Locum Tenens Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in California
As a Substance Abuse Counselor, the job specializes in assisting individuals facing addiction or substance abuse issues. The responsibilities include providing counseling, support, and treatment planning to help patients overcome their dependencies and develop strategies for maintaining sobriety. The empathetic approach and expertise in addiction therapy will be instrumental in guiding patients towards recovery and a healthier lifestyle.
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Why Choose Locum Tenens Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs?
Healthcare facilities do not always need permanent staff. They often hire counselors to cover leave, fill staffing gaps, or support new treatment programs. This creates steady demand for locum tenens addiction counselor assignments.
Each assignment gives you a different experience. You may work in a rehabilitation center, an outpatient clinic, or a hospital. You can build new skills and work with different patient groups.
Many addiction counselor jobs offer flexible contract lengths. You can choose assignments that fit your schedule. This gives you more control over your career while continuing to help people recover from addiction.
What Is Included in Temporary Substance Abuse Counselor Assignments?
The duties of a temporary addiction counselor depend on the facility and patient population. However, assignments follow the same core responsibilities. Here’s an overview:
Conduct Patient Assessments
Counselors meet with new patients and assess their needs. They review medical history, substance use, and recovery goals. This helps create the right treatment plan from the start.
Provide Individual and Group Counseling
A key part of the substance abuse counselor job is leading counseling sessions. Some sessions are one-on-one. Others involve groups with shared recovery goals. Behavioral counselors help patients build healthy coping skills and prevent relapse.
Develop Treatment Plans
Every patient has different needs. Addiction counselors create treatment plans that reflect those needs. They update the plan as patients make progress or face new challenges.
Document Progress and Coordinate Care
Accurate records are part of daily work. Addiction therapists document each session and monitor patient progress. They also work with physicians, nurses, therapists, and case managers to coordinate care.
Educate Patients and Families
Recovery often continues after treatment ends. Substance abuse counselors teach patients about relapse prevention and community resources. They may also help family members understand the recovery process.
Where Can Substance Abuse Counselors Work?
A locum tenens addiction counselor can work in many healthcare settings, including but not limited to:
Rehabilitation centers
Outpatient treatment centers
Hospitals
Behavioral health clinics
Community health centers
Correctional facilities
Each assignment offers a different patient population and care environment.
Locum Tenens Addiction Counselor Jobs in California
California continues to invest in behavioral health and addiction treatment services. To work as a substance abuse counselor in California, candidates typically need to register or obtain certification through a Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)-approved certifying organization, depending on the role and level of experience. Employers may also require an active state-recognized credential and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Intuitive Health currently has an opening for a Substance Abuse Counselor at the Department of State Hospitals in Atascadero.
This full-time opportunity starts at $50 per hour and includes benefits such as credentialing assistance, reimbursement of professional state certification fees, direct deposit, and dedicated recruiter support.
What Qualifications Do Substance Abuse Counselors Need?
Requirements for locum tenens substance abuse counselor jobs vary by employer and state. Some entry-level positions accept candidates who are registered or working toward certification, while many clinical and locum assignments require an active certification or license. Here’s what most employers look for:
Education Requirements
Many employers prefer a bachelor's degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. Some clinical positions require a master's degree.
Licensure and Certification
Not all substance abuse counselor jobs have the same credentialing requirements. Some employers hire counselors who are registered or actively completing their certification requirements under supervision. Others require candidates to hold an active state certification or license before they begin work.
Supervised Clinical Experience
Many certification and licensing pathways require supervised clinical experience before counselors can practice independently. The number of required hours depends on the state and the credential you are pursuing. Always review the requirements listed for the specific position.
Maintain Your Credentials
Many states require continuing education to renew a state substance abuse counselor license or certification. Employers may also prefer candidates with a behavioral health certification or national credentials from organizations such as NAADAC or IC&RC. This is especially true for travel and locum tenens substance abuse counselor assignments.
Addiction Counselor Salary and Job Outlook
The demand for substance use disorder counselors is expected to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034. That's much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS also projects about 48,300 job openings each year, on average, during this period.
Salary depends on experience, location, employer, and work setting. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,190 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in May 2024.
Quick insight: Counselors working in government agencies and hospitals often earn more than those in other settings.
How to Find the Right Substance Abuse Counselor Job
Not every substance abuse counselor job offers the same experience. Before you apply, take a few minutes to compare your options. Do this:
Define your career goals. Start by deciding what you want from your next role. You may want to gain experience in a new care setting, earn a higher salary, or take on a travel assignment.
Compare facility types. Think about where you want to work. Hospitals often provide fast-paced clinical experience, while rehabilitation centers focus on long-term recovery. Outpatient clinics usually offer more predictable schedules. Choose a setting that matches your interests and strengths.
Check licensing requirements. Before applying, confirm that you meet the state's licensing or certification requirements. If you're considering a travel substance abuse counselor role, make sure your credentials allow you to practice in the assignment location.
Review the contract carefully. Look beyond the pay rate. Check the assignment length, work schedule, patient population, and job responsibilities.
Work with a healthcare staffing agency. A staffing agency can save you time by matching you with jobs that fit your skills and preferences.
Why Partner with Intuitive Health Services for Substance Abuse Counselor Employment
Finding the right assignment takes more than browsing job boards. Intuitive Health helps you discover opportunities that match your goals and supports you throughout your job search.
Competitive-paying Opportunities
We connect qualified counselors with competitive substance abuse counselor jobs across different healthcare settings. Whether you're looking for a short-term contract or a longer assignment, we'll help you find opportunities that match your experience.
Flexible Assignments
Every counselor has different career goals. Choose from temporary, contract, travel, or per diem opportunities based on your schedule and preferred work environment.
Free Resume Assessment
A strong resume can improve your chances of landing interviews. Our team provides a free resume assessment to help you highlight your skills, clinical experience, and certifications before you apply.
Contact Intuitive Health today and speak with a specialized behavioral health recruiter. We'll help you find opportunities that match your skills, experience, and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting pay for substance abuse counselor jobs at Intuitive Health?
Pay varies by assignment, location, and experience. Current openings start at $50 per hour, with competitive rates for qualified counselors.
How many substance abuse counselor jobs does Intuitive Health currently have?
Intuitive Health currently has one active Substance Abuse Counselor job at the Department of State Hospitals in Atascadero. New jobs are added regularly, so check our job board for the latest openings.
Does a locum tenens substance abuse counselor receive malpractice insurance?
Many locum assignments include malpractice insurance as part of the contract. Coverage varies by employer, so review the assignment details before you accept an offer.
Are locum tenens substance abuse counselor jobs full-time or part-time?
Both options are available. Depending on the employer, you may find full-time, part-time, per diem, or contract assignments.
This page has been medically reviewed by the Medical Director of Intuitive Health Services on August 5th, 2026. Licensing, certification, and employment requirements may vary by state, specialty, and healthcare facility.