Crisis Counselor
Listed compensation
$24.76-$27.26/hr
The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
As the Crisis Counselor, you will provide crisis support for youth enrolled in the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Counselors will facilitate daily group sessions and individual supports in collaboration with the transdisciplinary team.
Counselors will provide a safe and nurturing environment for youth enrolled in the program and will intervene as necessary to assist the youth in developing skills for growth and maintaining stabilization.
Counselors will participate in the daily clinical treatment planning with the transdisciplinary team and assist the PHP Clinician with case management duties as appropriate.
About Step Programs
The STEP (Skills, Transitions, Exploration, and Progress) program provides Partial Hospitalization services to youth ages 12-17. The goal of the STEP program is to provide intensive, short-term stabilization services to enable our clients to step down to lower levels of outpatient mental health treatment.
All groups are designed to teach youth the skills necessary to help them learn about their mental health, provide psychoeducation, and help them learn skills to feel better and be safe. STEP consists of a multidisciplinary team of counselors, clinicians, a nurse, psychiatrist, and program supervisor.
About Seneca
Seneca Family of Agencies has been nominated among the Bay Area’s Top Workplaces for nearly a decade. We’re committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities with a network of outstanding mental health, community-based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff and our programs actively engage in conversations and training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to promote equity and justice for the youth and families we serve.
Responsibilities
- Assist transdisciplinary team in creating a welcoming environment for the youth
- Engage youth in daily groups focused on supporting youth in developing coping
Skills
- Participate in daily clinical treatment planning with transdisciplinary team
- Participate in weekly supervision with supervisor
- Maintain accurate documentation and paperwork including, but not limited to mental health notes, progress notes, incident reports, time sheets, and mileage reimbursement as needed
- Provide transportation for youth and families, as needed
- Support other Seneca or STEP programs when needed
- Utilize crisis communication and de-escalation techniques as per Seneca's crisis response training
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in social service-related field
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist (MHRS) certification a plus
- At least 21 years of age
- TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements
- Own vehicle and valid driver's license required
Schedule
- Full-time; On-site at STEP facility
- Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm
Benefits
- Starting at $24.76 - $27.26 per hour
- Actual salary dependent on creditable experience above the minimum
Qualifications
- Salary increases each year
- Additional compensation provided upon passing a bilingual language proficiency exam
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverage
- 50% paid premiums for dependents
- Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance
- 403b Retirement Plan
- Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan
- 5 weeks of Paid Time off and 11 Paid Holidays
- Mileage reimbursements for on job travel
- Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness
certified employer
- Scholarship opportunities, ongoing training, and access to Seneca's training
Department
- Abundant promotional opportunities across the agency in California and Washington
Qualifications
- Education
- Bachelor degree
Key Skills
Psychology — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Psychology listings this role was benchmarked against, 36% are remote, 40% have no call, 76% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$54k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $49k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Seneca Family of Agencies ranks #1 of 20 employers hiring Counselor on WeekdayDoc by average advertised pay.
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Crisis Counselor at Seneca Family of Agencies a 6.3 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Counseling — ranked against 13,776 active Counseling listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.
Top Counselor Jobs
35 matches · ranked by paySalary Distribution35 jobs · 27 employers
Annual compensation range
Benefits & Perks26 jobs
Share of similar jobs offering each benefit
Licensed Clinical Therapist (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)
Integrated Pain Management Medical Group · Walnut Creek, California
Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)
LifeStance Health · Modesto, California
Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)
$117k-$134kPsychotherapist, Behavioral Health
$94k-$132k