Alcohol and Drug Counselor Jobs in California
Alcohol and Drug Counselor jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where community health centers, county behavioral health departments, and integrated care systems drive consistent demand across outpatient, residential, and crisis stabilization settings. Large employers with a lasting presence in California include Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Behavioral Health Services. The most in-demand specialties are dual-diagnosis treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and youth substance use intervention. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 28+ Alcohol and Drug Counselor jobs
POSITION PURPOSE:
The purpose of this position is to assist clients addicted to alcohol or drugs in finding their motivation to change through evidenced based practice and integrative health care approach.
MAJOR POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS:
- Provide direct substance abuse counseling to patients with opioid and other substance abuse disorders including patients receiving medicated assisted treatment (MAT).
- Provide prevention services for patients who have a mild to moderate scoring on the alcohol and or drug screener but are at risk of developing a substance abuse disorder.
- Utilize evidenced base treatment strategies such as: SBIRT (Screening, Brief Interventions, and Referral to Treatment), Motivational Enhancement treatment (MET) and Cognitive Behavioral Treatment approaches (CBT) to decrease substance abuse.
- Facilitate weekly support groups
- Maintain a caseload of 35 ongoing substance abuse treatment patients in addition to providing consultations.
- Develop a collaborative relationship with Care Team providers and present patient care presentations on progress, treatment, and goals as part of integrative healthcare approach.
- Attend Care Team meetings/case conferences/trainings with the primary care providers and/or other behavioral health staff members.
- Complete documentation according to department standards within a 24 hour period and participate in monthly quality assurance documentation reviews.
- Provide consultation services: Brief assessment, crisis intervention, case management, linkage to longer term care, referrals, coping skills training, psycho-education, and support of medical treatment regimen.
- Provide liaison services: Formal and informal education of providers and East Valley staff of substance abuse services, substance abuse disorders, and empirically validated treatments.
- Network and collaborate with outside agencies to create ongoing partnerships for substance abuse treatment.
- Other duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Have a current valid Drug and Alcohol Certificate issued by the California Consortium of Addictions Programs and Professionals and or the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification required.
- One year of work experience in a drug and alcohol work setting.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Computer literacy in word processing and spreadsheet programs.
DOE: $24.00- $28.34
East Valley offers a competitive salary, and excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, and defined contribution retirement plan. You will also enjoy a work-life balance with paid time off and holidays throughout the year.
Please apply to this position with your current resume.
Principals only. Recruiters, please do not contact this job posting.
EOE is the Law. It is the stated policy of EVCHC to conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
POSITION PURPOSE:
The purpose of this position is to assist clients addicted to alcohol or drugs in finding their motivation to change through evidenced based practice and integrative health care approach.
MAJOR POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS:
- Provide direct substance abuse counseling to patients with opioid and other substance abuse disorders including patients receiving medicated assisted treatment (MAT).
- Provide prevention services for patients who have a mild to moderate scoring on the alcohol and or drug screener but are at risk of developing a substance abuse disorder.
- Utilize evidenced base treatment strategies such as: SBIRT (Screening, Brief Interventions, and Referral to Treatment), Motivational Enhancement treatment (MET) and Cognitive Behavioral Treatment approaches (CBT) to decrease substance abuse.
- Facilitate weekly support groups
- Maintain a caseload of 35 ongoing substance abuse treatment patients in addition to providing consultations.
- Develop a collaborative relationship with Care Team providers and present patient care presentations on progress, treatment, and goals as part of integrative healthcare approach.
- Attend Care Team meetings/case conferences/trainings with the primary care providers and/or other behavioral health staff members.
- Complete documentation according to department standards within a 24 hour period and participate in monthly quality assurance documentation reviews.
- Provide consultation services: Brief assessment, crisis intervention, case management, linkage to longer term care, referrals, coping skills training, psycho-education, and support of medical treatment regimen.
- Provide liaison services: Formal and informal education of providers and East Valley staff of substance abuse services, substance abuse disorders, and empirically validated treatments.
- Network and collaborate with outside agencies to create ongoing partnerships for substance abuse treatment.
- Other duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Have a current valid Drug and Alcohol Certificate issued by the California Consortium of Addictions Programs and Professionals and or the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification required.
- One year of work experience in a drug and alcohol work setting.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Computer literacy in word processing and spreadsheet programs.
DOE: $24.00- $28.34
East Valley offers a competitive salary, and excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, and defined contribution retirement plan. You will also enjoy a work-life balance with paid time off and holidays throughout the year.
Please apply to this position with your current resume.
Principals only. Recruiters, please do not contact this job posting.
EOE is the Law. It is the stated policy of EVCHC to conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 28 Alcohol and Drug Counselor Jobs in California
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Find JobsAlcohol and Drug Counselor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Alcohol and Drug Counselor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
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What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in alcohol and drug counselor jobs across California.
- Active CADC or LAADC credential issued or recognized by CCAPP or CADTP in California
- Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related field
- Experience providing individual and group counseling in substance use disorder settings
- Knowledge of evidence-based modalities including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy
- Ability to document case notes and treatment plans accurately within electronic health record systems
- Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation for community outreach or mobile services
Alcohol and Drug Counselor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a alcohol and drug counselor in California?
To become an alcohol and drug counselor in California, you must register with a state-approved certifying organization such as CCAPP, CADTP, or CAADE and complete their required education and supervised hours before sitting for the written examination. Most counselors start by earning an associate or bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, then register as a counselor intern while accumulating supervised experience hours toward the CADC or equivalent credential.
Which companies hire alcohol and drug counselors in California?
California alcohol and drug counselor roles are posted by Safety Center, Turning Point Community Programs, and CRASH and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large integrated health systems, county behavioral health departments, and nonprofit community health organizations are among the most consistent sources of full-time openings.
Which California cities have the most alcohol and drug counselor jobs?
Sacramento, Truckee, and Woodland have the most alcohol and drug counselor openings in California. The distribution reflects where large county behavioral health systems, federally qualified health centers, and residential treatment networks are based, so major metropolitan counties with higher population density and more extensive public health infrastructure generate the greatest share of postings, while surrounding suburban areas follow their anchor institutions.
Are there remote alcohol and drug counselor jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in desk-based fields because much of the work involves direct, in-person client care and group sessions. About 0% of alcohol and drug counselor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and the portions most suited to remote delivery are telehealth individual counseling sessions and case management coordination rather than residential or crisis stabilization work.
How can I get hired as a alcohol and drug counselor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is registering as a counselor intern with a California-approved certifying body such as CCAPP or CAADE, which allows you to work under supervision while accumulating the required hours toward your CADC credential. County behavioral health departments and large nonprofit providers like Volunteers of America Western USA and Telecare Corporation regularly hire registered interns and counselor trainees for residential, outpatient, and case management aide roles. Lateral experience as a case manager, peer support specialist, or behavioral health technician is widely recognized by California employers as a strong foundation.
Where can I find and apply to alcohol and drug counselor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to alcohol and drug counselor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers hiring right now. Find the roles that fit your credentials and experience, then apply directly to each one.
See All 28 Alcohol and Drug Counselor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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