Job Title: Lead Counselor
Department:Counseling
Reports To: Director of Programs
FLSA Status: EXEMPT
Salary: $85,000
Effective Date:
Nonprofit Overview
Formerly known as the Cerebral Palsy Center for the Bay Area, Ability Now Bay Area
(ANBA) offers adults with developmental and physical disabilities the most comprehensive
and cutting-edge services available. Our unique programs include education,
communication, computer literacy, vocational training, wellness, and community
integration. We promote self-advocacy, independent living skills, and leisure skills, which
enhance our participants’ ability to live more independent and fulfilled lives.
Position Summary
The Lead Counselor is responsible for overseeing participant services and ensuring highquality, person-centered support. This role includes developing and monitoring Individual
Service Plans (ISPs), tracking participant progress, and providing direct counseling. The
Lead Counselor serves as a key liaison between participants, families, care teams, and
external agencies to ensure coordinated and effective communication.
In addition, the role involves maintaining accurate documentation, preparing reports, and
supporting program evaluation efforts. As a supervisor, the Lead Counselor manages
counseling staff, oversees intake and referral processes, ensures compliance with
regulatory standards, and provides training and guidance to staff. This position plays a
critical role in fostering an inclusive environment while supporting participant growth,
independence, and successful community integration.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lead Counselor
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Service Plans (ISPs) to ensure
participant progress and achievement of established goals. Facilitate regular
reviews and make adjustments as needed.
- Serve a liaison between participants, families, care providers, case managers,
regulatory agencies, and internal staff to ensure clear communication and
coordinated services.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in compliance with
organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
- Support a case load of participants collecting supporting documentation and
meeting as required with Regional Center.
- Track and chart participant program objectives and measurable outcomes to
support program evaluation and quality improvement efforts.
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- Prepare internal and external reports, including progress reports for families, case
managers, and regulatory representatives. Draft professional correspondence as
needed.
- Distribute weekly internal updates regarding participants on assigned caseload.
- Provide Counseling support to participants as issues arise, including but not limited
to personal counseling sessions, group sessions and conflict resolution.
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, staff trainings, counselor meetings, and
required agency events. Provide training for other staff when appropriate on
counseling-related skills and competencies.
- Promote a respectful, inclusive, and person-centered environment that supports
participant dignity, independence, and community integration.
Supervisory Duties
- Coordinate the referral intake process including but not limited to admission,
intake, enrollment, retention, discharge, and follow-up processes for all program
participants, including screening, interviewing applicants, and providing
information and referral services.
- Serve as a primary liaison with ANBA’s nursing staff to ensure participant care plan
documents are turned in and updated.
- Supervise counseling staff’s documentation, schedules and duties.
- Support staff in understanding and implementing participant service plans,
providing direction and guidance when necessary.
- Ensure compliance with all licensing, regulatory, and agency standards related to
documentation, participant rights, and program operations.
- Schedule, facilitate, and document team meetings to review participant progress
and develop comprehensive, integrated support plans.
Additional Job Requirements
- Transportation support – assist participants in getting to and on buses
- Support other departments as necessary
- Assist with walking or pushing participants to classes
- Comply with all Ability Now Bay Area policies and procedures as outlined in the
Employee Handbook
- Check StoriiCare and email daily, and respond to emails promptly
- Perform other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
- Master's degree in psychology, counseling, special education, or closely related field with two
years of experience working with the disabled in a counseling capacity (preferred).
o or
- Bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent certificate, license, or credential) in psychology, counseling,
special education, or closely related field with three years of experience working with the
disabled in a counseling capacity and at least one year of related supervisory experience.
o or
- An equivalent combination of education and experience with the disabled community and
supervision.
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The right candidate will demonstrate a track record of positive interactions with
colleagues, the desire to learn and grow, and the commitment to support adults with
developmental disabilities in a positive, engaging learning environment.
Communication and Reading Comprehension
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and to utilize electronic devices for tasks
including timekeeping and agency communication.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to apply common sense
understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability
to adapt to varied and changing circumstances.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or
listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach
with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; climb or balance;
and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to safely perform all
physical and manual movements needed for job functions.
Note: Any lifting of program participants always requires two people.
Work Environment
The Physical Demands and Work Environment characteristics described here are
representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions
of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.
- May be exposed to outdoor elements of wind, moderate cold, and rain while
assisting participants with transportation.
Must be able to carry out job instructions promptly and willingly, and to follow established
procedures accurately. Must be flexible, positive, and cooperative in solving problems and
working with other staff in constantly changing and sometimes challenging circumstances.
If you are looking to make a significant impact for adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD) in a dynamic learning environment, we encourage you to
apply for this transformative role.
ANBA IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Qualified applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
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It is the policy of ANBA not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any
employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran
status.
