Human Services Care Counselor I/II - Spanish Speaking Required (Open and Promotional)

County of San Mateo; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Human Services Care Counselors to support vulnerable families and children in need. This role involves providing supervision and guidance to youth in residential settings, focusing on trauma-informed care and behavioral interventions. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to working effectively with diverse populations. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive environment that values professional growth and development. Join a team that is committed to fostering resilience and positive outcomes for youth and families.

Qualifications

• Experience in residential programs with children who have experienced trauma.
• Understanding of child welfare population and trauma-informed response skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervision and behavior management of youth in residential settings.
• Collaboration with families and agencies for support and reporting.

Skills

Spanish-speaking skills

Trauma-informed approach

Crisis prevention

Behavior management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

18 units in psychology, sociology, counseling, or child development

Job description

The County of San Mateo's Human Services Agency is seeking qualified Human Services Care Counselors II to fill vacancies in the Children and Family Services branch. Children and Family Services addresses child welfare, commonly known as Child Protective Services, providing services to vulnerable families, children, and teens with varying needs. The current vacancy reports to Residential Services, but counselors may be assigned to any position within the job classification based on agency needs. Applicants must be interested in and available for any assignment.

This position requires Spanish-speaking skills.

Residential Services Assignment

Counselors in this role provide supervision, guidance, behavioral interventions, instruction, and support to youth in residential settings, which may include temporary shelters or short-term therapeutic programs. These youth may have high-level mental health or developmental challenges. The program operates 24/7, requiring staff coverage across Day, Swing, and Graveyard shifts.

Assignments are interchangeable based on agency and staffing needs.

Ideal Candidates Will Have:

• Experience working in residential programs with children who have experienced trauma or abuse, with a trauma-informed approach
• Understanding of the child welfare population and trauma-informed response skills
• Knowledge of parenting skills, family engagement, trauma-informed practices, crisis prevention, and behavior management
• Experience working effectively with diverse youth, parents, and agencies, establishing rapport and working towards goals
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Problem-solving skills requiring critical thinking and judgment
• Ability to utilize evidence-based tools to diffuse volatile situations
• Fluency in Spanish is required

Position Levels

Human Services Care Counselor I: Trainee level, gaining expertise and experience, may serve as Relief staff.

Human Services Care Counselor II: Journey level, works with minimal supervision, exercises discretion, and may lead or assist other staff. May serve as primary staff for shifts in the Elysian STRTP program.

Additional Information

The eligible list from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies, including full-time, part-time, limited-term, and relief positions. Extra-help roles are hourly and may be benefits-eligible under the ACA but do not guarantee permanent status.

Important Requirements

Employees in the Elysian STRTP program must obtain and maintain security clearance and be bondable. Criminal convictions since age 18, excluding certain marijuana-related offenses, may disqualify applicants. The agency does not seek waivers for such convictions.

Job Duties (Summary)

Responsibilities include supervision, behavior management, reporting, collaboration with families and agencies, medication dispensation, court testimony, and program-specific duties such as security checks during overnight shifts and family support activities.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include relevant education (eighteen units in psychology, sociology, counseling, or child development) and experience working with children and families. Specific licensure and experience criteria apply depending on the level.

Application Process

This position is open and promotional. Applications must be submitted online at http://jobs.smcgov.org. The recruitment schedule includes final filing by May 12, 2025, with interviews on May 28, 2025.