Support Counselor

Aspiranet; California (MO); On-site; USD 35,817 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan with employer 


Employee assistance program

Flexible paid time off

Training opportunities

Job summary

Aspiranet in Santa Cruz, CA is seeking Support Counselors to assist youth and families in a Crisis Stabilization Unit. You will implement care plans, deliver behavioral interventions, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to promote healing and growth.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree or two years of related behavioral health experience, eligibility for background checks, and availability for evenings and weekends. Join a values-driven team delivering trauma-informed care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or two years of equivalent behavioral health experience.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends.
• Meet all agency, funder, and regulatory employment requirements.
• Eligibility for DOJ fingerprint and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Meet with youth and families per program requirements.
• Implement and monitor individualized service plans.
• Provide transportation for youth to appointments.
• Maintain confidential records and HIPAA compliance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care.
• Record notes and report progress to supervisors.

Skills

Crisis assessment

Trauma-informed care

Safety planning

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Two years related behavioral health experience

Job description

Job Location & Details

• Location: Santa Cruz, California
• Schedule: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Department: Residential / Crisis Stabilization Unit
• Reports To: Core Program Manager
• Pay Range: $26.00 – $28.00 per hour
• Bonus: $150 Sign-On Bonus & $150 Retention Bonus
• Shifts: 2:30 PM – 12:00 AM (Wed-Sat)

Job Summary

Support Counselors provide direct support to youth and caregivers within a Crisis Stabilization Unit. They implement individualized plans of care, deliver behavioral and emotional interventions, and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to promote healing, stability, and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with youth and caregivers per program and plan requirements.
• Implement interventions as outlined in individualized service plans.
• Transfer skills and model interventions for caregivers and family members.
• Conduct therapeutic sessions with youth and caregivers when indicated.
• Support youth participation in age-appropriate and therapeutic activities.
• Provide transportation for youth to appointments and service-related activities as approved.
• Participate in Child and Family Team meetings and other case consultations.
• Communicate regularly with supervisors and team members regarding youth progress and needs.
• Report incidents and program concerns promptly to Supervisor.
• Maintain professional and supportive relationships with youth, families, and community partners.
• Complete timely and accurate contact notes that meet program and funder standards.
• Maintain productivity and documentation requirements.
• Adhere to confidentiality and HIPAA standards at all times.
• Complete administrative paperwork such as time sheets, mileage logs, schedules, and expense reports accurately and on time.
• Attend required meetings, supervision, and training sessions.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and family dynamics.
• Model Aspiranet’s values and maintain professional boundaries with clients, caregivers, and colleagues.
• Ensure youth safety and support trauma-informed care practices in all settings.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR at least two years of full-time equivalent experience in a behavioral health-related field.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Meet all agency, funder, and regulatory employment requirements.
• Comply with all federal, state, and county regulations, including periodic background and sanction checks.
• Strong knowledge of crisis assessment, trauma-informed care, and safety planning.
• Meet all state-required employment conditions, including DOJ fingerprint and Child Abuse Index clearance, TB/Health physical, valid CA Driver’s License, acceptable driving record, and proof of insurance.

Preferred Experience

• Previous work in residential, STRTP, or community-based youth programs.
• Training in trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, or family engagement strategies.
• Experience providing direct support or counseling to children and adolescents.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Position operates within a Crisis Stabilization Unit clinical & residential environment in Santa Cruz, CA.
• Full-time; various shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits package, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Access to the free Aspiranet Employee Perks Program with discounts on entertainment, travel, wellness, pet care, gym memberships, theme parks, and more.
• Flexible paid time off including 11 paid holidays, 10 vacation days, 10 sick leave days, two diversity days, and paid birthday time off.
• Employee assistance program including 24/7 crisis line; up to 6 counseling sessions per issue.
• Training opportunities available.
• Collaborative, inclusive, mission-aligned culture.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that support employee wellbeing.

Physical Demands

The position typically operates in a standard office environment. The noise level is generally quiet and remains within OSHA’s established safety levels at all times. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aspiranet is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of diversity. We believe a diverse workforce within a culture of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) increases creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork for the youth and families that we serve and the organization as a whole. Aspiranet strives to provide our employees with a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive of differing world views, cultures, and lived experiences.