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Substance Use Navigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor

TN · Remote

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

Collaborate with prescribers, care navigators, and recovery coaches. * Monitor member progress and ... work, substance use disorder treatment, therapy, human services, social services, medication ...

Substance Use Counselor

TN · Remote

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

Collaborate with prescribers, care navigators, and recovery coaches. * Monitor member progress and ... work, substance use disorder treatment, therapy, human services, social services, medication ...

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Substance Use Navigator information

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$13

$22

$33

How much do substance use navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use navigator in the United States is $22.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Substance Use Navigator typically 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substance Use Navigator, and why are they important?

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.
More about Substance Use Navigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Substance Use Navigator jobs? Cities with the most Substance Use Navigator job openings:
What states have the most Substance Use Navigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Substance Use Navigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substance Use Navigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,665 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Patient Care Navigator - Oakland Richmond

Rely Health

Oakland, CA • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About Rely Health
At Rely Health, we leverage a comprehensive suite of technology tools to ensure every patient receives personalized support throughout their healthcare journey. Our patient care navigators utilize advanced AI-driven solutions, multi-channel communication platforms, and real-time data analytics to provide high-quality, cost-effective, and accessible care to diverse communities across the United States.
By combining human empathy with cutting-edge technology, Rely Health ensures comprehensive, efficient, and accessible care navigation for all patients, regardless of their location or circumstances. Our solution not only reduces worry and frustration for patients and their families but also improves overall health outcomes and reduces the total cost of care
About the role
As a Patient Care Navigator/Substance Use Navigator (SUN), you play an integral role in supporting medication for addiction treatment (MAT) while serving as an advocate to your patients throughout their transition from the acute care setting to outpatient treatment.
*This position will require Monday-Friday, 8-hour shifts between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
*This position is an onsite position.
*This position will be located between 2 hospital sites: Richmond and Oakland. 2 days at one site and 3 days at the other.
*This is a grant funded position with 1 year of funding.
  • Act as a Substance Use Navigator (SUN) to interact with patients, assess their readiness for treatment and links the patients to care.
  • Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with patients in a respectful, culturally appropriate, non-judgmental manner.
  • Maintains up-to-date information about the effects of various substances, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options to effectively educate and counsel patients.
  • Provides liaison services to Addiction Medicine and outpatient clinics that manage addiction and wellness efforts towards sobriety.
  • Required to attend and represent the organization at training and meetings at the request of CA Bridge program of the Public Health Institute.
  • Clearly communicates the purposes and services available to patients, family members and caregivers.
  • Promotes expansion of MAT program and philosophy within the hospital.
  • Works with the patient to coordinate transition into or out of a care setting by following instructions they received from a medical professional. This may include faxing information, obtaining referrals or authorizations, arranging transportation, coordinating durable medical equipment (DME), making and confirming appointments, obtaining test results, and other patient related duties as designated.
  • Practices regular communication with care team members to provide feedback around process improvement of services offered within the community, and to expand knowledge of those services that can better serve the patient and increase effectiveness of the role.
  • Maintains frequent contact with SUN Program Supervisor and MAT Physician Champion to assist with other duties as assigned in support of other hospital initiatives. Interacts with the care team to collaboratively build a care pathway for patients to achieve sobriety and directs the execution of such a plan. Remains aware of and develops relationships with community resources and services offered, such as (and not limited to) mental health, housing, food, and employment assistance, and provides information on such services to patients as needed.
  • Maintains privacy and confidentiality of any drug treatment efforts throughout the patient's lifespan of treatment.
  • Facilitates patients' utilization of community resources to support patient wellness.
  • Initiates steps to promote patients' access to health insurance.
  • Establishes relationships with, and serves as primary point of contact for, patients diagnosed with substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health disorders. If required by the hospital, this may include initial patient assessments and brief interventions using standardized tools.
  • Maintains documentation of all client encounters in excel or software-based program and completes reporting requirements according to program standards.
  • Fully discloses relevant training, experience, and credentials, in order to help patients, understand the scope of services the Substance Care Navigator is qualified to provide and refrains from any activity that could be construed as clinical in nature.
  • Pay range $25/hr - $28/hr depending on experience

Qualifications
Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Understanding of substance use disorders (SUD) and medication assisted treatment (MAT).
  • Nonjudgmental, energetic, positive, harm-reduction approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
  • Cultural competence in working with and serving populations whose social and cultural backgrounds are different from one's own.
  • Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy.
  • Healthcare experience.
  • Proficient in medical terminology.

Knowledge of computer skills using Google Suite, Excel and e-mail.
Rely Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. Rely Health is committed to complying with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with it.
Rely Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. Rely Health is committed to complying with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.
Working Conditions
Requires frequent use of the telephone and computer. Prolonged periods of sitting at the desk, computer work and reading can be anticipated. This position is located in an emergency department where walking to and from patients rooms is required.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Technology reimbursement
  • Sick Time
  • Vacation Time
  • Holidays
  • Monthly Technology Reimbursement

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with it.
Rely Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. Rely Health is committed to complying with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.
Working Conditions
Requires frequent use of the telephone and computer. Prolonged periods of sitting at the desk, computer work and reading can be anticipated.
Benefits
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • LT/ST Disability and Life Insurance
  • Technology reimbursement
  • Paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Holiday)
  • Paid Parental leave
  • Professional development
  • Technology Reimbursement