Lead Counselor

Job Title: Lead Counselor
Department: Counseling
Reports To: Director of Programs
FLSA Status: Exempt
Status: Regular full-time benefited position
Salary: $82,000

Formerly known as the Cerebral Palsy Center for the Bay Area, Ability Now Bay Area (ANBA) offers adults with developmental and physical disabilities the most comprehensive and cutting-edge services available. Our unique programs include education, communication, computer literacy, vocational training, wellness, and community integration. We promote self-advocacy, independent living skills, and leisure skills, which enhance our participants’ ability to live more independent and fulfilled lives.

The Lead Counselor is responsible for overseeing participant services and ensuring high-quality, person-centered support. This role includes developing and monitoring Individual Service Plans (ISPs), tracking participant progress, and providing direct counseling. The Lead Counselor serves as a key liaison between participants, families, care teams, and external agencies to ensure coordinated and effective communication.

In addition, the role involves maintaining accurate documentation, preparing reports, and supporting program evaluation efforts. As a supervisor, the Lead Counselor manages counseling staff, oversees intake and referral processes, ensures compliance with regulatory standards, and provides training and guidance to staff. The position plays a critical role in fostering an inclusive environment while supporting participant growth, independence, and successful community integration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Service Plans (ISPs) to ensure participant progress and achievement of established goals. Facilitate regular reviews and make adjustments as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between participants, families, care providers, case managers, regulatory agencies, and internal staff to ensure clear communication and coordinated services.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support a case load of participants by collecting supporting documentation and meeting as required with Regional Center.
• Track and chart participant program objectives and measurable outcomes to support program evaluation and quality improvement efforts.
• Prepare internal and external reports, including progress reports for families, case managers, and regulatory representatives. Draft professional correspondence as needed.
• Distribute weekly internal updates regarding participants on assigned caseload.
• Provide counseling support to participants as issues arise, including but not limited to personal counseling sessions, group sessions and conflict resolution.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, staff trainings, counselor meetings, and required agency events.
• Provide training for other staff when appropriate on counseling-related skills and competencies.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and person-centered environment that supports participant dignity, independence, and community integration.

Supervisory Duties

• Coordinate the referral intake process including but no limited to admission, intake, enrollment, retention, discharge, and follow-up processes for all program participants, including screening, interviewing applicants, and providing information and referral services.
• Serve as a primary liaison with ANBA’s nursing staff to ensure participant care plan documents are turned in and updated.
• Supervise counseling staff’s documentation, schedules, and duties.
• Support staff in understanding and implementing participant service plans, providing direction and guidance when necessary.
• Ensure compliance…