Counselor Jobs in California
Counselor jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where demand runs from entry-level case manager roles to licensed clinical supervisors and school counselor positions. Employers with a lasting presence across the state include Kaiser Permanente, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and Sutter Health, all of which hire steadily across mental health, substance use, and school counseling specialties. California is one of the most active counseling markets in the country, driven by its large public school system, extensive Medi-Cal behavioral health network, and growing community mental health infrastructure. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Counselor JobsOverview
Open roles311+
Top employerSTARS Behavioral Health
Top cityLos Angeles, CA
Cities hiring134
Work type82% On-site
Top industryEducation
Showing 5 of 311+ Counselor jobs
Support Counselor
We won't show you this job again
New 11h ago
Alternative Family Services
Support Counselor
San Francisco, California
New 11h ago
D
Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Qualified Rehabilitation Professional
We won't show you this job again
D
New 12h ago
DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION
Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Qualified Rehabilitation Professional
Los Angeles County, CA
New 12h ago
Puppy Counselor
We won't show you this job again
New 12h ago
Top Dog SF
Puppy Counselor
San Francisco, California
New 12h ago
Temporary: School Counselor - Oakland High School (2026-27)
We won't show you this job again
New 13h ago
Oakland Unified School District
Temporary: School Counselor - Oakland High School (2026-27)
Oakland, California
New 13h ago
Counselor
We won't show you this job again
New 16h ago
Clear Behavioral Health
Counselor
Redondo Beach, California
New 16h ago
New 11h ago
Support Counselor
Alternative Family Services·San Francisco, California
Job functions:
$21 - $27.4/hr
CPR Certification
51-200 employees
Job Description
Support Counselor - San Francisco, CA
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 in collaboration with the treatment team to support families and children within the Intensive Treatment Foster Care program. Alternative Family Services offers a full-time position with a flexible schedule! 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 the Bay Area. 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
- $21.00-$27.40/hour pay rate(This rate includes a specialized program differential)
- A professional and supportive work environment
- IRS standard mileage reimbursement
- Benefits package which includes:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Chiropractic & Acupuncture
- Flex-spending options
- Life and disability insurance
- 403(b) option
- Over 7 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.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Alternative Family Services
Support Counselor
San Francisco, California
New 11h ago51-200 employees
Job functions:
$21 - $27.4/hr
CPR Certification
Job Description
Support Counselor - San Francisco, CA
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 in collaboration with the treatment team to support families and children within the Intensive Treatment Foster Care program. Alternative Family Services offers a full-time position with a flexible schedule! 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 the Bay Area. 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
- $21.00-$27.40/hour pay rate(This rate includes a specialized program differential)
- A professional and supportive work environment
- IRS standard mileage reimbursement
- Benefits package which includes:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Chiropractic & Acupuncture
- Flex-spending options
- Life and disability insurance
- 403(b) option
- Over 7 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.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
See All 311+ 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.
San Diego
12 jobsMount Hermon
11 jobsSacramento
7 jobsFresno
6 jobsIrvine
6 jobsSan Jose
6 jobsFairfield
6 jobsBakersfield
6 jobsOakland
5 jobsStockton
5 jobsSan Mateo
5 jobsSanta Ana
5 jobsSalinas
4 jobsMonterey
4 jobsRiverside
4 jobsVacaville
4 jobsSan Marcos
4 jobsSan Rafael
4 jobsEureka
3 jobsMerced
3 jobsCompton
3 jobsTorrance
3 jobsEncinitas
3 jobsSanta Cruz
3 jobsSusanville
3 jobsChula Vista
3 jobsVictorville
3 jobsSan Bernardino
3 jobsValley Village
3 jobsWoodland Hills
3 jobsNapa
2 jobsDuarte
2 jobsMadera
2 jobsModesto
2 jobsSoledad
2 jobsTurlock
2 jobsCarlsbad
2 jobsPalmdale
2 jobsCalabasas
2 jobsLancaster
2 jobsRoseville
2 jobsCarmichael
2 jobsCosta Mesa
2 jobsLong Beach
2 jobsSanta Rosa
2 jobsDiamond Bar
2 jobsGarden Grove
2 jobsSherman Oaks
2 jobsNewport Beach
2 jobsSanta Barbara
2 jobsOjai
1 jobAzusa
1 jobChino
1 jobHemet
1 jobUkiah
1 jobYreka
1 jobBlythe
1 jobClovis
1 jobCorona
1 jobDelano
1 jobDowney
1 jobOrange
1 jobOxnard
1 jobSonora
1 jobSylmar
1 jobUpland
1 jobAntioch
