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Westcare
Stockton, California

Substance Abuse Counselor

CounselorFull-Time

Listed compensation

Salary Range: $27.00/hour

Listing transparency1 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 12m ago · Verified live

Job Description

Job Details: Job Location: Stockton - 1609 N Wilson - Stockton, CA, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: $27.00 - $27.00Hourly, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services, POSITION SUMMARY: Person in this position will be responsible for the counseling and case management of clients enrolled in the program.

Essential Job Functions include those listed below. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Utilize intake and screening instruments using an assessment of needs to obtain a complete medical history; history of substance abuse; education level; work history; involvement with the legal system.

Deliver individual and group substance abuse counseling services, and substance abuse educational services responsible therapeutic activities throughout the continuum of care. Provide counseling for psychological distress. Conduct frequent random urine testing.

Create opportunities to complete GED and continue academic education through on-site and community resources.

Establish formal linkages with community providers for provision of all necessary services including basic needs of food, clothing, housing, finances, assistance in legal and family matters, vocational and educational needs, transportation, health care, mental health services, child welfare services and support services.

Maintenance of individual client treatment files in accordance with agency policies and procedures, including documentation of vocational/educational activities as well as all other pertinent documentation. Serve as a trainer for program staff.

Participate in daily shift exchange including documenting in facility log at the end of shifts and thoroughly reviewing log at the start of shifts. Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

COMPENTENCIES: Must possess knowledge of chemical dependency, substance abuse and personality dynamics of the substance abuser. Excellent communication skills. Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion. Ability to work well in a team environment.

Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality. Professional appearance and demeanor. Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from LEIE.

Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required; and CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.

As mandated by the State of California those employees who work at Residential, Outpatient, Sober Living, provide Mental Health Services, or Transitional Living Facilities must be fully vaccinated by September 30, 2021.

Employees that have requested a Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.

During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of full-time experience of counseling duties with a criminal justice population in a substance use disorder program. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: Alcohol and Drug Registration and actively pursuing Certification, in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is required at time of hire. Must obtain AOD Certification within six (6) months of employment.

Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently Certified. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is primarily performed in an office or in a residential treatment setting; and Some outdoor activities may be required.

Key Responsibilities

The counselor is responsible for providing individual and group substance abuse counseling, conducting assessments, and managing client treatment files. They also establish linkages with community providers to support client needs and participate in daily shift exchanges.

Requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma and three years of full-time counseling experience with a criminal justice population. A valid Alcohol and Drug Registration is required at the time of hire, with full AOD certification needed within six months.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Chemical dependency knowledgeCrisis interventionTreatment planningGroup counselingIndividual counselingClinical assessmentTeam collaborationTraining

Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 62% are remote, 26% 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 ~$51k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $46k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks30 jobs · 25 employers

401k / retirement match
93%
CME allowance
53%
Sign-on bonus
27%
Loan repayment
13%
PSLF eligible
7%

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Work-life snapshot

3.0/ 10
Listing-based score

Living in Stockton

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$412k
Typical market rent
$2,010/mo
Residents’ average commute
32 min
State income tax
Up to 13.3%
Sources & methodology

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

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