Support Counselor

Alternative Family Services•Vallejo, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Alternative Family Services is hiring a full-time Support Counselor for its Foster Care program in Vallejo, California. The role works in the community with children, youth, and families, in collaboration with the treatment team, to promote healing, stability, and growth. Work takes place in foster homes, schools, and community settings, including visits throughout Solano and Contra Costa Counties and occasionally San Francisco County. The schedule is flexible based on availability, with some late-afternoon and evening hours and occasional weekends. The position requires providing direct support to youth and families, documenting services, maintaining confidentiality, collaborating with service providers, and potentially transporting clients in a personal vehicle. 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

Meet one of the following education and experience combinations: 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, with a demonstrated combination of education, skills, and experience.
Have a valid California driver’s license, valid automobile insurance listing the candidate as an insured driver, and reliable transportation.
Maintain required FBI, DOJ, and CACI background clearances.
Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to de-escalate and connect with youth in crisis.
Be able to work independently, manage time effectively, and stay organized in a field-based role.
Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural competency.
Have CPR/First Aid certification or be able to obtain it upon hire.
Be able to use a personal vehicle in safe working order if transporting clients.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Foster Family Agencies.
Fluency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Deliver direct support services, including mentoring, skill-building, coaching, tutoring, and crisis response.
Provide a reliable, positive presence for youth in their homes, schools, and communities.
Transport youth safely and on time to appointments and activities when needed.
Document contacts, visits, and services according to agency and county requirements.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA privacy standards.
Collaborate with caregivers, mental health clinicians, social workers, and other service providers.
Visit foster homes in Solano and Contra Costa Counties and occasionally San Francisco County.

Benefits

Pay rate of $21.00–$24.00 per hour.
Additional pay differential of $1.20 per hour for fluent Spanish.
Additional pay differential of $2.40 per hour for specialized SF Juvenile Justice (Probation) support.
Professional, supportive, and culturally diverse work environment.
Flexible schedule.
IRS standard mileage reimbursement.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Chiropractic and acupuncture benefits.
Flexible spending options.
Life and disability insurance.
Pet insurance.
403(b) option.
More than eight weeks of time off annually, including 11 vacation days in the first year with accruals beginning on the first day, increasing up to 20 days per year; 12 paid holidays including the employee’s birthday; and 12 sick days annually.