AOD Counselor
Listed compensation
$21.5-$29.03/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage and nights and shift pattern.
Job Description
About the Organization
The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) works to end mass incarceration. To ensure our communities are safe, healthy, and whole, ARC empowers formerly and currently incarcerated people to thrive by providing a support network, comprehensive reentry services, and opportunities to advocate for policy change. Through our grassroots policy advocacy, we are dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system so that it is more just and equitable for all people.
Position Summary
ARC is seeking a certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor to facilitate onsite programming, provide individual support to candidates, and support life coaches in an 80 bed Life Skills program, part of a Fire Training Program in conjunction with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and CAL FIRE, located in Ventura County.
This role will report directly to the Program Manager. This exciting program will require an experienced individual with the ability to work well with all stakeholders and multidisciplinary partners.
There will be a strong emphasis on identifying and implementing programming to support program participants along with individual program participant support. This is a challenging position that requires a self-motivated, multi-tasker with a strong case-management and/or residential services provision background.
Experience with serving those who have experienced the criminal justice system is considered an asset, along with passion and commitment to social justice reform. This is a position that will interact with governmental agencies, ARC staff, as well as other community-based organizations.
Essential Job Functions
- In collaboration with the Program Manager, Department of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) and CAL FIRE work to create a comprehensive schedule of support groups related to SUD treatment and Life Skills based on need.
- Work to implement programming, ensuring support groups take place consistently and on time.
- Facilitate behavior modification groups using evidence-based practices documenting attendance, participation, and progress in potentially multiple databases.
- Support the implementation and provision of all Life Skills Training program components, services, and activities.
- Educate and assist participants in navigating existing medical insurance to successfully access individual therapy with providers in the community. Assist the Program Manager in supporting the professional growth of ARC Life Coaches.
- Assist with intake assessments, case management, case, notes, and maintaining participant files and electronic data collection.
- Attend case conferences, staff meetings, and requisite trainings.
- Possess the interpersonal skills that allow effective interaction with varied staff and participant groups.
- Maintain all documentation and data as required by the program contract.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with program partners.
- Work to build and maintain relationships within the local community.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- At least 2 years of professional experience providing services to a criminal justice or related population.
- Experience with case file review, group facilitation/documentation, and contract compliance are essential.
- Residential experience preferred.
- AOD/SUD Certification or proof of enrollment and working towards completion.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Flexible and self-starter; ability to multitask while also being highly detail oriented.
- Excellent people and communication skills, with experience in collaborating in a multidisciplinary, diverse and dynamic team environment.
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to ARC’s mission.
- Strong and affective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
- Clean driving record and insurable by ARC’s carrier.
- Able to pass CDCR background clearance.
- Passionate about the ARC mission.
Salary/Benefits
- Salary range $21.50 - $29.03 depending on experience.
- ARC pays up to 100% medical/dental/vision benefits for the individual; up to 50% for dependents.
- Employer funded life insurance
- 401(k) matching
- 10 paid vacation days, 6 paid sick days.
ARC is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status and will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Key Responsibilities
Develop and facilitate substance use treatment, behavior modification, and life skills programming, while providing individual support and helping participants access community therapy services. Complete assessments, case management, documentation, and contract reporting, and coordinate with program staff, government agencies, and community partners.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Addiction Counseling — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Addiction Counseling listings this role was benchmarked against, 60% are remote, 28% have no call, 68% require no weekends.
In California, the Addiction Counseling weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$61k (17 salary observations; 25 listings), vs ~$62k nationally (104 salary observations; 255 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-02-01 through 2026-10-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $45k–$60k | Addiction Counseling median $74k (middle half $62k–$99k)45 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| California vs national | $61k median in California | $62k nationally (−2%)17 state / 104 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$47k in purchasing power | California index 110.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Addiction Counseling listings in California | 19 active | 117 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 60% remote · 28% no call · 68% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Addiction Counseling pay trend | +13.0% vs prior quarter | —through Sep 2026 |
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