Part-Time Substance Use Disorder Counselor
- Part-time
How this pay compares
This posting states $31 an hour. Open substance abuse counselor jobs in California post a median of $29.25 an hour, the middle half $25.75–$31, across 16 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post. Substance abuse counselors employed in California earn a median of $28.48 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
Substance abuse counselors in California: pay by town and employer
The Mental Health & Social Work job market: pay, applicant demand and hiring, researched nightly
Mental health and social work jobs in our research
- How long these jobs stay listed: Still listed at 7 days 76.6%
- Applicant demand per open job on this site (1.00x is the average job): Index 0.61x · Clicks 32
- How often these jobs state their pay: Jobs stating any pay 59.0% · Stating an hourly rate 43.4%
From every open job we read and every apply click on this site, as of 5 Nov 2026. Every figure for Mental health and social work jobs
About the job
ABOUT RITTER CENTER:
For over 40 years, Ritter Center has been dedicated to preventing and resolving homelessness and improving the health, dignity, and well-being of people living in poverty in Marin.
When you join Ritter Center, you join a highly trained staff that combines national clinical best practices with a whole-person care approach to solving each person’s medical and mental health, housing, and food needs.
We are growing to meet the needs of our community. We are looking for staff who are ready for a career with a mission-driven organization, want to be valued, have diverse experience, and have compassion. If this sounds like you, we would love to have you join us!
_____________________
CURRENT OPENING:
Part-Time SUD Counselor
Part-time, 20 hours weekly, Non-Exempt, non-benefited position .
Hourly Pay: $31.00 per hour
All positions at Ritter Center require a background check and Livescan fingerprinting.
Please visit our jobs page on our website for a complete list of our employee benefits.
Ritter Center is currently recruiting for a Part-Time SUD Counselor for our Behavioral Health Department. This part-time, non-exempt, non-benefited position reports to the Lead SUD Counselor based in San Rafael, CA; the role operates out of our main Campus.
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) is an integral aspect of the Safety Net program and the larger Behavioral Health Department. This person works with clients to develop and implement appropriate treatment plans. The SUDC provides critical alcohol and other drug assessments and referral services to clients referred to the Safety Net Program in a manner that reflects the Ritter Center’s mission and values. Through individual and group counseling, the SUDC assists clients in mobilizing their resources so they can participate in the exploration of a problem and its ramifications. This individual will consider clients’ attitudes and feelings and develop solutions to support informed decision-making. This individual must possess strong interpersonal communication and engagement skills, administrative capacities, and a thorough understanding of alcohol and drug treatment options.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Develop problem lists, progress notes, group notes, ASAM assessments, and discharge plans for all clients.
- Facilitates 1-2 groups ( 1-2 evenings required) per week, including process groups, didactic groups, and specialty focus groups.
- Have a basic understanding and utilization of Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Relapse Prevention Therapy, or other evidence-based practices for substance use disorders.
- Have a basic understanding and willingness to work in a trauma-informed and harm-reduction manner of care.
- Carry a caseload of 10-15 clients in Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, and Recovery Services levels of care.
- Serves as a backup coordinator for Contingency Management/Recovery Incentives Program.
- Works with referral sources to communicate client progress.
- Must be able to prepare and present alcohol and drug awareness lectures.
- Conducts client intake assessments and Comprehensive Substance Abuse Evaluations.
- Observes and monitors client’s behavior and intervenes based on schedule, individual client’s treatment plan, and program needs.
- Facilitates assigned groups/meetings/activities on time as per program schedule.
- Maintain client records, including daily documentation of all client appointments in the client's clinical chart to meet Cal AIM documentation standards.
- Orientation of new clients to the program.
- Maintain confidentiality of all clients' identifying information.
- Attend program staff meetings according to schedule and present cases to the treatment team for feedback on best practice interventions.
- Be prepared to provide services on schedule and in accordance with therapeutic expectations in accordance with industry standards.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with residents and refrain from unnecessary self-disclosure.
Qualifications
- Per our Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) requirements employment at Ritter Center requires compliance with being able to produce a negative TB test prior to the start of employment, as well as being vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless applying for an exemption) per the August 5, 2021 State Public Order for Healthcare Facilities, providers, and employees.
- Per the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, Ritter Center requires all employees to receive the Influenza vaccine (unless applying for a qualified medical or religious exemption)
- Must be registered or certified by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE), California Association of Drinking Driver Treatment Programs (CADTP), or California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).
- Must have strong group, individual, documentation, and administrative skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Psychology or related field
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in drug and alcohol counseling (1 year of experience required for master’s level clinicians)
- Possess a pre-licensed status through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (AMFT, ASW, APCC) or be fully licensed (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC). For pre-licensed individuals, clinical supervision will be provided.
Employment Practices
Ritter Center is an Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate against any person in employment or in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs and benefits on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
From Ritter Center's job posting, checked 5 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Ritter Center
Ritter Center hires mental health staff, medical assistants and advanced practice providers in San Rafael, California.
Hires in CaliforniaPay on its listings: 75% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
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