Support Counselor

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: 2:30 PM - 12:00 AM (Wed-Sat)

The pay range for this position is $26.00–$28.00 per year for employees hired in the Santa Cruz, CA area. The pay range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate for candidates hired within the bay area region. Candidates hired in other California locations may have different starting salaries based on cost of living and market data variations. Factors that may be used to determine your actual starting salary include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and internal comparisons to other employees in similar roles.

Make a Meaningful Impact

Aspiranet, one of California’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Support Counselors 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.

About Aspiranet

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.

Position Summary

The Support Counselors works directly with youth and caregivers 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.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support & Intervention

• 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.

Collaboration & Communication

• 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.

Documentation & Compliance

• 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.

Professionalism & Agency Representation

• 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• 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

Preferred Experience:

• Previous work in residential, STRTP, or community-based youth programs.
• Training in trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, or family engagement strategies.
• Experience providing direct support or counseling to children and adolescents.

Work Environment & Schedule

• This position operates within a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) clinical & residential environment in Santa Cruz, CA.
• Schedule: Full-time, various shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Why Aspiranet?

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits package, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Access to the free Aspiranet Employee Perks Program. Enjoy exclusive discounts on entertainment, travel, wellness, pet care, gym memberships, theme parks, and more
• Flexible paid time off including 11 paid holidays, 10 vacation days, 10 sick leave days, two diversity days, and paid birthday time off.
• Access to our employee assistance program including 24/7 crisis line; up to 6 counseling sessions per issue.
• Training opportunities are available to support your ongoing development and career aspirations.
• Collaborate in a supportive, inclusive, and mission-aligned culture.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that support employee wellbeing.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This position typically operates in a standard office environment. The noise level is generally quiet and remains within OSHA’s established safety levels at all times.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aspiranet is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of diversity. We believe a diverse workforce within a culture of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) increases creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork for the youth and families that we serve and the organization as a whole. Aspiranet strives to provide our employees with a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive of differing world views, cultures, and lived experiences.