Counselor II

Come join our team! At Creative Alternatives you’ll have the opportunity to build a meaningful career while making a lasting difference in the lives of foster youth. We are a mission-driven nonprofit human services agency providing Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program facilities, foster family homes, transitional housing placement, and nonpublic school services for youth and young adults who have experienced significant challenges, trauma and adversity.

Every day, our team creates safe, supportive environments where youth can heal, grow, and reach their full potential. As a Counselor II in one of our STRTP facilities, you’ll be more than an employee—you’ll be a mentor, advocate, and positive role model who helps shape brighter futures. If you’re compassionate, dependable, and passionate about helping others, you’ll find purpose, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a real impact with us!

Qualifications:

Must meet one of the following:

Bachelor of Arts or Science degree

Two years’ full-time experience or equivalent, working with population to be served, or equivalent education or experience as determined by CDSS. (Experience shall be verified as having been paid or volunteer with duties that required direct supervision and care of population served.)Prior to assuming duties, individual shall complete a minimum of one hour of training as specified in Section 87065.1(a) in addition to training required in Sections 87065.1(c) and (d)
Must be 21 years of ageMeet all state licensing and insurance requirements

Must pass a DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse index clearance

Valid California driver's license with minimum 2 years’ driving experience required

Good driving record:
Department of Motor Vehicles printout required

Must pass LIC 503 Health Screening Report and TB clearance

Knowledge of:

And understanding of the needs of children served in a children’s residential setting

Ability to:

Engage and develop a rapport with children who have diverse backgrounds.

Provide consistency and behavioral limits through relationship-based interventions.

Communicate effectively and solve problems in a collaborative manner.

Learn and understand the needs of children served in a residential children’s setting.

Develop appropriate relationships with clients who have various backgrounds.

Apply the Reasonable Prudent Parent Standard as necessary.

Utilize skills in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication.

Work effectively with staff and administration.

Communicate effectively with team members and outside agencies.

Implement strong written and verbal communication skills.

Successfully complete Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) post testing course work in emergency intervention and demonstrate “hands on” competency in emergency intervention techniques (per CCL regulation 84802(g), Title 22).

Essential Functions and Responsibilities :

Managing the day-to day operation of the facility in the absence of a supervisor.

Ensuring appropriate care and supervision is provided to children in according to applicable law, licensing regulations, and the agency’s policies.

Supervision, protection, and care of children at all times, individually and in groups.

Overseeing the planned activities required to be available to children.

Ensuring general upkeep of the facility.

Provide mental health services including individual and group rehabilitation services.

Write a progress note during each shift for each client.

Assistance to each child working with a group and in handling individual problems.

Administration of discipline and setting of limits for behavior that are consistent with trauma informed care standards.

Notations of the child’s program; identification of the possible need for additional professional services, and communication of such findings to facility supervisor and professional staff.

Assistance with the provision of or access to the core services and support, daily activities, and emotional and social supports, as necessary.

Reporting to the Facility Supervisor and making recommendations to address identified problems.

Applying interventions, techniques, and practices that are trauma informed, culturally…