Support Counselor

Alternative Family Services; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Alternative Family Services in California is seeking WRAP Support Counselors to join our Wraparound team, serving foster youth and families facing complex challenges. This full-time role emphasizes mentoring, crisis response, and coordination with caregivers and treatment teams across program areas.

Work is community-based, with hours in the late afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends. The role offers a supportive environment focused on stability, safety, and well-being for youth and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a social science field, or an associate degree with relevant experience.
• Valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Ability to maintain required background clearances (FBI/DOJ/CACI).
• Strong interpersonal and crisis de-escalation skills.
• Able to work independently, manage time effectively, and stay organized in a field-based role.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural competency in all interactions.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct support services such as mentoring, skill-building, coaching, tutoring, and crisis response.
• Serve as a reliable, positive presence for youth in their homes, schools, and communities.
• Provide safe and timely transportation to youth for appointments and activities.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of all client contacts, visits, and services in accordance with agency and county requirements.
• Manage calendars, appointments, and service delivery schedules across multiple locations.
• Track and submit mileage, schedules, and required reports in a timely manner
• Collaborate with caregivers, mental health clinicians, social workers, and other service providers.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA privacy standards.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

De-escalation

Documentation

HIPAA compliance

Time management

Bilingual English/Spanish

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a social science

Associate degree in a social science with experience

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? Alternative Family Services (AFS) is seeking dedicated and compassionate Support Counselors to join our Wraparound (WRAP) team. This is your chance to be a consistent, positive force in the lives of foster youth and families facing complex challenges.

About Alternative Family Services

Since 1973, Alternative Family Services has provided critical support to abused and neglected children across California. With a mission to ensure stability, safety, and well-being for vulnerable youth, AFS offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your work truly matters. We operate in both English and Spanish across eight locations in the Bay Area with over 200 employees - and we’re still growing.

Position Overview

As a WRAP Support Counselor, you'll work directly in the community, providing individualized services that promote healing, stability, and growth. You’ll collaborate with foster youth, families, and treatment teams across various programs including Foster Care, Juvenile Probation, Emergency Placement, and Mental Health Services.

This is a full-time, benefited role with most hours scheduled in the late afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends. Schedules are flexible and can be discussed during the interview process.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver direct support services such as mentoring, skill-building, coaching, tutoring, and crisis response.
• Serve as a reliable, positive presence for youth in their homes, schools, and communities.
• Provide safe and timely transportation to youth for appointments and activities.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of all client contacts, visits, and services in accordance with agency and county requirements.
• Manage calendars, appointments, and service delivery schedules across multiple locations.
• Track and submit mileage, schedules, and required reports in a timely manner
• Collaborate with caregivers, mental health clinicians, social workers, and other service providers.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA privacy standards.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome candidates with a passion for youth work and experience in behavioral health or social services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education/Experience:
  • A bachelor’s degree in a social science related field; or an associate degree in a social science related field and have at least six months experience in working with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem; or at least two years of experience working with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem, and who demonstrate a combination of education, skills, and experience
• Valid California Driver’s License, auto insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to maintain required background clearances (FBI/DOJ/CACI).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to de-escalate and connect with youth in crisis.
• Able to work independently, manage time effectively, and stay organized in a field-based role.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural competency in all interactions.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with WRAP or wraparound service models.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Where You’ll Work

This is a community-based role with travel throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin areas, including schools, foster homes, libraries, and public spaces.

Driving Requirements

This position requires the employee to work out in the community and within foster homes located throughout the Sacramento and theStockton/San Joaquin,CA regions.Thus, position requires employee to possess a valid CA driver’s license and valid automobile insurance with his/her name on the verification card