Counselor Jobs in California
Counselor jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand across K-12 school districts, community mental health agencies, substance use treatment centers, and higher education institutions at every level from entry-level associate through licensed senior clinician. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento are the largest hiring hubs, where employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Tarzana Treatment Centers, and the Los Angeles Unified School District maintain consistent counselor openings. The most in-demand specialties are school counseling, substance use and addiction counseling, and mental health counseling tied to Medi-Cal-funded community programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 107+ Counselor jobs
SALARY: $28.08 per hour
Schedule – Full Time, 8hr shifts, Mon-Fri
Our staff also enjoy these benefits:
- Health, dental, vision, prescription drug and life insurance
- Short & long-term disability
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Professional development assistance
- Career advancement opportunities
MTC is proud to operate the San Diego Job Corps Center in Imperial Beach, CA where our staff provide quality services to our local youth. We value our professional and caring employees who are dedicated to improving people’s lives and we want YOU to join our team!
What you will be doing: You’ll be responsible for the planning, coordinating, developing, and implementing a professional individual and group counseling program for assigned students, in compliance with government and management directives.
Essential functions:
- Review detailed background file, conduct personal interviews and assessments as necessary to analyze and recommend a program for each assigned student
- Maintain individual folder on each assigned student
- Provide direct aid to students with personal needs or problems, sickness, injury, family problems, emergency leaves or UA retrievals, Prepare UA reports and leave forms, verify required information in accordance with PRH and MTC requirements
- Provide continuous educational, CTT, personal and social adjustment counseling on an individual and group basis; recommend necessary program modifications throughout each assigned student’s stay
- Conduct continuous interpretation and evaluation of progress in student’s specific development program, coordinate problem cases and point out areas in which guidance and development techniques can be improved. Maintain up to date documentation, case notes and records using CIS, as well as other systems of documentation
- Recommend medical or psychiatric evaluation for emotional or psychological problems; evaluate results and take remedial action as warranted; participate as a member of the mental health team. Refer students to other program areas such as transfers, extension or advanced programs, and college placement
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree including 15 semester hours in social services related instruction and one (1) year experience in counseling or related field required
- Experience with youth, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and computer proficiency required
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
SALARY: $28.08 per hour
Schedule – Full Time, 8hr shifts, Mon-Fri
Our staff also enjoy these benefits:
- Health, dental, vision, prescription drug and life insurance
- Short & long-term disability
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Professional development assistance
- Career advancement opportunities
MTC is proud to operate the San Diego Job Corps Center in Imperial Beach, CA where our staff provide quality services to our local youth. We value our professional and caring employees who are dedicated to improving people’s lives and we want YOU to join our team!
What you will be doing: You’ll be responsible for the planning, coordinating, developing, and implementing a professional individual and group counseling program for assigned students, in compliance with government and management directives.
Essential functions:
- Review detailed background file, conduct personal interviews and assessments as necessary to analyze and recommend a program for each assigned student
- Maintain individual folder on each assigned student
- Provide direct aid to students with personal needs or problems, sickness, injury, family problems, emergency leaves or UA retrievals, Prepare UA reports and leave forms, verify required information in accordance with PRH and MTC requirements
- Provide continuous educational, CTT, personal and social adjustment counseling on an individual and group basis; recommend necessary program modifications throughout each assigned student’s stay
- Conduct continuous interpretation and evaluation of progress in student’s specific development program, coordinate problem cases and point out areas in which guidance and development techniques can be improved. Maintain up to date documentation, case notes and records using CIS, as well as other systems of documentation
- Recommend medical or psychiatric evaluation for emotional or psychological problems; evaluate results and take remedial action as warranted; participate as a member of the mental health team. Refer students to other program areas such as transfers, extension or advanced programs, and college placement
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree including 15 semester hours in social services related instruction and one (1) year experience in counseling or related field required
- Experience with youth, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and computer proficiency required
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
See All 107+ Counselor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Counselor JobsCounselor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Counselor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- HealthRIGHT 36015
- ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES12
- Citi9
- California State University5
- University of La Verne4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services46
- Education36
- Non-Profit & Social Services14
- Banking & Financial Services11
- Construction & Real Estate9
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in counselor jobs across California.
- Active California licensure such as LCSW, MFT, LPCC, or CADC-II from the BBS or DHCS
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related field
- Experience delivering individual and group therapy or case management services
- Familiarity with California Medi-Cal documentation requirements and electronic health records
- Strong cultural competency skills for serving California's diverse urban and rural populations
- Ability to pass a California Department of Justice background clearance before hire
Counselor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a counselor in California?
The path depends on your specialty. For mental health counseling, California requires an associate license from the Board of Behavioral Sciences, such as an AMFT, ACSW, or APCC, earned after completing a qualifying master's degree and supervised hours, followed by a licensure exam to earn an MFT, LCSW, or LPCC. For substance use counseling, the California Department of Health Care Services oversees certifications such as the CADC, which require education, supervised hours, and an exam. School counselors must hold a California Pupil Personnel Services credential through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Which companies hire counselors in California?
Employers hiring counselors in California right now include HealthRIGHT 360, ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES, and Citi, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large Medi-Cal behavioral health infrastructure, extensive K-12 public school system, and network of county mental health departments create consistent openings across both nonprofit and public sector organizations throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most counselor jobs?
The California cities with the most counselor openings are Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, and Pomona. Los Angeles and the Bay Area drive volume through their size, dense community mental health agency networks, and large unified school districts, while Sacramento draws from state government health programs and county-administered services that place counselors across the Central Valley and surrounding regions.
Are there remote counselor jobs in California?
Yes, but they represent a smaller share than in many other fields because much counseling work is delivered in person within schools, clinics, or residential settings. About 7% of counselor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with telehealth roles in outpatient mental health and substance use treatment being the most likely to offer fully remote or flexible arrangements.
How can I get hired as a counselor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for associate or trainee positions at California community mental health agencies or county behavioral health departments, which routinely hire candidates who hold an associate license from the Board of Behavioral Sciences and need to complete supervised hours toward full licensure. County agencies in Los Angeles, Alameda, and Sacramento, as well as large nonprofits operating Medi-Cal programs, run structured internship and post-degree traineeship programs designed for people without independent experience. Entry titles such as mental health worker, case manager, or counselor aide in residential treatment or school settings also provide a way in for candidates still working toward licensure.
Where can I find and apply to counselor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to counselor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your license level, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 107+ Counselor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Counselor Jobs