ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Counselor Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westcare

Counselor Technician

Richmond, CA · On-site

$22/hr

The Counselor Tech position is not authorized to provide AOD Services to program participants unless registered or certified. Essential Job Functions include those listed below. ESSENTIAL JOB ...

WESTCARE CALIFORNIA INC

Counselor Technician

Fresno, CA

$22 - $23/hr

The Counselor Tech Tier I position is not authorized to provide AOD Services to program participants unless registered or certified. Essential Job Functions include those listed below. ESSENTIAL JOB ...

WESTCARE CALIFORNIA INC

Counselor Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

The Counselor Tech Tier I position is not authorized to provide AOD Services to program participants unless registered or certified. Essential Job Functions include those listed below. ESSENTIAL JOB ...

Westcare

Counselor Technician

Richmond, CA · On-site

$22/hr

The Counselor Tech position is not authorized to provide AOD Services to program participants unless registered or certified. Essential Job Functions include those listed below. ESSENTIAL JOB ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCounselor Technician Jobs

Counselor Technician information

See salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do counselor technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor technician in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectCounselor TechnicianMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification or trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, outpatient facilities, mental health agenciesHospitals, psychiatric units, residential treatment centers
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral health clinics, outpatient servicesHospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Counselor Technicians and Mental Health Technicians work in mental health settings, assisting with patient care and support. Counselor Technicians often focus on supporting licensed counselors and may work in outpatient or community settings, while Mental Health Technicians typically work in inpatient hospital environments providing direct patient care. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, but their specific duties and settings differ slightly.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a counselor technician?

To thrive as a Counselor Technician, you generally need a background in psychology, social work, or a related field, often with certification or relevant coursework in substance abuse or mental health. Familiarity with client management systems, electronic health records, and documentation protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries help you build trust and support clients effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate client support, maintaining ethical standards, and fostering positive outcomes in behavioral health settings.

What challenges do counselor technicians face and how can they manage them?

Counselor Technicians often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative tasks with direct client interaction, managing emotionally intense situations, and supporting diverse client needs. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, practice self-care, and seek support through regular supervision or team meetings. Building effective communication and active listening skills also enables Counselor Technicians to collaborate successfully with counselors and other mental health professionals, ensuring clients receive comprehensive care.

What is a counselor technician?

Counselor Technicians are support professionals who assist licensed counselors, therapists, or clinical staff in helping clients with mental health, substance abuse, or behavioral challenges. They often conduct intake interviews, monitor client progress, facilitate group activities, and maintain records under supervision. Their role is crucial in providing daily support and ensuring a safe, therapeutic environment for clients in treatment facilities or community programs.
What job categories do people searching Counselor Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Counselor Technician jobs are:
Counselor Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Counselor Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

Counselor Technician

Westcare

Richmond, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be responsible for general client supervision, milieu management and general program operation. The Counselor Tech position is not authorized to provide AOD Services to program participants unless registered or certified. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Ensure the security of the facility through the continuous monitoring of the grounds and facility.
  • General client supervision in daily living activities and general program operation.
  • Make copies of necessary program paperwork.
  • Place documentation in client files.
  • Ensure all scheduled activities occur at the specified time.
  • Prepare client activity reports and other reports as requested.
  • Search incoming property and shopping bags.
  • Conduct medication calls at specified timeframes and according to policy.
  • Ensure assignments given to residents are completed.
  • Ensure that residents comply with program rules.
  • Monitor trip logs and conduct visual contact searches to ensure residents returning to the facility are not under the influence of any substance.
  • Ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility.
  • Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Competencies:
  • Must be sensitive to populations served.
  • Knowledge of substance abuse and treatment is desired.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment.
  • Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
  • Professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a successful criminal history background check.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from LEIE, MSIL, and EPLS.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
  • As mandated by the Fresno County Health Department employees who work at designated sites must have a current influenza vaccine, unless a medical and/or religious exemption is requested and approved.
  • As mandated by the State of California those employees who work at Residential, Outpatient, Recovery Residence, provide Mental Health Services, Administrative Staff or Transitional Living Facilities must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster for the COVID-19 virus. Employees that have requested a Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.
  • During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.
  • CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
  • One (1) year experience in a residential social service setting providing services to the criminal justice/substance abusing population and/or equivalent experience and education combined.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Good documentation skills.
  • Be able to multi-task; and
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field is preferred.
  • High School Diploma required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
  • Not applicable to this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Work is primarily performed in an office or in a residential/outpatient treatment setting.
  • Some outdoor activities may be required.
  • UA testing of clients is required.
  • Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program.