery but differ in scope, credentials, and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Navigator jobs in California?

For Substance Use Navigator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Navigator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Navigator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Substance Use Navigator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Substance Use Navigator job openings:

Substance Use Navigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Navigator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,041 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Substance Use Navigator

Marshall Medical Center

Placerville, CA • On-site

$28.85 - $34.61/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Department:
MMF Cares
Shift:
Primarily Days (United States of America)
Employee Type:
Limited Term (Fixed Term)
Per Diem Type (if applicable):
Minimum Pay Range:
$28.85 - $34.61
Job Description:
*** Limited Term Up to 6 Months ***
POSITION SUMMARY
The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) is a care coordinator, group facilitator and an integral team member of the Marshall CARES (Clinically Assisted Recovery and Education Services) Outpatient Clinic. The goal of this position is to reach the underserved patient populations, who use substances in our community and provide education regarding available resources in the treatment of substance use disorders, as well as to motivate and encourage patients to enter and remain in treatment to improve their overall quality of life. The CARES Navigator will provide case management, conduct initial brief assessments, introduce patients to programs and services, facilitate substance use groups and individual counseling sessions, serve as an advocate for the patients, and maintain ongoing contact with family members and the multidisciplinary care team. They may also assist with access to other services such as financial counseling, primary care, mental health services, social services, and residential treatment facilities. To ensure program continuity and compliance, the CARES Navigator will work under the direction of the Marshall CARES Program Manager and work closely with the hospital Substance Use Navigator, other CARES team members, Case Management, Social Services, Providers, and local agencies.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Licensure/Certification:
  • Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC), Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC) or Registered Alcohol & Drug Technician (RADT) strongly preferred.

Knowledge:
  • Understanding of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) as a medical condition and the role of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in treatment and harm reduction.
  • Interest/proficiency in working with individuals recently released from incarceration, homeless individuals and other marginalized populations.
  • Understanding of medical terminology.
  • Strong customer service experience required.
  • Good understanding of Healthcare Financial Systems, including contracting limitations with insurers and aftercare providers.
  • Strong knowledge of and connections to the local community preferred.
  • Proficiency in hospital wide computer programs, Windows based word processing, spreadsheet (Excel), email and calendaring software required.

Skills:
  • Ability to have a nonjudgmental, energetic, positive approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder.
  • Able to interact with patients in a culturally relatable manner.
  • Ability to collect and collate data and statistics.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must have the ability to work with minimal supervision; frequently reprioritize workload and handle multiple tasks at once.
  • Must have the ability to establish a positive rapport with patients and the community.
  • Problem solver that works in close collaboration with the Social Workers and Case Managers.
  • Must have excellent organizational skills.
  • Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy.
  • Comfortable with regularly verifying and processing insurance eligibility and obtaining authorization requests, including verifying personal credentials with external partners to obtain this information (e.g., ID.me for identity verification for VA insurance coordination).

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