Counselor Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Counselor jobs in Los Angeles are in strong demand, with openings concentrated across Koreatown, Westlake, and the San Fernando Valley in community mental health, K-12 education, and substance use recovery. Employers hiring right now include Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center, Outset, and APLA Health. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Minimum Qualifications-Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
- Certified for Substance Abuse Treatment.
- Employment eligibility required.
- Must have own transportation, valid California Driver License, and proof of automobile insurance coverage.
- Abilities: Ability to drive; Ability to develop and maintain effective working relations with program and with community representatives and contractors; Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
- Skills: Good writing and oral (communication) skills are necessary, Strong interpersonal and social skills and Time management skills necessary
Summary
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, is responsible for but not limited to planning, facilitating, implementing, and coordinating integrated mental health and substance abuse services to adult individuals with co-occurring disorders from diverse backgrounds.
Essential Functions
- Conduct individual assessment on case management needs and substance abuse
- Coordinate case management services by exploring community resources, providing linkage, and referrals to ensure continuous system of care.
- Coordinate and implement group activities geared toward substance abuse prevention and intervention
- Coordinate services with various public and private community health, mental health, and social service agencies in treatment of clients
- Report program activities and development, crises, and any other pertinent information to appropriate chain of command
- Transport client(s) to connect with necessary community resources when needed
- Establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with clients and family members.
- Provide and/or assist with on-call emergency coverage.
- Assist clients, families; and significant others in understanding substance abuse prevention and intervention issues and strategies to ensure their participation in the treatment process.
- Participate, coordinate and implement cooperative arrangements and/or team conferences with various inter-disciplinary team members in the development and implementation of client’s integrated treatment plan and aftercare plan.
- Maintain and submit billing records in a timely manner. Maintain and update client’s files and documentation in accordance with Department of Mental Health guidelines.
- Coordinate outreach efforts to ethnic communities and families about substance abuse, mental health, wellness and recovery.
- Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager and/or Division Director.
Secondary Functions
- Provide consultation to agencies and constituents of the community as appropriate.
- Assist with program activities as assigned by the program manager.
Minimum Requirements
Regular attendance and background check required.
Non-Essential Qualifications (optional) - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Preferred one year of direct service experience in a forensic treatment or mental health setting which has an interdisciplinary team approach.
- Knowledge: Basic Computer software programs (Experience on Microsoft Word and Excel, Internet), Knowledge and ability to relate to people with mental illness, Knowledge of DSM-IV and Mental Illness.
- Overtime, holiday, or weekend work may be required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None identified.
Environmental Conditions
Job duties are to be performed both in office and field settings.
Physical Requirements
The employee is expected to drive, sit, stand, walk, carry a maximum of 20lbs, listen, and speak in order to complete job requirements.
Mental Requirements
The employee must be able to handle any/all of the following: constant distractions, interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; be able to process information, think, and conceptualize.
Special Service for Groups is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
COVID-19 Vaccination : Required to be fully vaccinated prior to start date.
Job Type: Part-Time
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Weekdays (TBA)
Work Location:
- Multiple locations
Typical start time:
- 9:00AM
Typical end time:
- 5:30PM
Benefit Conditions:
- Waiting period may apply
Work Remotely:
- No
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20.0 per week
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Education:
- Associate (Preferred)
Experience:
- Addiction counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- any other language besides English (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
- Substance Abuse Treatment Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person
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Find Counselor JobsCounselor Job Market in Los Angeles
Who's Hiring
- Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center30

- Outset15

- APLA Health15

- UCLA Health15

- Ivyinspiration15
Counselor Jobs in Los Angeles: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a counselor job in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles hiring concentrates in community mental health centers, LAUSD and charter school networks, county-run behavioral health programs, and nonprofit social service agencies. Candidates with bilingual Spanish fluency or experience serving unhoused populations have a clear edge in this market. Targeting the San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles, and East Los Angeles corridors, where publicly funded programs cluster, gives you the best access to open roles.
Which companies hire counselors in Los Angeles?
Employers hiring counselors in Los Angeles right now include Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center, Outset, and APLA Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The Los Angeles market is anchored by large county health systems, school districts, and a dense network of nonprofits operating across the city's diverse neighborhoods.
Are there remote counselor jobs in Los Angeles?
Yes, though counseling roles are less remote-friendly than most professions given the in-person nature of direct client care. About 20% of counselor openings tied to Los Angeles are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with telehealth and case management coordination roles being the most common candidates for flexible arrangements.
How can I get a counselor job in Los Angeles with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Los Angeles is through a paid internship or practicum placement with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health or a community-based organization like Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. Entry-level case manager, community health worker, and crisis line counselor roles are the most accessible starting points and regularly convert to full counselor positions after licensure hours accumulate.
Related Jobs in California
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