Support Counselor

Alternative Family Services • Vallejo, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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 is your opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children and youth in your community. 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.

Requirements

• 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).

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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!)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level