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At Risk Youth Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Although it serves a variety of consumers, the agency focuses primarily on providing care to low-income, high at- risk youth. The role of the On-Call Youth Specialist is to provide care, supervision ...

Although it serves a variety of consumers, the agency focuses primarily on providing care to low-income, high at- risk youth. The role of the Youth Specialist is to provide care, supervision and ...

Although it serves a variety of consumers, the agency focuses primarily on providing care to low-income, high at- risk youth. The role of the On -Call Youth Specialist is to provide care, supervision ...

Although it serves a variety of consumers, the agency focuses primarily on providing care to low-income, high at- risk youth. The role of the On -Call Youth Specialist is to provide care, supervision ...

Although it serves a variety of consumers, the agency focuses primarily on providing care to low-income, high at- risk youth. The role of the On-Call Youth Specialist is to provide care, supervision ...

Youth and Families Care Manager

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$25 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our work serves a wide-range of individuals, including youth and adults who are unhoused, at-risk, or justice-involved. At 4th Second, we are committed to trauma-informed and harm reduction ...

Although it serves a variety of consumers, the agency focuses primarily on providing care to low-income, high at- risk youth. The role of the Youth Specialist is to provide care, supervision and ...

Youth and Families Care Manager

Vallejo, CA · Hybrid

$25 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our work serves a wide-range of individuals, including youth and adults who are unhoused, at-risk, or justice-involved. At 4th Second, we are committed to trauma-informed and harm reduction ...

Showing results 21-40

At Risk Youth information

See California salary details

$14

$29

$73

How much do at risk youth jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for at risk youth in California is $29.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $38.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth counselor working with at-risk youth, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Counselor for at-risk youth, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by a relevant degree and state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, behavioral assessment tools, and crisis intervention techniques is typically required. Outstanding soft skills include patience, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust and rapport. These skills help counselors effectively support vulnerable youth, promote positive outcomes, and navigate challenging situations safely and ethically.

What are at-risk youth?

At-risk youth are young people who are considered to have a higher probability of facing negative outcomes due to various risk factors in their lives. These factors may include poverty, exposure to violence, family instability, substance abuse, academic challenges, or involvement with the juvenile justice system. Being 'at risk' does not guarantee negative outcomes, but it means these youth may need additional support, resources, and guidance to overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with at-risk youth, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with at-risk youth often encounter challenges such as building trust with individuals who may have experienced trauma, managing behavioral issues, and navigating complex family dynamics. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, patience, and ongoing training in trauma-informed care. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including counselors, social workers, and educators—can provide comprehensive support and help professionals develop effective intervention strategies.

What is the difference between At Risk Youth vs Youth Counselor?

AspectAt Risk YouthYouth Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in youth workHigh school diploma; often requires certification or degree in counseling or social work
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, schools, juvenile facilitiesSchools, community centers, counseling offices
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government agencies, schoolsEducational institutions, mental health agencies, social services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

At Risk Youth refers to young individuals facing challenges such as poverty, family issues, or behavioral problems. Youth Counselors work directly with these youth to provide guidance, support, and intervention. While both roles focus on supporting youth, At Risk Youth is a demographic or target group, whereas Youth Counselor is a professional role aimed at assisting that group.

What cities in California are hiring for At Risk Youth jobs?

Cities in California with the most At Risk Youth job openings:

Infographic showing various At Risk Youth job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,273 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Mental Health Therapist for High Risk Youth (Bilingual Spanish)

WestCoast Children's Clinic

Oakland, CA

$79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

WestCoast Children's Clinic, located in Oakland, California, is a non-profit community psychology clinic that provides mental health services to Bay Area children, youth and families. Working at WestCoast Children's Clinic means being part of an organization that is client-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, and committed to justice and equity.

Position Details

Title: C-Change Clinician (BIlingual Spanish)

Classification: Regular Full Time (1.0 FTE), Exempt

Location: Oakland, CA / Hybrid (availability to provide client services in-person and complete documentation remotely)

Regular Work Schedule: Full time, M-F

Compensation:

  • Salary for bilingual clinicians is $79,200 per year for ​those collecting hours toward licensure​ (Master's level), and licensed starting at $90,200. Rate inclusive of 10% Spanish language differential
  • Signing Bonus: $4,000 for bilingual (Spanish) candidates

C-Change, Transforming the Lives of Sexually Exploited Minors, provides mental health screening and support to sexually exploited youth and high-risk youth. Clinicians provide community-based, intensive strategies to address any current need for stabilization, crisis intervention, and individual trauma-focused treatment.

