Counselor, Community Health, Social Work

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: 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat)

2:30 PM – 11:30 PM (Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat)

10:30 PM – 7:30 AM (Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat)

Aspiranet, one of California’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Support Counselor to join our team in Santa Cruz, CA.

This role provides direct support to youth and caregivers, implementing individualized plans that promote healing, stability, and growth. If you’re passionate about helping youth thrive in their homes and communities and want to make a lasting difference, this opportunity is for you.

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.

The Support Counselors works 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• Previous work in residential, STRTP,…