Full-Time Youth Counselor

Stars Behavioral Health Group; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical, dental, vision

Paid CEU opportunities

Career development programs

Generous time off

Employee recognition & rewards

Job summary

Stars Behavioral Health Group in Bakersfield, CA seeks a Full-Time Youth Counselor to support adolescent clients within an inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility. The position involves a Wednesday/Thursday/Friday NOC shift (6pm–6:30am) in a 16-bed facility, providing supervision, daily living support, and therapeutic activities.

Starting compensation is $21.00–$27.01 per hour with employer-paid benefits, generous time off, and opportunities for CEUs, supervision hours for AMFT/ACSW/APCC where

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must have one year of experience with children or adults with serious mental health needs.
• Inpatient experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and care for adolescent clients in individual and group settings, ensuring safety and well-being.
• Assist adolescents with daily living skills, including eating, personal hygiene, grooming, social interactions, and positive behavior development.
• Support with daily activities, school responsibilities, and therapeutic programs while encouraging appropriate behavior and participation.
• Lead and assist with group activities, maintain accurate documentation of daily activities and behaviors, and participate in shift meetings and treatment team meetings.

Job description

Partner with us in making a positive change! Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.

Job Title

Full-Time Youth Counselor

Division/Program

Kern Psychiatric Health Facility

Starting Compensation

21.00 - 27.01 USD Per Hour

Working Location

Bakersfield, CA

Working Hours/Shift

Wednesday/ Thursday/ Friday NOC Shift 6pm to 630am (12 hour work shift)

Why Join Our Team?

Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.

Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.

Comprehensive Benefits Package: Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.

Professional Growth Opportunities: On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities. Career development programs designed to help you grow.

Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).

Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication

What You Bring to SBHG Experience & Education

Youth Counselor I

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Must have one year of experience with children or adults with serious mental health needs. Inpatient experience is preferred.

Education | Youth Counselor II / Youth Counselor IV

High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, HiSET) plus three years of experience with children/adults with serious mental health needs; OR An associate's degree plus one year of experience; OR A bachelor's degree plus six months of experience.

How you will make a difference

The Youth Counselor has the primary responsibility for supervising and caring for adolescent clients in individual and group settings, ensuring their safety and well-being. Assists adolescents with daily living skills, including eating, personal hygiene, grooming, social interactions, and positive behavior development. Provides support with daily activities, school responsibilities, and therapeutic programs while encouraging appropriate behavior and participation. Leads and assists with group activities, maintains accurate documentation of daily activities and behaviors, and participates in shift meetings and treatment team meetings to support quality care and communication.

Division/Program Overview

Population Served: Children/Youth (ages 5-17), dealing with acute psychiatric symptoms.

Facility & Setting: 16 bed facility, inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility.

Clinical Services: Moves clients through five phases: admission; engagement; learning; stabilization and linkage to resources and aftercare.

Length of stay: Length of stay is typically up to 72 hours. Stay may be extended, if additional evaluation or treatment is needed.

Skills & Services: Intensive treatment programs with individualized care plans.

Learn more about SBHG at: https://www.starsinc.com/stars-inc/

For Additional Information: [e-mail]

Join an organization dedicated to improving lives and supporting those facing mental health and behavioral challenges.

At Stars Behavioral Health Group, we are seeking passionate professionals ready to make a lasting, positive impact on children, youth, families, and adults across California. As a leading statewide provider, SBHG brings together over 2,000 professionals across 70+ specialized programs and 60+ locations, delivering compassionate care to more than 40,000 individuals each year.We are committed to diversity as we believe exceptional care begins with a diverse team. SBHG is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates LGBTQ+, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity across every level of our organization.