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

Housing Navigator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Housing Navigator We are seeking a Housing Navigator to join our team at Independent Living Systems ... substance use, financial resources, vocational, and social support needs * Provides referrals ...

Housing Navigator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$28.08 - $37.18/hr

The Housing Navigator plays a critical role in connecting individuals and families experiencing ... substance use, financial resources, vocational, and social support needs * Provides referrals ...

Housing Navigator

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Housing Navigator - San Bernardino Position Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $21.00-$23.00 per hour ... substance-use services, and other systems serving low-income or housing-insecure populations.

Posted today

The Housing Navigator is responsible for diversion, housing-focused case management, community ... substance use, and other lease violations. * Educate and train on the role, rights, and ...

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Substance Use Navigator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$23

$35

How much do substance use navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use navigator in Riverside, CA is $23.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $26.06 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 Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Navigator jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Navigator jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Substance Use Navigator jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Substance Use Navigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Navigator job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,727 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

MAT Navigator

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

INTRODUCTION:

Central Neighborhood Health Foundation is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) committed to the Triple Aim as described by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Improving the US health care system requires simultaneous pursuit of three aims: 1) improving the experience of care, 2) improving the health of populations, and 3) reducing per capita costs of health care. Preconditions for this include the enrollment of an identified population, a commitment to universality for its members, and the existence of an organization (an "integrator") that accepts responsibility for all three aims for that population.




SUMMARY: 

The MAT Navigator engages with the community to identify prospective patients to explain the MAT program & provide education and outreach; may act as the primary point of contact for patients enrolled in the Substance Use Disorder Program; and act as case manager/care coordinator to enrolled patients.




 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following functions:

The MAT Navigator works in collaboration and continuous partnership with chronically ill or “high-risk” patients and their family/caregiver(s), clinic/hospital/specialty providers and staff, and community resources in a team approach. The MAT Navigator plays a pivotal role in supporting the Addiction Medicine provider with a primary focus on outreach services. As a MAT Navigator, you will facilitate SUD services, raise Substance Abuse awareness to school and the under-serve communities, increase comprehension through culturally and linguistically appropriate MAT education, develop and strengthen community partnership, and serve as the contact point, advocate, and informational resource for MAT services and expansion.

  • Promote timely access to appropriate care

  • Increase comprehension through culturally and linguistically appropriate MAT education. 

  • Increase continuity of care by managing relationships with tertiary care providers, transitions-in-care, and referrals to MAT providers.

  • Travel to other clinics to support providers (MAT services).

  • Serve as the contact point, advocate, and informational resource for CNHF MAT and expansion

  • Gain knowledge/education and be able to speak to SUD inequities. 

  • Develop and strengthen community partnership.

  • Conducts Outreach and Education activities in the community

  • Increase the number of targeted patient populations receiving MAT treatment.

  • Provide relevant harm reduction/MAT service training/education.

  • Provide client access to MAT resources (ie. transportation).

  • Coordinate with staff and providers for additional MAT education.

  • Assist in developing MAT outreach program information with collaborative materials

  • Monitor adherence to MAT grant requirements, evaluate effectiveness, monitor patient progress in a timely manner, and facilitate changes as needed.

  • Facilitate patient access to appropriate MAT providers

  • Educate patient and family/caregiver(s) about relevant community resources

  • Facilitate and attend MAT meetings.

  • Provide feedback for the improvement of the Substance Use Disorder Program.

  • Other duties as assigned





QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.




EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

  • Community Health Worker with 1 to 2 years’ experience in clinical or

  • Community resource settings; Care coordination and/or case management.

  • Experience is desirable.

  • MAT services.

  • Evidence of essential communication, education, and counseling skills.

  • Proficiency in communication technologies (email, cell phone, etc.)

  • Highly organized with ability to keep accurate notes and records.

  • Experience with health IT systems and reports is desirable.

  • Local knowledge about and connections to community health care and social welfare resources is desirable.

  • Working knowledge, experience of targeted population and SUD treatment.




NECESSARY SKILLS: 

  • Must have a high level of accuracy, time management skills, and possess strong organizational skills

  • Legally and physically able to drive large size company vehicles (mobile clinic, van, truck, etc.)

  • Must posses a valid CA driver's license

  • Excellent analytical, problem solving, and prioritization skills.

  • Use statistical and graphic displays.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • High-level interpersonal skills. Able to work collaboratively and tactfully with multi-disciplinary and diverse teams that may include employees, customers, physicians.

  • Effective computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, publisher, Paint, Word, etc.

  • Work independently to complete assigned tasks.

  • Team building.

  • Must be able to travel within the service area and region to multiple locations (ie. Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties)

  • Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus




WORK ENVIRONMENT  

Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Variations in conditions may occur under certain circumstances.




CONFIDENTIALITY 

Maintains patient, employee, and Foundation confidentiality at all times, discussing patient or employee business only with appropriate parties who have a bona fide need to know; and communicating only the minimum amount of information necessary with respect to protected health information (PHI) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). 

  1. AGREEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE 

  2. I HAVE READ THE ABOVE JOB DESCRIPTION AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH AND WILL PERFORM ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.




Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:40pm