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Substance Use Navigator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Unity Health Care.

Peer Navigator (DOC)

Washington, DC · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Position Summary Under the direction of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Director, the Peer Navigator supports individuals recovering from substance use disorders within the Central Detention ...

Unity Health Care

Peer Navigator

Washington, DC · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Position Summary Under the direction of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Director, the Peer Navigator supports individuals recovering from substance use disorders within the Central Detention ...

cbi

Outreach Navigator

Washington, DC · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Outreach Navigator Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) is an integrated behavioral healthcare ... Minimum of six months of recovery from substance use and/or mental health disorders required. * 1-3 ...

cbi

Outreach Navigator

Washington, DC · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Outreach Navigator Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) is an integrated behavioral healthcare ... Minimum of six months of recovery from substance use and/or mental health disorders required. * 1-3 ...

cbi

Outreach Navigator

Washington, DC

$21 - $25/hr

Outreach Navigator Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) is an integrated behavioral healthcare ... Minimum of six months of recovery from substance use and/or mental health disorders required. * 1-3 ...

Ampact

Recovery Navigator

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$16.24/hr

Join Recovery Corps as a Recovery Navigator and you'll spend your days at an organization committed ... In recovery for at least one uninterrupted year from a substance use disorder * Dependable and have ...

Ampact

Recovery Navigator

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$16.24/hr

Join Recovery Corps as a Recovery Navigator and you'll spend your days at an organization committed ... In recovery for at least one uninterrupted year from a substance use disorder * Dependable and have ...

Ampact

Recovery Navigator

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$16.24/hr

Join Recovery Corps as a Recovery Navigator and you'll spend your days at an organization committed ... In recovery for at least one uninterrupted year from a substance use disorder * Dependable and have ...

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All JobsSubstance Use Navigator JobsSubstance Use Navigator Jobs in Washington

Substance Use Navigator information

See Washington salary details

$15

$25

$38

How much do substance use navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use navigator in Washington is $25.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.49 and $28.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Substance Use Navigator jobs in Washington? For Substance Use Navigator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substance Use Navigator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use Navigator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Substance Use Navigator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Substance Use Navigator job openings:
Substance Use Navigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Navigator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,985 per year, or $26 per hour.

Peer Navigator (DOC)

Unity Health Care.

Washington, DC • On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Peer Navigator

Location: Washington, DC
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Unity Health Care

At Unity Health Care, we strive to serve all people with the highest quality, compassionate health care. Our mission is rooted in providing comprehensive, culturally competent services to our communities, including individuals from underserved and vulnerable populations.Through our partnership with the D.C. Department of Corrections, Unity provides comprehensive health and behavioral health services to individuals within correctional facilities and supports continuity of care as individuals transition back into the community.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Director, the Peer Navigator supports individuals recovering from substance use disorders within the Central Detention Facility (CDF) and Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), jointly known as the DC Jail. As part of the SUD team, the Peer Navigator provides non-clinical peer support, encouragement, education, and recovery navigation services. The Peer Navigator serves as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to help individuals engage in treatment, prevent relapse, and work toward long-term recovery.This position requires the ability to build authentic peer-to-peer relationships, coordinate with the SUD treatment team, connect individuals with community resources, and provide support during incarceration and after release.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Two (2) years of work experience related to behavioral health and/or substance use disorders.
  • Two (2) years of experience as a Community Health Worker, Peer Recovery Specialist, or similar peer support role working with diverse populations.
  • Knowledge of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
  • Understanding of and respect for each individual's unique path to recovery.
  • Working knowledge of the substance use disorder treatment system and demonstrated commitment to the recovery community.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with patients, multidisciplinary teams, managers, supervisors, community organizations, and other partners.
  • Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other business software.
  • Ability to navigate and enter information into an Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
  • Ability to maintain and protect patient confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active certification or waiver as a Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach through the Department of Behavioral Health Certified Peer Specialist Training Program, or willingness to obtain certification within six months of hire.
  • Personal experience with recovery and a minimum of two years of professional experience providing peer support or navigation services in a substance use disorder setting.
Why Join Unity?
  • Join a mission-driven organization committed to serving underserved and vulnerable communities.
  • Make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals throughout their recovery journey.
  • Work as part of a multidisciplinary team focused on behavioral health, substance use recovery, and continuity of care.
  • Help connect individuals with treatment, recovery resources, and community-based support services.
  • Support individuals as they transition from correctional facilities back into the community.
  • Gain opportunities for professional development, training, and continued growth.

8am-4:30pm