1 jobArcadia
1 jobBrawley
1 jobFremont
1 jobGardena
1 jobHanford
1 jobHayward
1 jobMenifee
1 jobParlier
1 jobRedding
1 jobRepresa
1 jobSeaside
1 jobStanton
1 jobAlhambra
1 jobAltadena
1 jobBerkeley
1 jobCorcoran
1 jobDanville
1 jobGlendale
1 jobImperial
1 jobOroville
1 jobPasadena
1 jobRedlands
1 jobRichmond
1 jobCamarillo
1 jobClaremont
1 jobEscondido
1 jobFullerton
1 jobInglewood
1 jobJamestown
1 jobLos Altos
1 jobLos Gatos
1 jobMontclair
1 jobOceanside
1 jobYuba City
1 jobAtascadero
1 jobLoma Linda
1 jobPleasanton
1 jobSan Carlos
1 jobSouth Gate
1 jobBloomington
1 jobFrench Camp
1 jobJoshua Tree
1 jobNapa Valley
1 jobOrange Cove
1 jobSan Leandro
1 jobSanta Clara
1 jobSanta Maria
1 jobSimi Valley
1 jobYorba Linda
1 jobPalm Springs
1 jobSanta Monica
1 jobBermuda Dunes
1 jobCrescent City
1 jobForest Knolls
1 jobLake Elsinore
1 jobMission Viejo
1 jobNational City
1 jobRedondo Beach
1 jobSpring Valley
1 jobCitrus Heights
1 jobMarina del Rey
1 jobSan Luis Obispo
1 jobRancho Cucamonga
1 jobSanta Fe Springs
1 jobTwentynine Palms
1 jobCounselor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- STARS Behavioral Health17
- Amity Foundation14
- Telecare Corporation11
- Mount Hermon Association11
- Aspiranet6
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
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 PPSC credential required
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related clinical field
- Experience providing individual, group, or family counseling in a clinical or school setting
- Familiarity with electronic health records systems such as Epic, Cerner, or Avatar
- Knowledge of California mandated reporting laws and HIPAA confidentiality requirements
- Bilingual proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred for many California community settings
Counselor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a counselor in California?
The path depends on the counseling specialty. For mental health counseling, the California Board of Behavioral Sciences licenses associate marriage and family therapists and licensed professional clinical counselors, both requiring a qualifying master's degree, supervised hours, and passing written and law-and-ethics exams. School counselors need a Pupil Personnel Services Credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Substance use counselors may pursue certification through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals.
Which companies hire counselors in California?
Employers hiring counselors in California right now include STARS Behavioral Health, Amity Foundation, and Telecare Corporation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's large integrated health systems, county behavioral health departments, and unified school districts generate the steadiest volume of counselor openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most counselor jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and Mount Hermon have the most counselor openings in California. Los Angeles and San Francisco anchor the list because of their dense networks of community mental health centers, major hospital systems, and large public school districts, while San Diego's concentration of military-connected services and county behavioral health programs drives consistent demand there as well.
Are there remote counselor jobs in California?
Yes, but they're more limited than in fully desk-based fields, since much counseling work involves in-person clinical contact. About 18% of counselor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting a real but selective shift toward telehealth. The roles most likely to be fully remote are those focused on telephonic crisis support, EAP counseling, or case management with lower clinical acuity.
How can I get hired as a counselor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a supervised associate registration. After completing a qualifying master's program, candidates register as an Associate MFT or Associate LPCC with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, then accumulate supervised hours in a paid or stipended role. County behavioral health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and community clinics throughout California regularly hire associates. Entry roles like case manager, behavioral health technician, or mental health specialist are common starting points that count toward licensure hours.
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 across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialty, licensure level, and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 311+ Counselor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Counselor JobsRelated Jobs in California
Mental Health Therapist JobsCalifornia
Orthopedic Physical Therapist JobsCalifornia
Clinical Registered Nurse JobsCalifornia
Medical Coder JobsCalifornia
Clinical Director JobsCalifornia
Behavioral Health Counselor JobsCalifornia
Phlebotomist JobsCalifornia
Patient Care RN JobsCalifornia
Medical Laboratory Technician JobsCalifornia