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Substance Use Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Merced, CA

$23.75 - $32/hr

Overview The Substance Use Disorder Counselor evaluates, treats, and supports individuals in their recovery from substance use disorders. This role works as part of an interdisciplinary team to help ...

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Merced, CA

$23.75 - $32/hr

Overview The Substance Use Disorder Counselor evaluates, treats, and supports individuals in their recovery from substance use disorders. This role works as part of an interdisciplinary team to help ...

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

Overview The Substance Use Disorder Counselor evaluates, treats, and supports individuals in their recovery from substance use disorders. This role works as part of an interdisciplinary team to help ...

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 ...

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Substance Use information

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 psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by state licensure or certification in addiction counseling. Familiarity with treatment planning software, electronic health records (EHRs), and evidence-based intervention techniques is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and strong communication abilities are essential for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding individuals through treatment, ensuring ethical care, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging environments.

What is a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor is a professional who helps individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support through assessment, treatment planning, counseling sessions, and recovery strategies. Substance use counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to guide clients toward recovery and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.

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

AspectSubstance UseSubstance Use Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certificationCertification required (e.g., CADC, CSAC)
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, hospitals, outreach programsRehabilitation centers, clinics, private practice
Industry UsageRefers to the issue or topic of substance useRefers to professionals providing treatment and support

Substance Use describes the issue or behavior related to the consumption of substances, while a Substance Use Counselor is a trained professional who provides treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance use problems. The counselor's role involves assessment, counseling, and developing recovery plans, whereas Substance Use refers to the broader topic or problem itself.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in substance use counseling, and how can they be effectively managed?

Substance use counselors often encounter challenges such as managing client relapse, navigating complex co-occurring mental health disorders, and maintaining clear professional boundaries. Building strong therapeutic alliances, participating in regular supervision, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can help address these difficulties. Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and self-care strategies are also essential for sustaining effectiveness and personal well-being in this emotionally demanding field.
What job categories do people searching Substance Use jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities in California with the most Substance Use job openings:
Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Substance Use Counselor

$21.38 - $24.59/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Substance Use Counselor (Sepulveda Substance Use)

This is an on-site position in Culver City, CA. The hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.

The pay range for this position is between $21.38 - $24.59 per hour. 

Ask us about loan repayment programs you may qualify for by working at Didi Hirsch.

About Didi Hirsch 

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has been a national leader in whole-person mental health, crisis care, and substance use services since 1942 and is home to the nation’s first Suicide Prevention Center. We are a nonprofit organization providing care to about 270,000 people annually across our programs. Didi Hirsch has deep roots in community-based mental health and a commitment to providing culturally responsive services that are just and equitable. More than 1,000 dedicated employees and volunteers make Didi Hirsch’s work possible. 

Summary

As a Substance Use Counselor, you will provide comprehensive intake assessment and individual, family, and group counseling services to adults with substance use issues and coordinate support services to assist clients with case management needs. You will also collaborate with other professionals to ensure the provision of integrated mental health, physical health and substance use treatment that is culturally congruent with our clients’ needs and assess, facilitate, and document group and individual counseling sessions, addressing individual progress and outcomes, ensuring compliance with Agency, state licensing and other regulatory standards and guidelines.

Primary Duties

  • Conducts/facilitates individual and group substance use prevention education and awareness, and counseling sessions and provides routine case management including assessment, intake, crisis intervention, and exit interviews for adults or adolescents with a history of substance use.
  • Interfaces with such agencies as the Department of Mental Health, Department of Child and Family Services, criminal justice services, Public health and other related community agencies and resources to give and receive information relative to clients.
  • Maintains documentation of all counseling sessions, substance use services and other services; ensures compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies.
  • Supervises program participants with conflict resolution and medication compliance as needed.
  • Developing and refining program curricula and materials.
  • Develops and maintains counselor skills through seminars, workshops, or other forms of training/education.
  • Attends and actively participates in all team and staff meetings, community meetings and supervision/consultation.

Position Requirements

  • Certified Substance Use Counselor with limited professional experience OR a Registered Substance Use Counselor with 1-2 years of experience in the behavioral health field, preferably focusing on substance use.
  • Certified in one of the state approved certification agencies for substance use.
  • Experience working with youth and adults in group presentations and process. Sensitivity to ethnic and cultural differences. Experience with community organization, program planning and implementation. Knowledge of substance use prevention and community resources.  Ability to work some evening hours and to arrange work schedule to the benefit of the program.
  • Have a working knowledge of case management and conducting/facilitating individual and group counseling sessions for appropriate clients to be served.
  • Support the values and mission of Didi Hirsch as related to employment.
  • Know and comply with Didi Hirsch Agency policies and procedures, HIPAA, DMH, Child and Family Services, policies and documentation guidelines, and other state, federal regulations relating to program.
  • First Aid, CPR certification required for all Residential counselors. Non-certified individuals hired into the position must be willing to complete certification course within 30 days of employment and maintain certifications in active and current status throughout employment. 
  • Demonstrate current knowledge of all job specific skills: to include mental health programming, psychiatric crisis intervention; documentation; group/individual counseling; multi-cultural and socio-economic issues.
  • Basic advocacy skills.
  • Present ideas, information, and viewpoints clearly, both verbally and in writing.
  • Efficiently use the personal computer including word processing and electronic chart system software.
  • Ability to work varied hours including evenings, nights and weekends.
  • Utilize analysis, experience, and judgment to make decisions within policies and practices.
  • Demonstrate commitment to team objectives and Didi Hirsch philosophies.
  • Adapt to changing needs by acquiring new skills and knowledge.
  • Current California driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the Agency’s insurance carrier.

Our Vision

A future where everyone has equitable access to care and is empowered to achieve optimal mental health and well-being.

Our Mission

Didi Hirsch provides compassionate mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services to individuals and families, especially in communities where discrimination and injustice limit access.

Core Values

Excellence: We are constantly innovating, learning from the communities we serve, and applying the latest research to advance best practices. We uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure we are providing compassionate and excellent care. 

Diversity & Inclusion: We value diversity of background, experience, and ideas. We celebrate differences and prioritize creating a sense of belonging. 

Equity: We are dedicated to promoting health equity in our communities, and we work to dismantle disparities and discrimination within both systems of care and society. 

Well Being: We are devoted to the well-being of our staff, volunteers, and communities, and believe healthy teams lead to healthy clients. 

Advocacy: We advocate across all levels of government and use our voice to reduce barriers to care with the goal of access to high quality, integrated healthcare for all. 

Community Engagement: We build partnerships in the community and across sectors to create a more inclusive and responsive mental health ecosystem and enhance greater accessibility to care and support.

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