Support Counselor

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? Alternative Family Services (AFS) is seeking dedicated and compassionate Support Counselors to join our Wraparound (WRAP) team. This is your chance to be a consistent, positive force in the lives of foster youth and families facing complex challenges.

Since 1973, Alternative Family Services has provided critical support to abused and neglected children across California. With a mission to ensure stability, safety, and well-being for vulnerable youth, AFS offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your work truly matters. We operate in both English and Spanish across eight locations in the Bay Area with over 200 employees - and we’re still growing.

As a WRAP Support Counselor, you'll work directly in the community, providing individualized services that promote healing, stability, and growth. You’ll collaborate with foster youth, families, and treatment teams across various programs including Foster Care, Juvenile Probation, Emergency Placement, and Mental Health Services.

This is a full-time, benefited role with most hours scheduled in the late afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends. Schedules are flexible and can be discussed during the interview process.

• Deliver direct support services such as mentoring, skill-building, coaching, tutoring, and crisis response.
• Serve as a reliable, positive presence for youth in their homes, schools, and communities.
• Provide safe and timely transportation to youth for appointments and activities.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of all client contacts, visits, and services in accordance with agency and county requirements.
• Manage calendars, appointments, and service delivery schedules across multiple locations.
• Track and submit mileage, schedules, and required reports in a timely manner
• Collaborate with caregivers, mental health clinicians, social workers, and other service providers.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA privacy standards.

We welcome candidates with a passion for youth work and experience in behavioral health or social services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education/
  
  Experience:
  • A bachelor’s degree in a social science related field; or an associate degree in a social science related field and have at least six months experience in working with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem; or at least two years of experience working with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem, and who demonstrate a combination of education, skills, and experience
• Valid California Driver’s License, auto insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to maintain required background clearances (FBI/DOJ/CACI).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to de-escalate and connect with youth in crisis.
• Able to work independently, manage time effectively, and stay organized in a field-based role.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural competency in all interactions.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

• Experience with WRAP or wraparound service models.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

This is a community-based role with travel throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin areas, including schools, foster homes, libraries, and public spaces.

This position requires the employee to work out in the community and within foster homes located throughout the Sacramento and the Stockton/San Joaquin,CA regions.Thus, position requires employee to possess a valid CA driver’s license and valid automobile insurance with his/her name on the verification card