Support Counselor
Bakersfield, CA
Location: On-Site – Bakersfield, CA
Schedule: Part Time (20 hours/week) Non-Exempt
Department: Foster Care & Adoption
Reports to: Program Supervisor – Child & Youth Services
Pay Range: $19.00 - $21.00/hour
The base hourly range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00 per hour for employees hired in the Central Valley, CA. The pay range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired within the Central Valley region. Candidates hired in Southern California or Bay Area locations may have higher starting salaries due to cost of living and market data differences. Factors that may be used to determine your actual starting salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and internal comparison to other employees who hold a similar role.
Make a Meaningful Impact
Aspiranet, a leading California-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families, is seeking a compassionate Support Counselor to join our Foster Care & Adoption team in Bakersfield. In this role, you’ll provide individualized support and interventions for children and youth, building positive relationships that empower them to develop coping skills, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting change.
About Aspiranet
Founded in 1975, Aspiranet is a mission-driven social services agency with locations across California. Our six divisions Foster Care & Adoption, Transitional Aged Youth, Residential, Intensive Home-Based Services, Behavioral Health, and Family & Community provide holistic supports for children, families, and communities. Every role contributes to something greater: building brighter futures where opportunity, hope, and healing are within everyone’s reach.
Summary Position
The Child & Youth Support Counselor provides one-on-one support and intervention for up to six children and their families, offering weekly home visits and individualized plans. By fostering trust and modeling positive relationships, this role helps children adapt to challenges, develop coping skills, and thrive. The counselor is a vital member of a multidisciplinary team supporting youth and families in the Foster Care & Adoption program.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Support & Intervention
- Provide one-on-one supportive services and interventions to children and youth.
- Conduct weekly home visits and individualized sessions with clients and families.
- Use trauma-informed care approaches to address challenging behaviors with empathy and assertiveness.
- Develop creative strategies to help clients build coping skills and resilience.
Treatment Planning & Implementation
- Support the development and implementation of individualized treatment and intervention plans.
- Adjust approaches to meet the needs and schedules of youth and families.
- Help clients strengthen their foundation to thrive in daily life.
- Empower clients to progress through encouragement and guidance.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate documentation of all client contacts, progress, and interventions.
- Share updates with the treatment team to monitor progress and adjust plans.
- Adhere to program, county, and state compliance standards.
- Participate in required training and maintain necessary certifications.
Collaboration & Teamwork
- Partner with social workers, clinicians, parent partners, and program managers to provide holistic support.
- Actively contribute insights and updates to the multidisciplinary team.
- Participate in team meetings and case consultations.
- Represent Aspiranet positively with clients, families, and community partners.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in social services or related field + 1 year of experience, OR Bachelor’s degree in social services + 6 months of experience.
- ABA experience preferred
- Experience working with children, youth, and families in supportive or counseling roles.
- Must meet all employment requirements, including background clearances, valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Flexibility required, including some evenings and weekends to accommodate client needs.
- Work is primarily conducted in client homes and community settings in Bakersfield.
Why Aspiranet?
- Competitive compensation and supportive, team-based environment.
- Access to the free Aspiranet Employee Perks Program with discounts on travel, wellness, entertainment, pet care, gyms, and more.
- Opportunities for professional growth through training and career advancement.
- A collaborative culture committed to diversity, inclusion, and mission-driven impact.
- Opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that support employee wellbeing.
Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
This position typically operates in a standard office environment. The noise level is generally quiet and remains within OSHA’s established safety levels at all times.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Aspiranet is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of diversity. We believe a diverse workforce within a culture of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) increases creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork for the youth and families that we serve and the organization as a whole. Aspiranet strives to provide our employees with a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive of differing world views, cultures, and lived experiences.
How to Apply
Join us in building brighter futures.
www.aspiranet.org/careers
Pro Tip: Once you’re in the portal, be sure to create an account to get started on your application! It’s quick, easy, and the first step to making a difference.
