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Counselor Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Salvation Army

Counselor - Stockton ARC

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20/hr

COUNSELING * Assist beneficiaries to understand and overcome social and emotional problems through individual and process group counseling. * Keep beneficiary files current with proper documentation ...

Salvation Army

Counselor - Stockton ARC

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20/hr

COUNSELING * Assist beneficiaries to understand and overcome social and emotional problems through individual and process group counseling. * Keep beneficiary files current with proper documentation ...

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Counselor Assistant information

What is a counselor assistant?

Counselor Assistants are professionals who support licensed counselors, therapists, or psychologists in providing care to clients. Their duties often include administrative tasks, maintaining client records, assisting with group sessions, and helping clients with resources or information. They may work in schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, or social service agencies. While they do not typically provide therapy themselves, they play a vital role in supporting the overall counseling process and ensuring clients receive the help they need.

What are some common challenges counselor assistants face when supporting clients in a therapeutic setting?

Counselor Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally charged situations, maintaining professional boundaries, and supporting clients with diverse backgrounds and complex needs. They must balance empathy with objectivity while adhering to confidentiality and ethical guidelines. Regular collaboration with licensed counselors and participation in team meetings can help address these challenges and support ongoing professional development.

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

To thrive as a Counselor Assistant, you typically need foundational knowledge of counseling practices, confidentiality protocols, and a relevant associate degree or certification. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and scheduling tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and empathy help build rapport with clients and support the lead counselor effectively. These skills and qualifications ensure client trust, accurate record-keeping, and efficient support within counseling environments.

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

AspectCounselor AssistantMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, community centersHospitals, mental health facilities, residential programs
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral health agencies, schools, outpatient clinicsHospitals, psychiatric units, residential treatment centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Counselor Assistants and Mental Health Technicians support mental health services, often working in similar environments. Counselor Assistants typically focus on administrative support and client engagement, while Mental Health Technicians are more involved in direct patient care and monitoring. Understanding these differences can help job seekers identify roles that match their skills and career goals.

Do you need a degree to be a counselor assistant?

A counselor assistant typically does not need a college degree, but relevant experience, certifications, or training in mental health or social services can be beneficial. Requirements vary by employer and state regulations, with some positions emphasizing skills and experience over formal education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Counselor Assistant jobs in California?

For Counselor Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Counselor Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Counselor Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Counselor Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Counselor Assistant job openings:

Counselor Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Counselor Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Genetic Counselor Assistant

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Under direct supervision and guided by the procedures of Ambulatory Services, the Hospital Assistant III - Genetic Counselor Assistant is responsible for:
  • Interview patients and document personal and family medical history
  • Request outside medical records and upload to Apex and departmental database
  • Assist with clinic flow, including scheduling, rooming patients, and managing coordination of joint visits with genetic counselors and physicians
  • Staff Genetic Testing Station - share video and hand-out-based education
  • Reviewing research consent form with patients and send Docusign consent form
  • Taking patients to laboratory for blood draws or facilitate collection of saliva samples for genetic testing.
  • Preparing blood or saliva samples for transportation to laboratories within and outside of UCSF
  • Monitor communications with genetic testing laboratories, including responding to requests for additional documentation or samples
  • Consultations with healthcare providers and laboratories
  • Drawing and updating patient pedigrees using Progeny pedigree drawing software and patient history forms.
  • Entering data into the Cancer Risk Program (CRP) database
  • Other patient preparation and follow-up tasks
  • Support for clinical research projects, including consenting, data collection, documentation, and other tasks

They work as a team member with other practice staff and consistently projects a professional and courteous demeanor. The Genetic Counselor Assistant is required to comply with the Medical Center House and Telephone Standards. They must pay close attention to detail and demonstrate excellent customer service skills with patients and staff.
Responsibilities
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
60%
Yes
Assisting genetic counselors with all aspects of patients scheduling, intake, genetic counseling, genetic testing and documentation.
  • Genetic Counseling assistant will work primarily with 5-6 genetic counselors. He/she will learn all aspects of those genetic counselors' clinical areas and needs to work independently coordinating clinical care and patient visits. This will include:
  • Scheduling of clinic visits as needed.
  • Telephone and in-person contact regarding genetic counseling, genetic testing and participation in support groups for enrollment or follow-up purposes
  • Assisting low income patients with the steps to determine eligibility for counseling and/or genetic testing at reduced or no charge.
  • Interview patients and document personal and family medical history
  • Entering data into the Cancer Risk Program (CRP) database
  • Chart preparation and updating, including obtaining and uploading outside records
  • Drawing and updating patient pedigrees using Progeny pedigree drawing software and patient history forms
  • Preparation of letters of medical necessity
  • Assist with clinic flow, including scheduling, rooming patients, and managing coordination of joint visits with genetic counselors and physicians
  • Contact laboratories to determine all necessary steps for gene testing for specific genes. Act as liaison with laboratories to make sure all samples and required forms and samples are completed and received.
  • Request authorizations for complex gene testing
  • Research specific cancer syndromes and complete searches for relevant articles
  • Reviewing research consent form with patients
  • Taking patients to laboratory for blood draws
  • Obtaining saliva samples for genetic testing
  • Preparing blood or saliva samples for transportation to laboratories within and outside of UCSF
  • Preparation of family genetic counseling reports
  • Consultations with healthcare providers and laboratories
  • Other patient preparation, care, and follow-up tasks.

30%
Yes
Genetic Testing Station
  • Staff Genetic Testing Station - share video and hand-out-based education

Reviewing research consent form with patients and send Docusign consent form
  • Facilitate genetic testing and arrange follow-up with genetic counselor

10%
Yes
Performing other duties as assigned
  • Including outreach event participation and preparation of fliers, etc. to facilitate identification of high risk hereditary cancer families. Also, filing, transporting samples to and from labs, letters, follow up with referring health professionals, and typing. Other duties as assigned.

100%
OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both over the telephone and in person. Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with patients. Excellent organizational skills. Excellent customer service and problem solving skills. Ability to work well both independently, with little supervision, and in a team setting.
  • Bachelor's degree in a biological/health science or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • Knowledge of genetics and genetic concepts.
  • Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both over the telephone and in person.
  • Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with patients.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to work well both independently, with little supervision, and in a team setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
  • Experience with patient and or family contact in a community or medical setting.
  • Previous experience with clinical projects, either in an administrative or clinical role, preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of medical practice terminology an genetic terminology and concepts.
  • Experience with Outlook, File Maker Pro and Progeny (or other pedigree drawing software) preferred.
  • Bi-lingual or multi-lingual capability (Spanish, Cantonese, Russian) strongly preferred.

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

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