Counselor II

Creative Alternatives; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Alternatives, a nonprofit youth services agency in California, is seeking a Counselor II in one of our STRTP facilities. You will mentor, advocate, and support youth, building trust and fostering resilience while delivering trauma-informed care.

The role requires a BA/BS or two years’ full-time experience with the population, completion of required trainings, and the ability to work with diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or two years’ direct experience with the population served.
• Must complete required trainings and clear background checks.
• Valid CA driver license and clean driving record may be required.

Responsibilities

• Engage and develop rapport with youth in a residential setting.
• Provide consistent limits using trauma-informed approaches.
• Write and maintain progress notes for each shift and client.

Skills

Rapport building with youth

Crisis intervention

Written & verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Arts or Science degree

Experience with target population

Job description

Come join our team! At Creative Alternatives you’ll have the opportunity to build a meaningful career while making a lasting difference in the lives of foster youth. We are a mission-driven nonprofit human services agency providing Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program facilities, foster family homes, transitional housing placement, and nonpublic school services for youth and young adults who have experienced significant challenges, trauma and adversity. Every day, our team creates safe, supportive environments where youth can heal, grow, and reach their full potential. As a Counselor II in one of our STRTP facilities, you’ll be more than an employee—you’ll be a mentor, advocate, and positive role model who helps shape brighter futures. If you’re compassionate, dependable, and passionate about helping others, you’ll find purpose, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a real impact with us!Qualifications:Must meet one of the following:Bachelor of Arts or Science degreeTwo years’ full-time experience or equivalent, working with population to be served, or equivalent education or experience as determined by CDSS. (Experience shall be verified as having been paid or volunteer with duties that required direct supervision and care of population served.)Prior to assuming duties, individual shall complete a minimum of one hour of training as specified in Section 87065.1(a) in addition to training required in Sections 87065.1(c) and (d)Must be 21 years of ageMeet all state licensing and insurance requirementsMust pass a DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse index clearanceValid California driver's license with minimum 2 years’ driving experience requiredGood driving record: Department of Motor Vehicles printout requiredMust pass LIC 503 Health Screening Report and TB clearanceKnowledge of:And understanding of the needs of children served in a children’s residential settingAbility to:Engage and develop a rapport with children who have diverse backgrounds.Provide consistency and behavioral limits through relationship-based interventions.Communicate effectively and solve problems in a collaborative manner.Learn and understand the needs of children served in a residential children’s setting.Develop appropriate relationships with clients who have various backgrounds.Apply the Reasonable Prudent Parent Standard as necessary.Utilize skills in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication.Work effectively with staff and administration.Communicate effectively with team members and outside agencies.Implement strong written and verbal communication skills.Successfully complete Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) post testing course work in emergency intervention and demonstrate “hands on” competency in emergency intervention techniques (per CCL regulation 84802(g), Title 22).Essential Functions and Responsibilities:Managing the day-to day operation of the facility in the absence of a supervisor.Ensuring appropriate care and supervision is provided to children in according to applicable law, licensing regulations, and the agency’s policies.Supervision, protection, and care of children at all times, individually and in groups.Overseeing the planned activities required to be available to children.Ensuring general upkeep of the facility.Provide mental health services including individual and group rehabilitation services.Write a progress note during each shift for each client.Assistance to each child working with a group and in handling individual problems.Administration of discipline and setting of limits for behavior that are consistent with trauma informed care standards.Notations of the child’s program; identification of the possible need for additional professional services, and communication of such findings to facility supervisor and professional staff.Assistance with the provision of or access to the core services and support, daily activities, and emotional and social supports, as necessary.Reporting to the Facility Supervisor and making recommendations to address identified problems.Applying interventions, techniques, and practices that are trauma informed, culturally relevant, age and developmentally appropriate and consistent with a child’s needs and service plan and treatment plan.Maintain appropriate documentation.Perform various food service and housekeeping functions, including cooking, cleaning and laundry.Transport clients in company vehicles.Participate in crisis intervention as necessary.Complete incident reports as necessary.Participate in staff meetings and training as scheduled.Perform appropriate record keeping such as staff logs, medication charts, allowance records, and menus.Other duties that may be necessary to ensure the health and safety of children in the facility.Physical Demands:Must be able to bend at the waist, kneel, crouch, climb and balance.Must be able to read, write, and visually see clients.Must be able to hear with or without the use of hearing aid(s) sufficient to hear conversations with others, understandable voice and speech patterns.Must have manual dexterity and coordination sufficient to operate office equipment.Must be able to sit, stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.Must have use of hands to handle and/or feel; reach with hands and arms.Must frequently lift, push, pull or carry up to 25 lbs.**Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.Direct Supervisor: Facility SupervisorCreative Alternatives is an “at will” employer and as an employee you retain the right to terminate your employment at any time and the agency has the right to terminate your employment at any time with or without cause. See Employee Handbook for detailed explanation. I understand this is a general description of this job. I also understand there are other duties not fully covered above and that I may be asked to perform other reasonable, lawful duties. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.