Senior Human Services Care Counselor - Exempt (Departmental Promotional Only)

• Experience working directly in San Mateo County residential programs.
• Previous experience in a lead role working for a children’s residential program.
• A trauma informed approach to care.
• Knowledge of Community Care Licensing regulations and Crisis Prevention Interventions.
• Experience working in dynamic environments and proven ability to be flexible, adaptable and pivot.
• Demonstrated the ability to learn quickly.
• High organizational and time management skills, and is punctual.

• Perform duties associated with the administration of the facility to which assigned, including program planning, administration support, and preparation of shift schedules.
• Supervise the daily operations of the facility.
• Assist the supervisor in coordinating STRTP services with other agencies, training the personnel in work techniques, and developing professional growth and evaluation of their performances.
• Assist in the preparation of program reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Perform duties associated with the administration of the unit including program planning, budget preparation, administration support, and preparation of shift schedules.
• Perform the tasks of a Human Services Care Counselor (Family Care Worker) as needed.
• Organize the weekly on-call schedule.
• In conjunction with the supervisor, assign Primary Counselor and assist with the arrangement of after care services.
• Organize case record documentation and data collection for the program.
• Assist in the training and supervising new staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision and skill in instructing, training, evaluating and supervising subordinate personnel.
• Juvenile court laws.
• Child welfare practices and procedures.
• Common safety practices and procedures.
• Basic individual and group counseling techniques, especially behavior modification.
• Principles of in-home caretaking.
• Group and child abuse dynamics.
• Infant and adolescent behavior and development.
• First aid.

Skill/Ability to:

• Assist in the planning and implementation of a constructive program for children and parents.
• Plan and organize group recreational programs.
• Effectively engage and service children, youth and adults by gaining their confidence and respect. Work effectively in a multidisciplinary team-based setting. Provide individual supervision on case dynamics and case plans.
• Sense, evaluate, and handle tense group and individual situations as they develop and accept responsibility for decisions.
• Exercise good independent judgment and remain calm in emergency situations.
• Deal effectively with parents, other agencies and the general public.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Experience: Three years of experience providing advice, assistance, supervision and direction to dependent and neglected adolescent age children.

Licensure/Certification/Other Requirements:

Per California Dept. of Social Services Interim Licensing Standards, if assigned to Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program, direct care staff shall:

• Be at least 21 years of age; and
• Previously been employed as a full-time or served as a volunteer at a group home, short-term residential therapeutic program, or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year; OR
• Have a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Child Development or related field; OR

Have completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education, or Psychology and have completed at least 100 hours of on-the-job experience with youth (hours may be completed after starting employment at the facility.

Pending completion of the 100 hours, staff shall not be counted in the staff to child ratio and shall not be left unsupervised with children).

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button.

If you are not on the County's website, please go tohttps://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.

A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.~ TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE ~Final Filing Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.Application Screening: Wednesday, February 18, 2026Combined Panel Interviews: Thursday, March 5, 2026