Youth Counselor

Partner with us in making a positive change!
Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.
Job Title:
Full-Time Youth Counselor
Division/Program:
Kern Psychiatric Health Facility
Starting Compensation:
21.00 - 27.01 USD Per Hour
Working Location:
Bakersfield, CA
Working Hours/Shift:
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday, AM: 6am to 630pm

Why Join Our Team?
Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.
Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.

Professional Growth Opportunities:
On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities.
Career development programs designed to help you grow.
Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).

Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication
What You Bring to SBHG (Qualifications)
Experience & Education | Youth Counselor I:
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Must have one year of experience with children or adults with serious mental health needs. Inpatient experience is preferred.
Education | Youth Counselor II / Youth Counselor IV:
High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, HiSET) plus three years of experience with children/adults with serious mental health needs; OR
An associate’s degree plus one year of experience; OR
A bachelor’s degree plus six months of experience.
How you will make a difference:
The Youth Counselor has the primary responsibility for supervising and caring for adolescent clients in individual and group settings, ensuring their safety and well-being. Assists adolescents with daily living skills, including eating, personal hygiene, grooming, social interactions, and positive behavior development. Provides support with daily activities, school responsibilities, and therapeutic programs while encouraging appropriate behavior and participation. Leads and assists with group activities, maintains accurate documentation of daily activities and behaviors, and participates in shift meetings and treatment team meetings to support quality care and communication.
Division/Program Overview:
Population Served: Children/Youth (ages 5-17), dealing with acute psychiatric symptoms.
Facility & Setting:16 bed facility, inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility.
Clinical Services: Moves clients through five phases: admission; engagement; learning; stabilization and linkage to resources and aftercare.
Length of stay: Length of stay is typically up to 72 hours. Stay may be extended, if additional evaluation or treatment is needed.
Skills & Services: Intensive treatment programs with individualized care plans.
Learn more about SBHG at:
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