Drug & Alcohol Counselor at Pelago – Remote Healthcare Job
Pelago, a digital healthcare company specializing in substance-use treatment, advertised a remote Drug & Alcohol Counselor position for a qualified professional passionate about helping people improve their health and overcome substance-related challenges.
The role focused on virtual counselling, recovery support, behavioural assessments, and helping members make sustainable changes to their habits. It was designed for an experienced counselling professional who could deliver compassionate, evidence-based support through digital healthcare services.
Important Vacancy Status Notice
This vacancy appears to have expired. A third-party job listing reported that applications closed on July 1, 2026.
The original role was open to candidates residing in the United States who held an active California licence. Pelago also stated that visa sponsorship was unavailable for this position.
This article is retained for informational purposes. Check the company's official careers page for current vacancies before applying.
Job Overview
Job Title: Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Company: Pelago
Industry: Healthcare and Behavioural Health
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: Remote within the United States
Advertised Salary: $70,304–$75,000 per year
Location Requirement: United States, with an active California licence for the original vacancy
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026, according to the third-party listing
Current Status: Appears expired
Official Careers Website: Visit Pelago Careers
About Pelago
Pelago is a digital healthcare company that helps people manage substance use through virtual clinical services. Its programmes support members dealing with tobacco, alcohol, opioid, cannabis, and other substance-related challenges.
The company combines clinical care with technology to provide personalised treatment and support. Its services may include health education, behavioural counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and medication-assisted treatment where clinically appropriate.
Pelago works with employers and health plans to make substance-use treatment more accessible. Its approach is designed to help people receive support suited to their circumstances, goals, and level of need.
For healthcare professionals, working in a digital clinic offers an opportunity to support members remotely while collaborating with a broader team of clinicians and care specialists.
About the Drug & Alcohol Counselor Role
The advertised counsellor position involved supporting members throughout their recovery journey. Rather than relying exclusively on in-person appointments, the role used digital communication tools to provide ongoing guidance, monitor progress, and help members work towards their recovery goals.
The successful candidate was expected to build supportive relationships with members, understand their individual circumstances, and help them identify practical strategies for changing harmful behaviours.
Because substance-use challenges differ from one person to another, the work required empathy, professional judgement, clear communication, and the ability to adapt counselling approaches to individual needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide virtual counselling: Support members through scheduled sessions using text-based chat, video calls, and telephone conversations.
- Conduct initial assessments: Complete onboarding conversations and assessments to understand members' behavioural health histories, symptoms, and recovery goals.
- Monitor progress: Follow up with members regularly, assess progress, and help them identify barriers to achieving their goals.
- Support behaviour change: Encourage healthier habits and help members develop practical strategies for reducing or overcoming substance use.
- Apply evidence-based approaches: Use appropriate counselling methods and recovery-support techniques within the scope of professional training and credentials.
- Maintain clinical documentation: Record relevant member interactions, assessments, and progress in accordance with company standards and applicable requirements.
- Coordinate care: Work with other members of the clinical team when a member needs additional support or a different level of care.
- Build supportive relationships: Communicate respectfully and compassionately with members who may be experiencing difficult personal or health circumstances.
- Contribute to service improvement: Share feedback that can help improve digital care delivery and the member experience.
Eligibility and Qualifications
The original vacancy was intended for candidates with relevant education, professional credentials, and experience supporting people experiencing substance-use challenges.
The published listing identified the following conditions:
- A bachelor's degree or relevant undergraduate qualification.
- Relevant professional certification or counselling credentials.
- An active California licence, as specified for the original position.
- Experience or training relevant to substance-use counselling and behavioural health support.
- Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to provide confidential support through virtual communication channels.
- Good organisation and documentation skills.
- The ability to work independently while collaborating with a distributed healthcare team.
- Eligibility to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship.
Applicants considering similar counselling positions should review each vacancy's exact credential requirements. Some roles require a particular state licence or a recognised alcohol and drug counselling certification, and these qualifications are not automatically interchangeable.
Salary and Benefits
The advertised annual base salary range was $70,304–$75,000. The employer's total compensation information also referenced potential incentive compensation and benefits, subject to the applicable employment terms.
Benefits described in the advertisement included:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- A 401(k) retirement plan.
- Paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
- Paid parental and family leave.
- Professional development and learning opportunities.
- Wellness reimbursement.
- Support resources for employees and their families.
- Opportunities to work with a technology-enabled healthcare team.
These details refer to the original advertisement and should not be interpreted as a current offer. Compensation and benefits may differ across positions and employment locations.
Is This Job Open to International Applicants?
No. Despite being described as remote, the original position was restricted to candidates based in the United States who held an active California licence. Pelago also stated that it could not provide visa sponsorship for the role.
Therefore, applicants living in Nigeria or other countries outside the United States would not meet the stated conditions unless they independently satisfied the employer's location, licensing, and work-authorisation requirements.
Remote work does not necessarily mean worldwide eligibility. Healthcare roles are especially likely to have location-specific requirements because professional licensing and clinical practice are regulated.
How to Find Current Opportunities
Since the original Drug & Alcohol Counselor advertisement appears to have expired, applicants should not rely on the old listing as an active application opportunity.
Instead, visit Pelago's official careers page to review current counselling, care specialist, and other healthcare positions. Read each listing carefully to confirm its location requirements, professional credentials, salary, and application status.
Professionals preparing for similar roles should keep their CVs updated with relevant qualifications, counselling experience, recognised certifications, and examples of supporting clients or patients. Applicants should also ensure that any licence or credential required by the employer is active and valid for the relevant location.
Final Thoughts
The Drug & Alcohol Counselor position at Pelago offered an opportunity to support people working towards healthier lives through remote, technology-enabled care. The advertised salary and benefits may have made it attractive to appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
However, the vacancy appears to have expired, and the original eligibility conditions excluded candidates who did not meet its US location and licensing requirements. Interested professionals should check Pelago's current careers page for active opportunities before applying.
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