Support Counselor

Alternative Family Services•San Francisco, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Alternative Family Services is hiring a Support Counselor to support foster youth clients in the San Francisco Juvenile Justice (Probation) Program. This field-based role provides individualized services to youth with high-acuity needs, including support for emergency and long-term placements referred by the San Francisco Juvenile Court. The work is conducted remotely, on-site, and in the community, with the program/home office located in Vallejo, California. The Support Counselor collaborates with foster youth, resource parents, and treatment teams to promote healing, stability, and growth through the agency’s specialized foster care programs, including the Children’s Crisis Continuum Pilot Program (CCCPP) and Enhanced Intensive Services Foster Care (E-ISFC). The role is full-time and benefited, with a flexible schedule that may include late afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends. The position requires travel throughout San Francisco, Solano, and Contra Costa Counties, including transporting clients in a personal vehicle in safe working order. Alternative Family Services is a foster family, adoption, and mental health agency that has served children and families since 1973, with eight Bay Area locations and more than 200 employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social science-related field; or an associate degree in a related field plus at least six months of experience working with emotionally disturbed children or children with serious behavioral challenges; or at least two years of relevant experience combined with appropriate education and skills.
Valid California driver’s license, acceptable driving record, vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance; ability to safely transport children using a personal vehicle.
Maintain valid automobile insurance that names the employee as an insured driver.
Ability to obtain and maintain required agency and government background clearances, including fingerprinting.
Ability to remain calm and professional when supporting children with behavioral challenges and collaborate effectively with families, coworkers, county representatives, and treatment team members.
Strong English reading, writing, and verbal communication skills, and ability to meet the linguistic needs of the population served.
Commitment to cultural competency and respectful work with diverse populations.
Ability to work independently, manage time, and prioritize responsibilities with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated integrity, honesty, reliability, and strong work ethic.
Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain it upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Foster Family Agencies.
Understanding of trauma-informed care and demonstrated experience working with youth impacted by trauma.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide support services to clients and families using methods consistent with the agency’s treatment philosophy and approach.
Provide interventions such as coaching, mentoring, skill building, tutoring, and supportive feedback.
Be a reliable, positive presence for youth in their homes, schools, and communities.
Safely and promptly transport youth to appointments and activities.
Provide crisis and emergency response; some evening and weekend work may be required.
Document contacts, visits, and services in an electronic medical record system according to agency and county requirements.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA privacy standards.
Provide guidance and training to resource parents (foster parents).
Collaborate with caregivers, mental health clinicians, social workers, county representatives, and other service providers or treatment team members.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Chiropractic and acupuncture coverage
Flexible spending options
Life and disability insurance
403(b) option
Pet insurance
More than eight weeks of time off annually, including 11 vacation days in the first year, increasing up to 20 days per year; 12 paid holidays, including the employee’s birthday; and 12 sick days annually
IRS standard mileage reimbursement
Additional $1.20 per hour bilingual pay differential for demonstrated Spanish fluency