As a Bilingual C-Change Clinician, you will provide:

  • Community-based trauma-informed psychotherapy and intensive clinical case management in English and Spanish to youth who are at risk of, have a history of or are being sexually exploited or have experienced gender violence.
  • Mental health screening to assess cognitive, emotional and social functioning and needs; facilitate the identification and engagement in mental health services
  • Individual or family intensive mental health services and clinical case management as part of a collaborative wrap service team.
  • Risk assessments, crisis intervention, stabilization, and create safety plans.
  • Assistance for youth in developing and executing their transition to adulthood plan.
  • Coordinated services with other agencies and resources to address youth's needs, including housing, medical/physical health, mental health, education, employment, independent living skills, advocacy, placement stability, and age-appropriate enrichment activities.
  • Our clinical services have expanded and we now provide services in San Francisco
  • Services are provided via Telehealth or in-person within the 90 mile radius
  • Provide stabilization support services to children and TAY in an in-person milieu environment.
  • On weekly shifts, provide stabilization and comprehensive care to Alameda County foster youth and young adults in a milieu environment as they await and prepare for transition to foster placements.

What will you gain?

  • Receive individual clinical supervision by a dedicated supervisor and participate in a case conference
  • Enhanced training and professional development support for recent graduates
  • Be part of a compassionate, driven team that is social justice-focused: We have several Staff Affinity Groups: BIPOC council, LGBTQIA+, Alianza Latine, Equity and Inclusion, and more!
  • Serve vulnerable kids and their families and create positive changes in their lives
  • Exciting professional development opportunities for experienced clinical staff, including WCC's Supervisor in Training Program.
  • As a Joint Commission-accredited agency, we provide the highest standard of care and offer extensive clinical training and seminars led by field experts. Training includes CSEC, Telehealth, Complex Trauma/Trauma-Informed Care, Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS), Supervisor in training program, and much more!

Position Requirements:

  • A Master's or Doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, marriage, and family therapy or social work (required)
  • Current and valid license or registration with the CA BBS or BOP (open to recent graduates in the process of registering)
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish (spoken and written)*
  • At least 1-2 years of direct clinical experience working with transition age, high-risk, and system-involved youth in a community-based setting. For C-Change Clinician candidates, specific experience with CSEC youth.
  • Knowledge of Alameda County community resources for TAY youth.
  • Demonstrate clinical skill in assessment/evaluation and treatment, crisis intervention while working with complex, multiple diagnosis histories.
  • Well-organized, efficient, and excellent time management
  • A trauma-informed and relational approach to working with youth
  • Work with Medi-Cal reimbursement procedures and billing
  • Ability to assess needs, strengths & provide crisis intervention and de-escalation in small and large group settings
  • Ability to travel by car to meet with clients, generally within a 90 mile radius of WCC's Oakland office. Alternative forms of transportation may be accommodated based on the needs of the program and clients. Employees must have a clean CA DMV record. When driving for WCC, current vehicle insurance is required.

*Spanish Language Proficiency Requirement

This is a bilingual Spanish/English position. Candidates must demonstrate advanced Spanish language proficiency in order to effectively provide services to Spanish-speaking clients and families.

Final candidates will be required to complete an ALTA Language Proficiency Test administered by WestCoast Children's Clinic and must achieve a minimum score of Level 9 (Advanced) to qualify for the position.

A Level 9 proficiency indicates the ability to:

  • Participate in in-depth conversations in Spanish across a broad range of topics at a normal rate of speech
  • Understand most spoken Spanish in professional and conversational contexts, using context to interpret unfamiliar slang, idioms, or complex grammar
  • Communicate clearly and effectively on a wide range of subjects, even if some grammatical errors or a noticeable accent are present
  • Be readily understood by native Spanish speakers without causing misunderstanding

WestCoast Children's Clinic will provide the ALTA language assessment to eligible candidates during the hiring process.

Benefits:

  • $4,000 Signing Bonus (qualified Spanish-speaking candidates only)
  • 100% Employer-paid medical and a variety of different plans (base plan, Kaiser HMO), dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage for full-time employees. 50% paid coverage for dependent medical and dental.
  • Bilingual pay differential for qualified candidates (10% of yearly salary)
  • Quarterly and annual incentive compensation plans, generous retirement plan contribution
  • 403b retirement plan with ROTH and 403b contribution options
  • Flex-spending options - Medical, Dependent Care and Commuter Plans
  • Three weeks of paid time off per year (additional PTO accrual with increased years of service)
  • 12 Paid Holidays per year, and Self-Care Leave
  • Wellness Stipend ($100 per month), which can be used on a variety of expenses related to self-care and wellness
  • Professional development stipend
  • Weekly supervision and case conference
  • CEUs for trainings

Join us and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in the Bay Area.

WCC is passionate about leading and encouraging open conversations around race, gender, power, and privilege and how these impact community mental health. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diminishing the influence of privilege and discrimination in our field and our workplace, whether due to differences concerning age, citizenship, color, disability, marital or parental status, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.