Support Counselor

Alternative Family Services • San Francisco, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Alternative Family Services is hiring a full-time Support Counselor in San Francisco, California. The role works in the community and in foster homes throughout the Bay Area, collaborating with the treatment team to support children and families in the Intensive Treatment Foster Care program. Support Counselors provide services and interventions intended to promote the safety and well-being of foster children. The position has a flexible schedule and may require some evenings and weekends, including emergency response. It requires daily access to a safe, working personal vehicle for transporting children to appointments and other community settings.

Requirements

• Obtain and maintain fingerprint, government-required, and agency-required background clearances.
• Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: a bachelor’s degree in a social science-related field; an associate degree in a social science-related field plus at least six months of experience working with emotionally disturbed children or children with serious behavioral problems; or at least two years of such experience and a combination of education, skills, and experience.
• Complete 40 hours of required training before a child is placed in a certified family home for which the counselor is responsible. Training includes working with abused and neglected children, behavior de-escalation, CPR, first aid, and developing treatment plans for emotionally disturbed children or children with serious behavioral problems.
• Complete an additional 20 hours of ongoing in-service training within the first 12 months after becoming an ISFC Support Counselor.
• Hold CPR and First Aid certification.
• Have a valid California driver’s license and acceptable driving record, automobile insurance listing the employee as an insured driver, and vehicle registration.
• Have daily access to a personal vehicle maintained in safe working order and be able to transport children to community settings.
• Read and write fluently in English and meet the specific linguistic needs of the target population.
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Interact calmly and professionally with clients who may act out due to behavioral disabilities.
• Work cooperatively with coworkers, county representatives, and other treatment team members.
• Agree to work on cultural competency in relation to the diverse client population served.
• Work with minimal direct supervision and manage time and workload priorities.
• Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and a strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Provide support services to children and foster families in accordance with the agency’s treatment philosophy and approach.
• Provide interventions such as coaching, mentoring, skill building, tutoring, and supportive feedback.
• Provide emergency response; some evenings and weekends may be required.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of the foster child at all times.
• Transport children to appointments and other settings using a personal vehicle in safe working order.
• Submit written documentation of visitations and activities to CPS workers.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA privacy practices.
• Adhere to the agency’s attendance and punctuality policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Chiropractic and acupuncture coverage.
• Flexible spending options.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 403(b) option.
• More than seven weeks of annual time off, including 11 vacation days in the first year, increasing to as many as 20 days per year, 11 paid holidays including the employee’s birthday, and 12 sick days annually.
• Substantial monthly employer contributions toward premiums to help keep out-of-pocket costs low.
• IRS standard mileage reimbursement.
• Professional and supportive work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree