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Counselor Aide Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapist (PT)

Middletown, CA · On-site

$1.5K - $2.0K/wk

... consultation and counseling to patients, as well as families, caregivers and other service ... aides and/or students. · Adherence to Company required policy and procedures and code of conduct ...

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Counselor Aide information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$10

$21

$45

How much do counselor aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor aide in Santa Rosa, CA is $21.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a counselor aide?

Counselor Aides are support professionals who assist counselors in providing services to individuals or groups in settings such as schools, rehabilitation centers, or community organizations. Their duties often include administrative tasks, helping with client intake, organizing activities, and providing basic support to clients under the supervision of a licensed counselor. Counselor Aides are crucial in ensuring that counseling programs run smoothly and effectively, but they do not provide therapy or make clinical decisions. They serve as a bridge between clients and professional counselors, helping to facilitate communication and access to resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a counselor aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counselor Aide, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong interpersonal skills, and basic knowledge of counseling procedures. Familiarity with client management systems, documentation tools, and occasionally CPR or first aid certification is often required. Compassion, patience, and active listening are vital soft skills that help in building trust and supporting clients effectively. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable Counselor Aides to assist professionals in delivering quality care and maintaining a supportive environment for clients.

What are some typical challenges a counselor aide may face when supporting clients, and how can these be managed effectively?

Counselor Aides often work with individuals experiencing emotional distress or behavioral challenges, which can be emotionally demanding and sometimes unpredictable. Managing boundaries while building trust is a common challenge, as is recognizing when to escalate concerns to licensed counselors. Effective communication, maintaining empathy without becoming personally overwhelmed, and regular supervision or team debriefs are key strategies for managing these challenges, ensuring both client well-being and professional growth.

What is the difference between Counselor Aide vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectCounselor AideMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, outpatient clinicsHospitals, mental health facilities, residential treatment centers
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and community organizationsHealthcare and mental health providers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level support roles in mental healthMore clinical responsibilities, direct patient care

In summary, Counselor Aides typically assist mental health professionals in educational or community settings with administrative and supportive tasks, requiring minimal certifications. Mental Health Technicians often work in clinical environments, providing direct patient care and may require additional certifications. Both roles support mental health services but differ mainly in work setting and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Counselor Aide jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Counselor Aide job openings:

Infographic showing various Counselor Aide job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,713 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Behavioral Health Aide (Santa Rosa)

Northern California Behavioral Health System

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with planning and implementing activities for patients, including arts, outdoor, and movement programs.

  • Help the therapist conduct group sessions and prepare materials to promote mental health stability.

  • Complete documentation and progress notes for patients, and coordinate with community resources to support programming.


Job description

ABOUT US:

Formerly Aurora Santa Rosa Hospital, SRBHH was opened in 2016 and is regarded as an integral part of the greater Santa Rosa and Northern California mental health system of care. Conveniently located in the North Bay, this hospital consists of 144 acute psychiatric inpatient beds.

Santa Rosa Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (SRBHH) is regarded as an integral part of the greater Santa Rosa and Northern California mental health system of care.

Conveniently located in the North Bay, SRBHH serves adolescents and adults. We treat both mental health and co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse conditions.

POSITION TITLE: Behavioral Health Aide

PAY RANGE: $25.00-$30.00 PER HOUR

REPORTS TO: Director of Clinical Services

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The primary role of the Behavioral Health Aide is to assist with planning and implementation of activities for all geriatric, adult, and adolescent patients. Activities may include arts and crafts, outdoor activities, or sports and movement programs. The Aide may prepare or set up equipment and ensure the safety of all participants in the activity. The Behavioral Health Aide maintains knowledge of, participates in further training provided, and understands the potential risks regarding occupational health hazards (e.g. bloodborne pathogen exposures).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the Adjunctive Therapist:

  • Implements activity therapy plans and activities in conjunction with treatment goals. 
  • Assists the therapist in conducting group sessions for patients, which may draw from mediums such as art therapy, exercise, games or leisure activities.
  • Assists the therapist in planning and preparing for activities that promote creativity, wellness, and skills contributing to mental health stability.
  • Completes draft documentation and progress notes on time and individualized per patient and sends to the therapist for completion and signature.
  • Assists the therapist communicating with community resources and community partners to schedule hospital groups pertaining to canine therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, and other community-based resources to supplement programming at the hospital.
  • Assists the therapist researches activities and group material to use within scope of practice to facilitate group programming.
  • Assists the therapists in maintaining inventory of supplies and items for activity-based groups, and complete an order list monthly to Director of Social Services and/or Director of Clinical Services.
  • Performs related duties, as requested.
  • Upholds the Organization's ethics and customer service standards.
  • Completes required documentation and progress notes on time and individualized per patient.

Requirements

POSITION Requirements:  

Knowledge and Experience:

  • Minimum of two years’ experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness or related field preferred.   
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher, or equivalent work experience, required in the field of social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or counseling.
  • Certified/on track to be certified in recreational therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, art/music/drama therapy.
  • Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required, or obtained within initial orientation period.
  • Verbal de-escalation and physical intervention program as approved by the CNO.
  • Knowledge of psychiatric and addictive disease diagnoses and treatment.
  • Health care industry preferred.
  • English proficiency required.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Maintains confidentiality of patients at all times.
  • Sensitivity to and willingness to interact with persons of various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds.
  • Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize projects, work relatively independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency with computers and/or other related equipment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Good judgment, problem solving and decision-making skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively as well as possessing the skills to lead, influence, and motivate others.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, expanding organization.

Physical Requirements:  

Ability to exercise self-control in potentially volatile situations such as being verbally or physically confronted in a threatening or aggressive manner; must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions such as noise, conversation and foot traffic; ability to handle interruptions often and be able to move from one task to another; must be flexible and not easily frustrated in dealing with differences of opinions.

Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, and be able to perceive the attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature, and/or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips.  Ability to express and exchange ideas via spoken word during activities in which they must convey detail or important spoken instructions to others accurately, sometimes quickly and loudly. Hearing to perceive the nature of sound with no less than 40 db loss @ Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without correction; ability to perceive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound.  Perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers.

Individual must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and to be able to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.  Work requires a minimum standard of visual acuity with or without correction that will enable people in the role to complete administrative and clerical tasks and visually observe patients on the unit and in therapeutic activities.  While worker may possibly be subjected to temperature changes, the worker is generally not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions as the work is predominantly inside.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Healthcare Spending Account
  • Life Insurance
    (Supplemental Life, Term and Universal plans are also available)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
    (with additional buy-in opportunities)
  • PTO Plan with Holiday Premium Pay
  • Discounted Cafeteria Meal Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement