Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Oakland, CA
A Substance Abuse Counselor plays a crucial role in the mental health industry by assisting individuals who are struggling with drug or alcohol addictions. They provide guidance and treatment plans to help these individuals recover and maintain a drug-free life. Their responsibilities include assessing clients' mental and physical health, formulating treatment plans, organizing group therapy sessions, and providing coping strategies. They may also work closely with family members to support the recovery process and facilitate family therapy sessions. Additionally, they track their clients' progress and readjust treatment plans as necessary.
Substance Abuse Counselors should possess a strong understanding of addiction and recovery principles, excellent communication skills, and compassion. They must also have the ability to work with diverse populations and maintain confidentiality. In terms of qualifications, they should have a bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field, although a master's degree is often preferred. They should also be certified in substance abuse counseling by a recognized body such as the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals. Prior to becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor, individuals might have experience as a Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, or Case Manager, which can provide valuable skills and insights for this role.
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
- El Cerrito, CA (10 miles from Oakland, CA)
- 2 days ago
- El Cerrito, CA (10 miles from Oakland, CA)
- 2 days ago
Provides substance abuse education and referral information to patients, families, and other staff members in the areas of substance abuse counseling and treatment services....
- San Rafael, CA (20 miles from Oakland, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- San Rafael, CA (20 miles from Oakland, CA)
- 30+ days ago
Job Details Level : Entry Job Location : Helen Vine Recovery Center - San Rafael, CA Position Type : Full Time Education Level : High School Salary Range : $28.00 - $28.00 Hourly Travel Percentage...
Case Manager Substance Use Specialist - Mental Health 148
- Oakland, CA
- 60+ days ago
- Oakland, CA
- 60+ days ago
"They made it easier for me to live, breathe, eat, and stay clean. Without them, I'd be waiting somewhere, waiting for someone to give me a chance to live..." - Client from Telecare What You Will...
Demographic Data for Oakland, CA
Moving to Oakland, CA? Find some basic demographic data about Oakland, CA below.
Substance Abuse Counselor Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Oakland, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Substance Abuse Counselor positions.
Highest Education Level
Substance Abuse Counselors in Oakland, CA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Substance Abuse Counselor position
- Harm Reduction
- CASAC
- Relapse Prevention
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Psychosocial Assessment
- Psychoeducation
- Family Counseling
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Addictions Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Chemical Dependency Treatment
- Mental Health
- Group Counseling
- Dual Diagnosis
- Behavioral Health
- Group Facilitation
- Clinical Supervision
- Addictions
- Community Resources
- Substance Abuse
- Interventions
- Individual Counseling
- Therapeutic
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis Intervention
- Human Services
- Social Services
- Drug and Alcohol Counseling
- Discharge Planning
- Outpatient
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation
- Crisis Management
- Drug Testing
- Patient Care
- Case Management
- Masters In Education
- Counseling
- Reimbursement
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Interviewing
- Background Checks
- Documentation
- Filing
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Organization
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Substance Abuse Counselor Related Career Advice Articles

Career Guide: Different Types of Mental Health Counselor Specialties
Check out our guide to the different types of mental health worker jobs including numerous mental health counselor specialties to consider.
Read article »
Essential Skills for Mental Health Professionals
Mental health careers are as varied as they are rewarding. This guide describes mental health skills that will make success in your chosen sector even more attainable. While everyone’s career is different, the following skills for mental health workers are applicable to every profession.
Read article »
The Secret to Writing an Effective Mental Health Resume
To stand out from the crowd, you must highlight key contributions. You don’t have to be a professional resume writer to effectively tout your accomplishments in a way that will make employers take notice and call you in for an interview.
Read article »