Support Counselor

Support Counselor - Santa Rosa, CA

Join Alternative Family Services as a Support Counselor and take part in our mission! The Support Counselor works in the field, in collaboration with the treatment team, supporting families and children within the AFS Foster Care program. This role will support our Enhanced Care Management (ECM) team. This is your opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children and youth in your community. See details below, and apply today!

About Alternative Family Services

Alternative Family Services is a Foster Family, Adoption and Mental Health Agency that has been serving abused and neglected children in our community since 1973. Our mission is to support vulnerable children and families in need of stability, safety, and well-being in communities. We provide a wide range of foster, adoption, mental health and transition-aged youth services in English and Spanish. We have eight locations throughout the Bay Area and over 200 employees. We celebrate diversity, equal opportunity, and excellence.


Position Overview

As a 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.

This is a full-time, benefited role with some hours scheduled in the late afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends. Schedules are flexible based on your availability and discussed during the interview.

What You'll Do

• 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.
• Connect Medi-Cal members, including those with complex physical and behavioral health needs, to essential community resources such as access to nutritious food, safe and stable housing, and other supportive services.
• Document all contacts, visits, and services according to agency and county requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA privacy standards.
• Collaborate with caregivers, mental health clinicians, social workers, and other service providers.
• As needed, provide administrative in-office support

What We're Looking For

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).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Foster Family Agencies.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Where You'll Work

This is a community-based role with travel throughout the Sonoma County, including schools, foster homes, libraries, and public spaces.

Driving Requirements

This position requires the employee to work out in the community and within foster homes throughout Sonoma County, and occasionally in Marin County. Thus, position requires employee to possess a valid CA driver's license and valid automobile insurance with his/her name on the verification card as an insured driver on the policy at all times. Position requires daily access to a car in safe working order.

Perks & Benefits - We Offer

• $21.00-$24.00/hour pay rate
• Additional pay differential offered for Spanish language fluency of $1.20/hour (must be fluent)
• A professional, supportive and culturally diverse work environment
• A full-time position with a flexible schedule
• IRS standard mileage reimbursement
• Benefits package which includes:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Chiropractic & Acupuncture
  • Flex-spending options
  • Life and disability insurance
  • 403(b) option
• Over 8 weeks time off annually! (11 vacation days the first year - accruals starting on your 1st day and progress up to 20 days a year! 12 paid holidays including your birthday off & 12 sick days annually!)

Ready to Join Us?

If you're looking for a meaningful career where your dedication helps change lives, we want to hear from you. Apply today to become part of a team that believes every child deserves safety, support, and a sense of belonging.


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of Ancestry, Age, Color, Disability, Genetic Information, Gender, Gender Identity, Gender expression, Marital status, Medical condition, Military or veteran status, National origin, Race, Religion, Sex and Sexual orientation. #nowhiring #now hiring #jobalert #job alert