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Substance Use Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Navigator

Placerville, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Merced, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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

Substance Use Counselor

Riverside, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $31.60/hr

Substance Use Counselor Requirements: AOD Certification is required. Counselor II or III Preferred. * Registration/Certification must be obtained from a California-approved Counselor Certification ...

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Ontario, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

Job Summary The Substance Use Disorder Counselor will work with individuals, families, and groups to provide therapeutic support and education to those affected by substance misuse in a manner that ...

Substance Use Counselor

Riverside, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $31.60/hr

Substance Use Counselor Requirements: AOD Certification is required. Counselor II or III Preferred. * Registration/Certification must be obtained from a California-approved Counselor Certification ...

New

Substance Use Counselor

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Substance Use Counselor Requirements: * AOD Registration is required. * AOD Certification is preferred. * Registration/Certification must be obtained from a California-approved Counselor ...

Showing results 21-40

Substance Use information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance use counselor?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Rancho Mirage, CA • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities
Provide clinical services in coordination with the treatment team consistent with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation's Standards of Care. Provide clinical coaching, as assigned, to students and interns to facilitate development of clinical competency and ethical practice.
As an Substance Use Disorder Counselor 1 you will:
  1. Provide substance use disorder treatment services to patients according to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation standards of care, policies, and procedures
  2. To represent Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation services to various audiences to ensure consistent knowledge about services, processes and participation
  3. Facilitate and demonstrate communication of patient information to internal and external resources for patients according to Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation policy and procedures and consistent with Federal Confidentiality (CFR 42) and Health Information Portability and Privacy Act (CFR 45) and mandated reporting requirements

As a Substance Use Disorder Counselor 2 you will:
  1. A manageable caseload
  2. Remarkable team collaboration and peer support
  3. Individual weekly clinical supervision with LCSW (for clinical hours) and group supervision with highly trained and diverse clinical multi-disciplinary team, multiple times weekly
  4. Prioritize ongoing professional development by offering relevant CEU's toward licensure/renewal at no cost to you
  5. Reduced tuition to Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies
  6. Leadership supported DEI Initiatives

Qualifications
Required Qualifications Substance Use Disorder Counselor 1:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Completed certificate/degree program in addiction counseling or equivalent
  • Active Substance Use Disorder certification or license in state you will be working:
    • CA: LAADC, CADC, CATC, or SUDCC
  • Proficiency with technology and computer skills to document in an electronic health record system, attend virtual meetings, and manage outlook emails and calendars
  • Minimum 2 years freedom from chemical dependency
  • Current CPR certification or obtain within 30 days (fully remote work employees exempt).
    • Certification must be from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross

Required Qualifications Substance Use Disorder Counselor 2:
  • Masters Degree
  • Completed certificate/degree program in addiction counseling or equivalent
  • Active Substance Use Disorder certification or license in state you will be working:
    • CA: LAADC, CADC, CATC, or SUDCC
  • Proficiency with technology and computer skills to document in an electronic health record system, attend virtual meetings, and manage outlook emails and calendars
  • Minimum 2 years freedom from chemical dependency
  • Current CPR certification or obtain within 30 days (fully remote work employees exempt).
    • Certification must be from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross

Overview
The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is the largest nonprofit addiction recovery organization in the United States. It is also one of the most mission-driven places you will find. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation team is passionate about providing hope and ultimately healing. As a living, growing and evolving institution, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is - at our core- a people-powered organization. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is comprised of 1600+ employees, seventeen treatment sites and produces $190 million dollars in annual revenue. This exemplary organization serves nearly 25,000 people annually and is committed to provide hope and healing for those experiencing addiction to alcohol and other drugs.
What makes this organization unique is its total ecosystem approach to prevention, education, research, advocacy and treatment. All of the parts of the organization work together to inform, develop and deliver evidence- based practices that help people reclaim their futures and restore their hope.
Being "a best place to work" is a strategic goal of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and it's a goal that every employee plays an active role in helping to achieve. Our culture is a reflection of how encouraged and energized we each feel about contributing our ideas and performing to our greatest ability. Join us and do meaningful work.
We deeply value our employees. Working at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation includes a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Competitive Health, Dental and Vision Plans
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match
  • Paid time-off
  • Tuition reimbursement

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our colleagues is critical to our success as a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs; and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
Salary new (max and min)
USD $74,447.00 - USD $99,271.00 /Yr.