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Substance Use Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Executive Director About Key Collective Key Collective has served the community for over a decade, dedicating itself to supporting individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges ...

Case Manager I, II, III

Pomona, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Job Overview Women age 18 and above with severe substance use disorders are able to enter residential treatment with their children under the age of 10 ½. In addition to treatment of severe ...

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Substance Use information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.4K

$61.6K

$88.2K

How much do substance use jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use in Riverside, CA is $61,567.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,100.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 a job that helps people with addiction?

A common job that helps people with addiction is a substance use counselor or addiction counselor. These professionals provide therapy, support, and education to individuals struggling with substance use disorders and often require certification or licensing. They work in clinics, treatment centers, or community organizations to assist clients in recovery.

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 cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Substance Use job openings:
Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,567 per year, or $29.6 per hour.
Clinician-SUD Counselor

$71.64K - $93.32K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Clinician: SUD Counselor is a master's level position that also holds a certification is substance abuse treatment, responsible for supporting clients experiencing First Episode Psychosis (FEP) that may also be struggling with substance abuse. This role focuses on helping clients clarify their personal goals, cope with stress, develop healthier interpersonal interactions, and overcome barriers to recovery. Using an empowering and strengths-based approach, the Clinician: SUD Counselor will guide clients through structured behavioral interventions aimed at learning new skills and supporting behavior change. These interventions include social skills training, substance use treatment, behavioral activation, harm reduction techniques, relapse prevention, and psychoeducation. The Clinician: SUD Counselor will also foster peer support, promoting a sense of self-efficacy and autonomy in clients' recovery journey.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The CSC (Coordinated Specialty Care) Early Psychosis Program is a specialized treatment approach designed to help individuals who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The goal of the program is to provide comprehensive, team-based care that addresses the various needs of young people (typically ages 16-30) who have recently experienced symptoms of psychosis. The program is aimed at improving long-term outcomes and minimizing the impact of psychosis on the individual's life.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work with clients to identify personal recovery goals and develop concrete, achievable plans for reaching those goals.
  • Provide prevention services to individuals at risk for developing substance use problems, focusing on early intervention and harm reduction strategies.
  • Work with clients to identify personal goals and motivations for reducing substance use and help them take actionable steps toward these goals.
  • Provide ongoing support and counseling to reinforce behavior change, addressing setbacks and promoting long-term recovery.
  • Collaborate with clients to identify obstacles to recovery and work together to create strategies for overcoming them.
  • Provide structured behavioral interventions aimed at promoting positive behavior change, including techniques such as behavioral activation and social skills training.
  • Facilitate coping skills training to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges associated with First Episode Psychosis.
  • Support clients in learning and practicing new strategies for managing interpersonal relationships and navigating social situations effectively.
  • Offer psychoeducation on mental health, recovery, and coping strategies to clients and their families.
  • Educate clients about the nature of First Episode Psychosis, including symptoms, treatment options, and recovery pathways, with the goal of increasing self-awareness and self-management.
  • Promote emotional regulation and resilience through various therapeutic techniques.
  • Foster a peer support environment by promoting the sharing of lived experiences and helping clients connect with others who are on similar recovery journeys.
  • Use strengths-based and person-centered approaches to empower clients, supporting them in developing confidence and taking ownership of their recovery.
  • Collaborate closely with the CSC team (including Team Leaders, Education/Employment Specialists, Outreach Specialists, and SUD Counselors) to ensure clients' needs are being met holistically and that interventions are integrated across the team's efforts.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned to assist the needs of the program or organization

Requirements
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Education/Experience
  1. Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
  2. Certification in addiction studies, certified alcohol and drug counselor, certified substance abuse counselor, or equivalent.
  3. Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with substance abuse, psychosis, mental health disorders, or related conditions.
  4. Experience in working with adolescents and young adults is highly desirable.
  5. Familiarity with Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) models or similar evidence-based treatment approaches for psychosis is a plus.

Licensure, Registration, Certification
  1. Active BBS registration.
  2. Certification in addiction studies, certified alcohol and drug counselor, certified substance abuse counselor, or equivalent.
  3. Valid CA driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
  4. Completion of CPR/First Aid certification within the first thirty (30) days of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to drive a motor vehicle without restrictions, often in heavy traffic and frequently long distances (one hour or more) to ensure safe transport to client settings and to safely transport clients to appointments as needed.
  • Senses of vision, hearing and smell sufficient to regularly operate a motor vehicle, to visualize threats in the environment or risks to clients, and to operate safely in the field.
  • Required to occasionally lift and carry 10-20 pounds.
  • Regularly required to sit, stand, climb stairs (1 or more flights) and walk while in route to and during family visits.
  • Regularly required to sit and use computer in office settings.

Salary Description
$71,640- $93,320