SUD COUNSELOR - REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED
Listed compensation
$24.81-$32.65/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Women's Residential Treatment Program – Hollister, California
Help Transform Lives Through Recovery
Sun Street Centers is seeking a passionate and dedicated Registered Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor to join our Women's Residential Treatment Program in Hollister. If you are committed to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and build healthy, meaningful lives, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact in your community.
The ideal candidate embraces a recovery-oriented philosophy, understands person-centered care, values trauma-informed practices, and is eager to grow professionally while working within a CARF-accredited, Medi-Cal-funded treatment environment. This position offers the opportunity to provide direct counseling services, facilitate groups, develop treatment plans, and support individuals throughout their recovery journey.
About Sun Street Centers
Sun Street Centers is a nonprofit behavioral health organization dedicated to preventing alcohol and drug addiction by providing education, treatment, prevention, and recovery services throughout Monterey, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Our mission is to strengthen communities by helping individuals and families achieve lasting recovery and improved health outcomes.
What You'll Do
As a Registered or Certified SUD Counselor, you will:
- Provide individual and group counseling services to adults receiving residential substance use disorder treatment.
- Conduct client assessments, screenings, interviews, and treatment planning activities.
- Facilitate evidence-based counseling groups, including Matrix Model curriculum and relapse prevention programming.
- Monitor client progress toward recovery goals and update treatment plans as needed.
- Provide crisis intervention, case management, discharge planning, and recovery support services.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment teams and community partners.
- Support clients involved with the criminal justice system, housing instability, employment challenges, and co-occurring disorders.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with Medi-Cal, DMC-ODS, DHCS, and agency standards.
- Promote a safe, recovery-focused residential environment that supports long-term recovery success.
Why Join Sun Street Centers?
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by addiction.
- Work within a mission-driven organization committed to recovery and community wellness.
- Gain valuable experience with Medi-Cal, DMC-ODS, DHCS, ASAM Criteria, and CARF Accreditation standards.
- Join a collaborative team focused on quality care, continuous improvement, and professional development.
- Opportunities for advancement into Lead Counselor, Clinical Coordinator, and supervisory positions.
Minimum Qualifications
Required
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Registration with a DHCS-approved certifying organization (CCAPP, CADTP, or equivalent) upon hire date.
- Ability to obtain certification within state-required timelines.
- Experience working with adults in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, social services, or a related field.
- Knowledge of substance use disorder recovery principles.
- Valid California Driver's License and insurable driving record.
- Ability to pass DOJ fingerprint clearance, tuberculosis screening, and other pre-employment requirements.
Preferred
- Associate’s degree or higher in Behavioral Health, Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, or related field.
- Experience in residential treatment settings.
- Familiarity with Electronic Health Records and Medi-Cal documentation.
- Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and DMC-ODS service requirements.
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will:
- Demonstrate compassion, professionalism, and strong counseling skills.
- Be committed to a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to treatment.
- Possess strong documentation and organizational abilities.
- Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Maintain professional boundaries while building positive therapeutic relationships.
- Support Sun Street Centers' mission of recovery, wellness, and community transformation.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sun Street Centers is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, veterans, people with disabilities, bilingual applicants, and individuals with lived recovery experience are encouraged to apply.
Join our team and help create lasting recovery, healthier families, and stronger communities.
Key Responsibilities
The counselor will provide individual and group counseling services, conduct client assessments, and develop treatment plans within a residential setting. They will also facilitate evidence-based groups, manage crisis situations, and maintain accurate documentation in compliance with regulatory standards.
Requirements
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or GED and hold a registration with a DHCS-approved certifying organization. Experience in substance use disorder treatment or behavioral health is required, along with the ability to pass background and health screenings.
Qualifications
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Substance Use Disorder Counseling — Counselor Career Context
Of the 46 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 7% are remote, 63% have no call, 85% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$60k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $54k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $52k–$68k | Substance Use / Addiction Counselor median $59k (middle half $54k–$64k)103 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$54k in purchasing power | California index 110.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings in California | 1,076 active | 13,782 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 7% remote · 63% no call · 85% no weekends46 benchmarked listings |
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