Youth Counselor II

About the role

The Therapeutic Youth Counselor II (TYC II) is responsible for providing care and supervision to youth in Aspiranet’s Short-term Residential Therapeutic Program. The position involves engaging youth individually and in groups as part of daily routines and rituals, supporting therapeutic and crisis interventions, and participating in a therapeutic community of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate in a brand-new facility purpose-built for healing and innovation.
• Participate as an active member of a therapeutic community of care focused on trauma-responsive, strength-based treatment and transition planning.
• Implement structured daily cottage routines that honor the individual rituals, spiritual, and cultural traditions of youth.
• Stage and lead engaging therapeutic activities, including transportation as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, ensuring supplies and resources are available.
• Support the compliant distribution of self-administered medications.
• Complete documentation and contact notes in accordance with program and funder standards.
• Learn and apply Aspiranet’s core practice models, including: Attachment, Regulation & Competency (ARC), Youth Thrive / Strengthening Families, Community Resiliency Model (CRM), Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI), Professional Assault Crisis Training (ProAct), Motivational Interviewing (MI).
• Absorb and amplify youth voices and choices throughout the treatment process.
• Report incidents, progress, and barriers to the supervisory team.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation consistent with agency and licensing standards.
• Attend regular meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions to enhance professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with Community Care Licensing, The Joint Commission, and CA Department of Health Care Services.

Qualifications

• A BS or BA degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or a related field, OR two (2) full-time equivalent years of experience in a behavioral health related field.
• The following qualifications are preferred, and may be eligible for a salary premium:
• A BS or BA degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or a related field AND two (2) full-time equivalent years of experience in a behavioral health related field, OR
• Thirty (30) units of college credit from an accredited college and three (3) years of relevant experience; OR
• A master’s degree from an accredited college in a related field AND four (4) years of relevant experience in crisis intervention, case management, group/family/individual rehabilitative counseling or in a psychiatric inpatient setting; OR
• Prior experience in a residential setting or as a TYC I is desired.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Proficiency using a computer and Microsoft Word, and Outlook.
• Must meet all state required conditions of employment as set forth by Community Care Licensing for a licensed community care facility, i.e. Fingerprint and Child Abuse Index Clearance, TB/health physical, and a valid California driver’s license and clean driving record.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position typically operates in a residential care setting. The noise level is generally moderate and remains within OSHA’s established safety levels.

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 we serve.

How To Apply

Join us in building brighter futures. 👉 Ready to Apply? Apply Today Through Our Career Portal www.aspiranet.org/careers ✨ Pro Tip: Once you’re in the portal, be sure to create an account to get started on your application!