1

Family Support Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Support Counselor

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$27.01 - $29.51/hr

Passionate about helping kids and families? Join us as a Youth Counselor and provide life-changing support, counseling, and crisis intervention where it matters most-right in your community. The ...

Support Counselor

Vallejo, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Support Counselor - Vallejo, CA Join Alternative Family Services as a Support Counselor and take part in our mission! The Support Counselor works in the field, in collaboration with the treatment ...

New

Support Counselor/Intensive Care Coordination - San Mateo, CA The Support Counselor works in the ... About Alternative Family Services Alternative Family Services is a Foster Family, Adoption and ...

Support Counselor

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $27.40/hr

Support Counselor - San Francisco Be a positive presence in the life of vulnerable children by ... Alternative Family Services offers a full-time position with a flexible schedule! Apply today!

Support Counselor

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$17.75/hr

EA Family Services is hiring a part-time Support Counselor for our Sacramento office. EA is a non-profit agency with offices throughout Northern California. We provide safe and caring homes for ...

Support Counselor - 14728

Santa Cruz, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

The Support Counselor II plays an essential role in Aspiranet's child and family team, ensuring quality care, consistency, and collaboration across services. Key Responsibilities Direct Support ...

Support Counselor

San Leandro, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Support Counselor/Lead Care Management - San Leandro, CA The Support Counselor works in the field ... About Alternative Family Services Alternative Family Services is a Foster Family, Adoption and ...

Support Counselor

San Rafael, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Support Counselor/Lead Care Management - San Rafael, CA The Support Counselor works in the field ... About Alternative Family Services Alternative Family Services is a Foster Family, Adoption and ...

Support Counselor - 14729

Santa Cruz, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

The Support Counselor II plays an essential role in Aspiranet's child and family team, ensuring quality care, consistency, and collaboration across services. Key Responsibilities Direct Support ...

Showing results 21-40

Family Support Counselor information

See salary details

$29K

$53.9K

$89K

How much do family support counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for family support counselor in the United States is $53,857.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a family support counselor?

To become a family support counselor, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, along with relevant experience or training in counseling or family services. Certification or licensure may be required depending on the state or organization, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Family Support Counselor vs Child and Family Therapist?

AspectFamily Support CounselorChild and Family Therapist
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field; some roles require certification or licensureMaster's degree in psychology, social work, or counseling; licensure required for practice
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, schools, healthcare settings, providing direct support to familiesClinics, private practices, hospitals, focusing on therapy sessions with children and families
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government agencies, schoolsHealthcare providers, mental health clinics, private practices

Family Support Counselors primarily provide community-based support and guidance to families, often with a focus on resource connection and advocacy. Child and Family Therapists conduct clinical therapy sessions to address mental health issues. While both roles support families, the Therapist role typically requires advanced licensure and clinical training, whereas the Counselor role emphasizes community support and resource navigation.

What is a family support counselor?

Family Support Counselors are professionals who work with families to provide emotional, behavioral, and practical support during challenging times. They help families identify needs, set goals, and connect with community resources and services, such as mental health care, housing assistance, or parenting education. These counselors often work in schools, social service agencies, or healthcare settings and focus on strengthening family relationships and improving overall well-being. By offering guidance, advocacy, and counseling, they empower families to overcome barriers and build resilience.

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

To thrive as a Family Support Counselor, you need a background in social work, counseling, or psychology, typically supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Experience with case management software, documentation systems, and knowledge of community resources is valuable. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust with families in need. These skills ensure effective support, advocacy, and intervention for families facing challenges, leading to better outcomes and well-being.

How does a family support counselor typically collaborate with other professionals to support families?

