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Support Counselor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AFS4Kids

Support Counselor

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Support Counselor/Intensive Care Coordination - San Mateo, CA The Support Counselor works in the field, in collaboration with the treatment team, supporting families and children within the AFS ...

AFS4Kids

Support Counselor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $27.40/hr

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 ...

Seneca Family of Agencies

Support Counselor

Oakland, CA · On-site

$27.01 - $29.51/hr

The Support Counselor provides family-centered mental health counseling, support, crisis intervention, and case management services for youth and their families. This role is part of Alameda ...

AFS4Kids

Support Counselor

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Support Counselor/Lead Care Management - San Leandro, CA The Support Counselor works in the field with the Enhanced Care Management Team. Lead care management services related to birth equity, post ...

AFS4Kids

Support Counselor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Support Counselor (WRAP Services) - Sacramento & Stockton, CA Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? Alternative Family Services (AFS) is seeking ...

Aspiranet

Support Counselor - 14728

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Support Counselor Santa Cruz, CA Location: Santa Cruz, California Schedule: Full-Time | Non-Exempt Department: Residential / Crisis Stabilization Unit Reports To: Core Program Manager Pay Range: $26 ...

AFS4Kids

Support Counselor

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Support Counselor/Lead Care Management - San Rafael, CA The Support Counselor works in the field with the Enhanced Care Management Team. The Lead Care Management services will be related to birth ...

Aspiranet

Support Counselor - 14729

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Support Counselor Santa Cruz, CA Location: Santa Cruz, California Schedule: Full-Time | Non-Exempt Department: Residential / Crisis Stabilization Unit Reports To: Core Program Manager Pay Range: $26 ...

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Support Counselor information

See California salary details

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How much do support counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for support counselor in California is $14.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a support counselor?

Support Counselors are professionals who assist individuals facing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. They work with clients to provide guidance, support, and coping strategies, often helping them navigate personal crises or difficult life transitions. Support Counselors may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, community organizations, mental health clinics, or residential facilities. Their role involves active listening, empathetic communication, and connecting clients to additional resources as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a support counselor?

To thrive as a Support Counselor, you typically need a background in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with experience in counseling or support services. Familiarity with case management software, crisis intervention techniques, and relevant certifications such as Mental Health First Aid are often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish outstanding counselors. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively supporting clients, managing crises, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging situations.

How do support counselors typically collaborate with other professionals to ensure comprehensive client care?

Support Counselors often work closely with case managers, therapists, social workers, and medical professionals to provide holistic support to clients. Regular team meetings, case conferences, and shared documentation are common practices to ensure everyone is informed about each client's progress and needs. This collaborative approach helps to create cohesive care plans and allows Support Counselors to advocate for their clients effectively, address challenges promptly, and facilitate access to necessary resources.

What is the difference between Support Counselor vs Case Manager?

AspectSupport CounselorCase Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant bachelor's degree and counseling certificationOften requires a bachelor's degree, sometimes with additional certification or licensure
Work EnvironmentSchools, mental health clinics, community centersHealthcare facilities, social service agencies, community organizations
Primary FocusProviding emotional support, counseling, and guidanceCoordinating services, developing care plans, and resource management

Support Counselors focus on offering emotional and psychological support to clients, while Case Managers coordinate services and develop plans to meet clients' needs. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

How much do support counselors make?

Support counselors typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced counselors or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many support counselors also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Support Counselor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Support Counselor job openings:

Support Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Support Counselor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,750 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Support Counselor

AFS4Kids

San Mateo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Support Counselor/Intensive Care Coordination - San Mateo, CA
The Support Counselor works in the field, in collaboration with the treatment team, supporting families and children within the AFS Mental Health Program. The Support Counselor's primary focus is care coordination, using the principles of the Integrated Core Practice Model to help the families identify the members of a strong treatment team and helping them work together in a collaborative way that centers the voice and choice of the child and the family in the plan of their care. The role of Intensive Care Coordinator also include scheduling and facilitating Child and Family Team Meetings. The Support Counselor also holds cases that they provide behavioral interventions for in the child's home, school or community to support the goals of the Mental Health Therapist on the team. This is a highly collaborative role supporting system involved children and youth and their families, providing a variety of interventions and support services to the child. Documenting sessions, collateral contacts and Child and Family Team meetings. Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a positive impact on your community? This is a full-time role. 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 agency'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 bachelor'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 driver'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 San Mateo County. Thus, position requires employee to possess a valid CA driver'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
  • A professional and supportive work environment
  • $21-$24/hour
  • $1.20 per hour for Bilingual Pay (Spanish Only)
  • IRS standard mileage reimbursement
  • Generous Sick Time accrual
  • Full-time staff receive a benefits package which includes:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Chiropractic & Acupuncture
    • Flex-spending options
    • Life and disability insurance
    • 403(b) option
    • Over 8 weeks time off annually! (11 vacation days the first year - accruals starting on your 1st day and progress up to 20 days a year! 11 paid holidays including your birthday off & 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.

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