Lead Counselor

Ability Now Bay Area; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 73,800 - 90,200; Full time

Job summary

Ability Now Bay Area in Oakland, California, is seeking a Lead Counselor to oversee participant services and ensure high-quality, person-centered support. Responsibilities include developing Individual Service Plans, managing counseling staff, and serving as a liaison between participants and care teams. Ideal candidates will possess a Master’s degree in psychology or counseling, with a strong background in working with adults with disabilities. The role requires effective communication and the ability to foster an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 2+ years of experience in counseling people with disabilities.
• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of experience plus supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee participant services and ensure high-quality support.
• Develop and monitor Individual Service Plans (ISPs).
• Manage counseling staff and maintain accurate documentation.

Skills

Counseling skills

Supervision

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling or related field

Job description

Job Title: Lead Counselor
Department: Counseling
Reports To: Director of Programs
FLSA Status: Exempt
Status: Regular full-time benefited position
Salary: $82,000

Nonprofit Organization Overview

Formerly known as the Cerebral Palsy Center for the Bay Area, Ability Now Bay Area (ANBA) offers adults with developmental and physical disabilities the most comprehensive and cutting-edge services available. Our unique programs include education, communication, computer literacy, vocational training, wellness, and community integration. We promote self-advocacy, independent living skills, and leisure skills, which enhance our participants’ ability to live more independent and fulfilled lives.

Summary

The Lead Counselor is responsible for overseeing participant services and ensuring high-quality, person-centered support. This role includes developing and monitoring Individual Service Plans (ISPs), tracking participant progress, and providing direct counseling. The Lead Counselor serves as a key liaison between participants, families, care teams, and external agencies to ensure coordinated and effective communication.

In addition, the role involves maintaining accurate documentation, preparing reports, and supporting program evaluation efforts. As a supervisor, the Lead Counselor manages counseling staff, oversees intake and referral processes, ensures compliance with regulatory standards, and provides training and guidance to staff. The position plays a critical role in fostering an inclusive environment while supporting participant growth, independence, and successful community integration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Service Plans (ISPs) to ensure participant progress and achievement of established goals. Facilitate regular reviews and make adjustments as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between participants, families, care providers, case managers, regulatory agencies, and internal staff to ensure clear communication and coordinated services.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support a case load of participants by collecting supporting documentation and meeting as required with Regional Center.
• Track and chart participant program objectives and measurable outcomes to support program evaluation and quality improvement efforts.
• Prepare internal and external reports, including progress reports for families, case managers, and regulatory representatives. Draft professional correspondence as needed.
• Distribute weekly internal updates regarding participants on assigned caseload.
• Provide counseling support to participants as issues arise, including but not limited to personal counseling sessions, group sessions and conflict resolution.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, staff trainings, counselor meetings, and required agency events.
• Provide training for other staff when appropriate on counseling-related skills and competencies.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and person-centered environment that supports participant dignity, independence, and community integration.

Supervisory Duties

• Coordinate the referral intake process including but no limited to admission, intake, enrollment, retention, discharge, and follow-up processes for all program participants, including screening, interviewing applicants, and providing information and referral services.
• Serve as a primary liaison with ANBA’s nursing staff to ensure participant care plan documents are turned in and updated.
• Supervise counseling staff’s documentation, schedules, and duties.
• Support staff in understanding and implementing participant service plans, providing direction and guidance when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing, regulatory, and agency standards related to documentation, participant rights, and program operations.
• Schedule, facilitate, and document team meetings to review participant progress and develop comprehensive, integrated support plans.

Additional Job Requirements

• Transportation support. Assist participants in getting to, on, and off buses
• Support other departments as necessary
• Assist with walking or pushing participants to classes
• Comply with all Ability Now Bay Area policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Check StoriiCare and email daily, and respond to emails promptly
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, special education, or closely related field with two years of experience working with people with disabilities in a counseling capacity (preferred).
  • or
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent certificate, license, or credential) in psychology, counseling, special education, or closely related field with three years of experience working with people with disabilities in a counseling capacity and at least one year of related supervisory experience.
  • or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience with people with disabilities and supervision.

The right candidate will demonstrate a track record of positive interactions with colleagues, the desire to learn and grow, and the commitment to support adults with developmental disabilities in a positive, engaging learning environment.

Communication and Reading Comprehension

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and to use electronic devices for tasks including timekeeping and agency communication.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to adapt to varied and changing circumstances.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to safely perform all physical and manual movements needed for job functions.

Note: Any lifting, transferring, or positioning of program participants always requires two people.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

May be exposed to outdoor elements of wind, moderate cold, and rain while assisting participants with transportation.

Must be able to carry out job instructions promptly and willingly, and to follow established procedures accurately. Must be flexible, positive, and cooperative in solving problems and working with other staff in constantly changing and sometimes challenging circumstances.

If you are looking to make a significant impact for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a dynamic learning environment, we encourage you to apply for this transformative role.

It is required that every employee be aware of, and responsible for the safety of program participants, staff, volunteers and others under his/her supervision or in their work environment. Employees are required to immediately clear or report any safety hazards or unsafe conditions in their work environment.

Requirements for Employment

• Submit to a current physical examination and tuberculosis screening
• COVID-19 vaccination is required
• Provide a copy and maintain a current California driver’s license, submit a DMV clearance, and a copy of current insurance certificate for personnel file
• Current fingerprint clearance (prints must be sent to the Department of Justice within four days of hire)
• Sign a Form I-9 and provide all required documentation
• Sign Ability Now Bay Area Safety Policy Statement

Each employee will also receive a copy of the Ability Now Bay Area Employee Handbook. It is understood and agreed that the employee will read and observe the terms and conditions set forth in the handbook.

Ability Now Bay Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
It is the policy of ANBA not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.