Support Counselor - 14729

Aspiranet; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 35,817 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan with employer+

Aspiranet Employee Perks Program

Flexible paid time off

Holidays and vacation time

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Aspiranet is seeking a Support Counselor in Santa Cruz, CA to work directly with youth and caregivers in home and community settings. You will implement plans of care, provide behavioral interventions, and support youth participation in activities while upholding confidentiality and trauma-informed practices.

Join a team focusing on quality care, collaboration, and compliance within a CSU residential context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR at least two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience in a behavioral health-related field.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Meets all agency, funder, and regulatory employment requirements.
• Complies with all federal, state, and county regulations, including periodic background and sanction checks.
• Strong knowledge of crisis assessment, trauma-informed care, and safety planning.
• Meets all state-required employment conditions, including DOJ fingerprint and background checks, TB/Health physical, and CA Driver’s License with acceptable driving record and proof of insurance.

Responsibilities

• Directly support youth and caregivers in home and community settings per program plans.
• Implement interventions and model skills from individualized service plans.
• Coordinate with team through meetings and case consultations.
• Maintain documentation and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and funder standards.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Safety planning

Effective communication

Evenings/weekends availability

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 2 years related experience

Job description

Support Counselor

Santa Cruz, CA

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 Available: 2:30 PM – 12:00 AM (Sun‑Wed) OR 10:30 PM – 8:00 AM (Sun‑Wed)

The pay range for this position is $26.00–$28.00 per hour for employees hired in the Santa Cruz, CA area. The pay range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate for candidates hired within the bay area region. Candidates hired in other California locations may have different starting salaries based on cost of living and market data variations. Factors that may be used to determine your actual starting salary include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and internal comparisons to other employees in similar roles.

Position Summary

The Support Counselors work directly with youth and caregivers in home and community settings to implement individualized plans of care.

This position provides behavioral and emotional interventions, models positive strategies for caregivers, and supports youth participation in age‑appropriate activities. The Support Counselor II plays an essential role in Aspiranet’s child and family team, ensuring quality care, consistency, and collaboration across services.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support & Intervention

• 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.

Collaboration & Communication

• Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) 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.

Documentation & Compliance

• 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.

Professionalism & Agency Representation

• 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR at least two (2) years of full‑time equivalent experience in a behavioral health‑related field.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Meets all agency, funder, and regulatory employment requirements.
• Complies with all federal, state, and county regulations, including periodic background and sanction checks.
• Strong knowledge of crisis assessment, trauma‑informed care, and safety planning.
• Meets 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

• This position operates within a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) clinical & residential environment in Santa Cruz, CA.
• Schedule: Full‑time, various shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Why Aspiranet?

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits package, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Access to the free Aspiranet Employee Perks Program. Enjoy exclusive 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.
• Access to our employee assistance program including 24/7 crisis line; up to 6 counseling sessions per issue.
• Training opportunities are available to support your ongoing development and career aspirations.
• Collaborate in a supportive, inclusive, and mission‑aligned culture.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that support employee wellbeing.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This 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.

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 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.

How to Apply

Join us in building brighter futures. Apply today through our career portal: www.aspiranet.org/careers.

Pro Tip: Once you’re in the portal, be sure to create an account to get started on your application! It’s quick, easy, and the first step to making a difference.