Central City Concern logo
Central City Concern
Portland, Oregon

SUDs Counselor

CounselorNo weekendsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$23.36-$36.92/hr

The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday

Ask the employer about call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 7mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

Bring Your Expertise and Compassion as a SUDs Counselor to CCC

Are you ready to make a real impact in the lives of individuals navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges? At Old Town Recovery Center, we don’t just treat addiction; we walk alongside individuals on their path to healing, stability, and long-term wellness. As a SUDs Counselor, you’ll be part of a highly skilled, mission-driven team committed to providing integrated, person-centered care for some of Portland’s most vulnerable community members.

What You’ll Do

As a member of our interdisciplinary treatment team, you will provide direct substance use treatment and case management services. You’ll conduct assessments, facilitate individual and group counseling, and support clients in navigating mental health care, physical health needs, employment, education, and housing. This role is rooted in trauma-informed, evidence-based care and community connection.

Who We’re Looking For

  • Credentialed professionals with a CADC I, II, or III with 2 years of delivering SUD services
  • Individuals with lived experience and/or certifications such as PSS or CRM (strongly preferred)
  • Bilingual Spanish-speaking counselors are highly encouraged to apply
  • Skilled in group facilitation, case management, and working with co-occurring disorders
  • Committed to cultural responsiveness, equity, and client-centered recovery

If you're passionate about recovery, equity, and supporting people as they build healthier futures, we invite you to bring your skills and heart to Old Town Recovery Center.

Your work here will matter, every single day.

Location: Old Town Recovery Center

Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00am - 4:30pm)

Compensation

  • CADC-R $23.36 - $30.37
  • CADC-1: $25.76 - $33.49
  • CADC-2 or 3: $28.40 - $36.92

Minimum Qualifications

Must Have One of the Following

  • CADC-R
  • CADC-1
  • CADC-2
  • CADC-3
  • 2 years of delivering SUDs treatment HIGHLY preferred
  • PSS or CRM HIGHLY preferred.
  • Must have High School Diploma or GED
  • Bilingual Spanish SUDS Counselors preferred (must demonstrate proficiency in secondary language.)
  • Experience with outpatient adults who have been adjudicated to treatment and/or people with co-occurring mental health disorders preferred.
  • Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge and skills in group facilitation.
  • Must be able to demonstrate working knowledge and skills in evidence-based treatment methods utilized in the treatment of addiction and trauma-informed care.
  • Knowledge and skills in de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.
  • Knowledge and skills in crisis intervention.
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of community and social service agencies with the ability to provide case management services as needed.
  • Must be able to work a range of hours.
  • Position would accept a CADC-R should a strong candidate be identified.
  • Current CPR certification required prior to start.
  • Ability to adhere to Central City Concern’s drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
  • Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects. Must be able to climb stairs several times a day.
  • Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
  • Must adhere to agency’s non-discrimination policies.
  • Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, life-styles and sexual orientations, and treat individuals with respect and dignity.
  • The OAR prohibits SUDS program staff from having, within the previous 3 years a DUI conviction or diversion, a felony conviction, or a conviction under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Conduct screening and assessment of potential clients to determine treatment needs, placement, and diagnosis; develop an individualized treatment plan.

Participate in Direct Treatment of Clients By

  • Attending clinical staff meetings and case conferences in order to facilitate individual treatment plans for clients.
  • Providing group counseling to clients as needed.
  • Provide case management to clients on an as-needed basis.
  • Conduct treatment groups and provide individual counseling as needed.
  • Adhere to agency norms for completion of all clinical documentation, including but not limited to assessment, treatment plan, progress notes, monthly reports to referral sources, and service conclusion summaries
  • Participate in all Quality Assurance activities.
  • Participate in clinical meetings.
  • Attend all mandatory CCC trainings in a timely manner.
  • Document client services in electronic health records within 72 hours.
  • Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners’ and outside providers’ patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.
  • Supervise practicum students when needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to work effectively with peers, individual clients, and groups
  • Ability to work as a team member and to establish priorities
  • Ability to apply principles learned to new situations
  • Ability to learn new skills
  • Ability to manage time and meet deadlines
  • Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
  • Ability to work in an environment where clients may display behaviors that are challenging or aggressive.
  • Ability to work courteously and effectively communicate with the general public, clients, medical personnel, corrections personnel, police, and co-workers
  • Ability to provide quality documentation in an electronic health record within 72 hours of service provided.

AFSCME Union

This role is a Union Represented position through: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). You can find more information about your representation here afscme.org

Benefits at Central City Concern

We offer incredible benefits to our employees, including an extensive total rewards package, competitive compensation, medical, dental, vision, Student loan repayment options, and retirement savings matching plans!

  • Generous paid time off plan beginning at 4 weeks of PTO accrual per year!

Accrual amount/rate increases with longevity.

  • Up to 11 recognized Holidays and 2 Personal Holidays (dependent on work shift schedule)
  • Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with an employer match of 4.25% in your 1st year, 6% in the 2nd year, and 8% in your 3rd year!
  • Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
  • Employer-Paid Life, Short-Term Disability, & Long-Term Disability Insurance!
  • Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, and pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second-chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding the consideration of criminal background for employment purposes.

Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this particular job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.

Key Responsibilities

The counselor will provide direct substance use treatment and case management services as part of an interdisciplinary team, conducting assessments and facilitating both individual and group counseling sessions. Responsibilities also include supporting clients with navigating mental health care, employment, education, and housing needs.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a relevant credential such as CADC I, II, or III, along with a minimum of two years delivering SUD services, though CADC-R candidates may be considered. Essential requirements include a High School Diploma or GED, knowledge of evidence-based treatment, crisis intervention skills, and the ability to adhere to strict workplace policies regarding drug use and background checks.

Qualifications

Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Substance Use Disorder TreatmentHIPAA Compliance42 CFR Part 2 Compliance

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates SUDs Counselor at Central City Concern a 6.7 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in Substance Use Disorder Counseling — ranked against 69 active Substance Use Disorder Counseling listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.

Substance Use Disorder Counseling — Counselor Career Context

Central City Concern holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 77/100, 17 active listings.

Of the 50 active Substance Use Disorder Counseling listings this role was benchmarked against, 6% are remote, 62% have no call, 86% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Oregon is 103.4 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$63k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $61k in an average-cost state. 62.0% of Oregon clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

19 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution19 jobs · 18 employers

5
<$70k
6
$70k-80k
5
$80k-90k
2
$90k-100k
1
$101k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks15 jobs

401k / retirement match
100% this job
Sign-on bonus
40%
CME allowance
33%
PSLF eligible
20%
Loan repayment
13% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Outpatient Therapist Chemical Dependency

Avera Health · Sioux Falls, South Dakota

$61k-$101k
#2

Substance Use Counselor

St. Anthony Foundation · San Francisco, California

$60k-$90k
#3

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

$67,679 - $90,247
#4

Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor

$75k-$85k
+ 17 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 3.0this job 6.7
Better work-life than 80% of Substance Use Disorder Counseling listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 69 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • No weekends
  • On-site

Living in Portland

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$526k
Typical market rent
$1,732/mo
Residents’ average commute
24 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
105.4
State income tax
Up to 9.9%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Central City Concern logo

About Central City Concern

Benefits & Perks

Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO accrual per year)
11 recognized holidays and 2 personal holidays
403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance
Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
Sabbatical program at years 7, 14, and 21
Student loan repayment options