SUD Counselor - Central East Regional Recovery Center
Listed compensation
$24-$32/hr
The week · per this posting · Monday – FridayWeekdays only
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, benefits and time off.
Job Description
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
About ECS/ Why work for us?
We want you to apply because we believe everyone can make a positive impact. By joining ECS, you will directly improve the lives of children and their families and those facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders in San Diego. Your unique skillset will be embraced as we work to break systemic barriers and create a more equitable society. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others!
Mission: Our mission is to break barriers and transform communities through programs rooted in our tradition of action and faith in God.
Purpose: Our purpose is to cultivate a strong, vibrant, and just San Diego region.
Vision: Our overall vision is to have an abundant and equitable society where all have unlimited potential.
General Description
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, SUD Counselor provides counseling and case management services to clients requesting SUD treatment, including screening, assessment, referrals to treatment, group counseling and individual counseling sessions as needed.
Essential Functions
- Participate in a unified team approach to the provision of SUD treatment.
- Conduct individual counseling sessions.
- Conduct screenings, assessments and referrals utilizing the ASAM tool.
- Conduct group counseling sessions.
- Conduct client education sessions.
- Maintain accurate, complete, timely and legible program records following Drug Medi-Cal Standards.
- Monitor and document participant’s program compliance.
- Performs drug testing urinalysis specimen collections and screening as required.
- Provide case management services in client’s homes, treatment settings, and other community locations.
- Participate in Court meetings as necessary.
- Performs other duties as needed.
Education & Experience
- REQUIRED: Current registration or certification from a California State Substance Use Disorders (SUD) certifying agency.
- At least one year of professional experience providing direct, indirect, or support services for alcohol and drug programs dealing with individual recovery or alcohol and drug problem reduction.
- Experience with clients with co-occurring disorders, including substance abuse.
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Special/Other
- Must pass criminal background check through, Live Scan fingerprinting, FBI and Department of Justice
- Must have CPR certification or be willing to acquire on the job.
- Must be free of debarment.
- ECS requires pre-hire medical clearance including drug/alcohol and TB screening.
Compensation Range
$24.00 to $28.00 Hourly (registered counselor)
OR $28.00 to $32.00 Hourly (certified counselor)
Key Responsibilities
The SUD Counselor provides counseling and case management services, including screenings, assessments, and individual or group therapy sessions. They are also responsible for maintaining program records according to Drug Medi-Cal Standards and performing drug testing.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a current registration or certification from a California State SUD certifying agency and have at least one year of professional experience in alcohol and drug programs. A background check, medical clearance, and CPR certification are also required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 50% are remote, 32% have no call, 60% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$54k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $49k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates SUD Counselor - Central East Regional Recovery Center at Episcopal Community Ser a 6.4 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Substance Use / Addiction Counselor — ranked against 1,008 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements, no night shifts.
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