Mental Health Counselor
Listed compensation
$17.46-$19/hr
The week · per this posting
Ask the employer about the work setting, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Partner with us in making a positive change!
Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.
Job Title
On-Call Mental Health Counselor
Division/Program
(Adult 24/7 Inpatient) Crisis Residential Unit
Starting Compensation
17.46 - 19.00 USD Per Hour
Working Location
Merced, CA
Working Hours/Shift
On‑call shifts Available for Coverage: AM (6:00–2:30), PM (2:00–10:30), or NOC (10:00–6:30). No set schedule—coverage depends on program needs and applicant availability.
Why Join Our Team?
- Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.
- Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.
Professional Growth Opportunities
- On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities.
- Career development programs designed to help you grow.
- Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).
Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication
What You Bring to SBHG
Education
High School Diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in a social science field is preferred.
Experience
One (1) year of full-time direct care experience preferred, OR one (1) year of non-professional, consumer-directed internship experience in the mental health field preferred.
Licensure & Compliance
A valid California Driver’s License and the ability to meet agency driving criteria.
How You Will Make a Difference
This position has the primary responsibility for assisting clients with daily living skills, including eating, personal hygiene, grooming, and other care needs. Monitors participation in activities and encourages client engagement through positive support and motivation.
Leads and assists with activity groups and community outings, promotes positive social interactions, and serves as a role model for appropriate behavior.
Maintains accurate documentation of client attendance and participation in activities and therapeutic services and may transport clients using a company vehicle as needed.
Division/Program Overview
- Population Served: Serving adults, ages 18-59
- Facility & Setting: 24/7 inpatient voluntary program, 16-bed facility
- Clinical Services: Rehabilitation/recovery services, including substance use rehabilitation services
- Length of Stay: 30 day stay
- Skills & Services: Pre-vocational or vocational counseling and medication evaluation and support services.
- Learn more about SBHG at: starsinc.com
For Additional Information
CencalJobs@Starsinc.com
Key Responsibilities
The counselor assists clients with daily living skills, personal hygiene, and grooming while monitoring participation in therapeutic activities. They also maintain accurate documentation of client progress and provide positive motivation to encourage engagement in recovery services.
Requirements
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, with an associate degree in a social science field preferred. One year of direct care or internship experience in the mental health field is preferred, along with a valid California driver's license.
Key Skills
Counselor Career Context
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 50 active Mental Health Counseling listings this role was benchmarked against, 32% are remote, 36% have no call, 74% require no weekends.
Mental Health Counseling pay on WeekdayDoc is up 10.5% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
Top contract/1099 Counselor Jobs
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Annual compensation range
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Listing-based score, 0–10, across 729 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.
- Includes call
Living in Merced
- Typical 3-bedroom home value
- $373k
- Typical market rent
- $2,028/mo
- Residents’ average commute
- 29 min
- Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
- 98.3
- State income tax
- Up to 13.3%
Sources & methodology
Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.
BEA 2024 · Merced, CA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.
City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.