MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Buckelew Programs; Kentfield (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckelew Programs in the North Bay is seeking Mental Health Counselors for overnight, relief shifts at Casa Rene. The role supports adults in acute mental health crisis with daily living assistance, counseling, and coordination of care.

The position requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and Peer Specialist training with certification within six months for full-time status; a California driver’s license is required; proficiency in MS Office is expected.

Qualifications

• Peer Specialist training completed and certification exam within six months.
• Valid California driver’s license with insurable driving record.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively as part of a team, maintaining prompt and clear communication with colleagues.
• Complete and maintain timely, accurate documentation including client notes, mileage logs, and other required records.
• Teach and assist clients in performing daily living activities, adjusting support based on client readiness and independence levels.
• Monitor and report on client well-being, including mood and behavior; ensure safety protocols.
• Provide medication prompts, storage, adherence monitoring, and timely refills as required.
• Provide client transportation using personal or agency vehicles; assist with public transportation training.
• Assist clients with attending and coordinating medical appointments.
• Perform general housekeeping tasks and basic maintenance as needed; report major repairs.
• Deliver services aligned with program goals; comply with regulatory standards and licensing requirements.

Skills

Peer Specialist training

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Join Buckelew and work with great people doing great things! Buckelew Programs is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the North Bay, providing compassionate mental health, supported housing and substance use treatment.We are hiring Mental Health Counselors to work overnight, relief shifts in the Casa Rene program, a short-term, residential facility for adults experiencing an acute mental health crisis. As a Mental Health Counselor I, you will provide direct support to clients and play a key role in promoting client recovery, self-sufficiency, and independence through the provision of daily living assistance. In this role, you will work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the mental health field.Overnight shifts are 11:30 pm - 7:30am or 12:00 am - 8:00 am. Relief staff work as needed. The pay range for this position is $24–$26 per hour and will be determined based on experience and credentials, with consideration given specifically to peer certification.RESPONSIBILITIESAdministrative ResponsibilitiesCollaborate effectively as part of a team, maintaining prompt and clear communication with colleagues.Complete and maintain timely, accurate documentation including client notes, mileage logs, and other required records.Client Support ResponsibilitiesTeach and assist clients in performing daily living activities, adjusting support based on client readiness and independence levels.Monitor and report on client well-being, including mood and behavior. Ensure and model adherence to agency safety protocols.Support clients with meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation, offering skill-building assistance as appropriate.Provide medication prompts, ensure proper storage, monitor adherence, and support timely refills as required by program guidelines.Provide client transportation using personal or agency vehicles; support clients in learning and using public transportation.Assist clients with attending and coordinating medical appointments.Household and Maintenance ResponsibilitiesPerform general housekeeping tasks (e.g., vacuuming, dishwashing, dusting) as needed.Conduct basic maintenance tasks (e.g., replacing light bulbs, checking smoke detectors) and report major repair needs to the supervisor.Maintain adequate household supplies and restock as needed.Program Quality and ComplianceDeliver services that align with program goals, emphasizing client progress and satisfaction.Comply with all legal, regulatory, and contractual standards (e.g., CARF, Medi-Cal, HUD) and maintain program certifications and licensing requirements.Education and ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalent required.Experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders preferred.Successful completion of Peer Specialist training and a passing score on the certification exam within six months required for full-time status.Professional RequirementsDemonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries, exercise sound judgment, and work independently in a calm, organized, and empathetic manner.Interest and comfort in working with individuals with behavioral health needs.Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) at a basic to intermediate level.Must be a dependable, flexible, and collaborative team player.Valid California driver’s license, an insurable driving record, and access to a personal, insured vehicle required.Ability to pass a Live Scan background check, as required by program regulations.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSAbility to perform intermittent physical activities including sitting, standing, driving, talking, listening, seeing, bending, squatting, reaching, lifting (up to 30 lbs.), and using hands for grasping or typing.Capacity for sustained physical activity such as driving, writing, standing, or computer work.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.