Family Support Counselors frequently work alongside social workers, educators, healthcare providers, and community agencies to provide comprehensive care for families. This collaborative approach helps ensure that families receive holistic support tailored to their unique needs. Counselors often participate in case conferences, coordinate services, and share relevant information (with consent) to create effective intervention plans. Building strong relationships with these professionals is key to addressing challenges such as resource access, behavioral issues, or crisis management.
More about Family Support Counselor jobs
What states have the most Family Support Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Family Support Counselor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Family Support Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,857 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Support Counselor

Alternative Family Services

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$21 - $27.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Support Counselor - San Francisco
Be a positive presence in the life of vulnerable children by becoming a Support Counselor with Alternative Family Services. Support Counselors work in the community in collaboration with the treatment team to support families and children within the Intensive Treatment Foster Care program. Alternative Family Services offers a full-time position with a flexible schedule! Apply today!
About Alternative Family Services
Alternative Family Services is a Foster Family, Adoption and Mental Health Agency that has been serving abused and neglected children in our community since 1973. Our mission is to support vulnerable children and families in need of stability, safety, and well-being in communities. We provide a wide range of foster, adoption, mental health and transition-aged youth services in English and Spanish. We have eight locations throughout the Bay Area and over 200 employees. We celebrate diversity, equal opportunity, and excellence.
Responsibilities
  • Provide support services to the child and foster family via methods consistent with the agencyโ€™s treatment philosophy and approach
  • Provide a variety of interventions. This may include, but is not limited to, coaching, mentoring, skill building, tutoring and supportive feedback
  • Provide emergency response. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of the foster child at all times
  • Transport children to a variety of appointments and or settings using a personal vehicle in safe working order
  • Submit written documentation of such visitations and or activities to CPS workers
  • Ensure compliance with HIPAA privacy practices
  • Adhere to our attendance and punctuality policy
  • Assume other duties as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Obtain and maintain fingerprint and government and Agency required background clearances
  • A bachelorโ€™s degree in a social science related field; or an associate degree in a social science related field and have at least six months experience in working with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem; or at least two years of experience working with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem, and who demonstrate a combination of education, skills, and experience
  • Training Requirements - Each ISFC Support Counselor shall have completed 40 hours of training to include, but not be limited to, working with abused and neglected children, behavior de-escalation techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and developing treatment plans for emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem. All training shall be completed prior to placing a child in a certified family home for which the support counselor is assigned responsibility. An additional 20 hours of ongoing in-service training is required within the first 12 months after becoming an ISFC Support Counselor
  • CPR/First Aid certification
  • Valid California driverโ€™s license with an acceptable driving record, auto insurance showing as an insured driver on the policy and vehicle registration
  • Able to drive and transport children into a variety of community settings using a personal vehicle that is maintained in safe working order
  • Able to read and write fluently in English
  • Able to meet the specific linguistic needs to the target population
  • Able to clearly communicate verbally and in writing
  • Able to interact calmly and professionally with clients who may act out due to behavioral disabilities
  • Able to interact with co-workers, county representatives, and other treatment team members as part of a cooperative team
  • Agree to work on cultural competency as it relates to the diverse client population served
  • Work with minimal direct supervision and able to manage time and prioritize workload
  • Possess a high level of integrity, honesty and strong work ethic
Driving Requirements
This position requires the employee to work out in the community and within foster homes throughout the Bay Area. Thus, position requires employee to possess a valid CA driverโ€™s license and valid automobile insurance with his/her name on the verification card as an insured driver on the policy at all times. Position requires daily access to a car in safe working order.
We Offer
  • $21.00-$27.40/hour pay rate(This rate includes a specialized program differential)
  • A professional and supportive work environment
  • IRS standard mileage reimbursement
  • Benefits package which includes:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Chiropractic amp; Acupuncture
    • Flex-spending options
    • Life and disability insurance
    • 403(b) option
    • Over 7 weeks time off annually! (11 vacation days the first year โ€“ accruals starting on your 1st day and progress up to 20 days a year! 11 paid holidays including your birthday off amp; 12 sick days annually!)
    • AFS makes substantial monthly contributions on your behalf to keep out of pocket premiums at an all time low!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of Ancestry, Age, Color, Disability, Genetic Information, Gender, Gender Identity, Gender expression, Marital status, Medical condition, Military or veteran status, National origin, Race, Religion, Sex and Sexual orientation.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.