Support Counselor II

Aspiranet; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

403(b) retirement plan with employer m

Flexible paid time off

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Aspiranet in Merced, CA is seeking a dedicated Support Counselor II to work within the Behavioral Health Division. The role involves one-on-one youth support, implementing plan-based interventions, and coaching caregivers to apply techniques demonstrated during sessions.

Requirements include a BA/BS in psychology or related field (AA with two years of relevant experience accepted), ability to work evenings/weekends, and compliance with DOJ fingerprint, TB health clearance, and CA driver's

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a Psychology related field or any field plus 2 full time equivalent years experience in a behavioral health related field. AA Degree with 2 years of experience is also acceptable.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Meet with youth and caregiver per program and plan requirements.
• Implement interventions as outlined in the plan.
• Transfer skills to caregiver and others who are caring for the youth.
• Develop and provide youth-specific activities related to case plan.
• Conduct rehabilitation sessions with youth and caregiver.

Skills

English proficiency

Independent work

Time management

Writing skills

Education

BA/BS in Psychology or related field

AA degree with 2 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Support Counselor II

Location: Merced, California

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm | Non-Exempt

Department: Behavioral Health

Reports To: Program Supervisor

Pay Range: $21.50-$24.50 per hour

The pay range for this position is $21.50- $24.50 per hour for employees hired in Central Valley, CA. The pay range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired within the Central Valley region. Candidates hired in Southern California or Bay Area locations may have higher starting salaries due to cost of living and market data differences. Factors that may be used to determine your actual starting salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and internal comparison to other employees who hold a similar role.

Make a Meaningful Impact

Aspiranet, a leading California-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families, is seeking a passionate and driven Support Counselor to join our Behavioral Health Division.

If you’re passionate about supporting the emotional well-being of young people and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting impact.

About Aspiranet

Founded in 1975, Aspiranet is a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide a continuum of care across California through six service divisions: Foster and Adoption, Transitional Aged Youth, Residential, Intensive Home-Based Services, Behavioral Health, and Family and Community. Every role at Aspiranet contributes to something greater: building a future where every child is loved, every family supported, and every individual equipped to succeed.

Position Summary

The Support Counselor II (SCII) is responsible for implementing identified components of the approved plan. Major responsibilities include working one-on-one with youth, providing interventions in support of identified behaviors and role modeling for the caregiver and other family members how to work with youth per the plan. As a valued child/youth and family team member, the SCII will submit contact notes and provide feedback on interventions to the rest of the Aspiranet team.

Key Responsibilities

Client Care

• Meet with youth and caregiver per program and plan requirements.
• Implement interventions as outlined in the plan.
• Transfer skills to caregiver and others who are caring for the youth.
• Develop and provide youth-specific activities related to case plan.
• Conduct rehabilitation sessions with youth and caregiver.

Team Collaboration

• Monitor success of interventions and report to team lead.
• Inform team lead when interventions are not beneficial.
• Provide support to youth and care providers which aide youth in participating in age appropriate activities.
• Develop a professional and supportive relationship with youth, families, referring parties, collaborative partners and community providers.
• Complete timely contact notes to program and funder standards.
• Integrate and use training information provided by the agency.
• Report all incidents and program concerns to Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Attend required meetings, training sessions, supervision, briefings and program activities.
• Ensure appropriate and safe conditions while working with youth.
• Support and model Aspiranet’s values, represent the Agency in a professional manner, and abide by the Agency’s Professional Code of Ethics.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with staff, caregivers, youth and community resources.
• Maintain client and case confidentiality per HIPAA, state and Agency standards.
• Complete own administrative paperwork (time sheets, mileage, time off requests, daily logs & other expense reimbursements, weekly schedule, etc.) accurately and on time.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a Psychology related field or any field plus 2 full time equivalent years experience in a behavioral health related field. AA Degree with 2 years of experience is also acceptable.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• 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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension).
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance when necessary.
• Strong writing and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and standard office software.
• Excellent time management, multitasking, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients and staff.

Work Environment & Schedule

• On-site role in Crisis Stabilization Unit in Merced, CA.
• Occasional flexibility required to meet program and client needs.

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 (ADA), 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 (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.