Mental Health Counselor II
Listed compensation
$27-$29/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
- Level: Experienced
- Job Location: RSS Avanti House - San Rafael, CA 94903
- Position Type: Full Time
- Education Level: 2 Year Degree
- Salary Range: $27.00 - $29.00 Hourly
- Travel Percentage: Up to 25%Job
- Shift: Day
- Job Category: Health Care
Join Buckelew and work with great people doing great things! Buckelew Programs is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the North Bay, providing compassionate mental health, supported housing and substance use treatment.
We are hiring a new Mental Health Counselor II to join our Residential Support Services program. In this role, you will provide daily support and guidance to clients with mental health needs, helping them live independently either in the community or within a Buckelew housing environment.
This position focuses on promoting recovery, autonomy, and skill-building through hands-on assistance, counseling, and life skills coaching.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Administrative
Collaborate effectively as part of a team, maintaining prompt and clear communication with colleagues. Complete and maintain timely, accurate documentation including client notes, mileage logs, and other required records. In applicable program sites, ensure billing standards and requirements are met as directed by the supervisor. Facilitate or co-facilitate group support and house meetings. Client Support
Responsibilities
Teach and assist clients in performing daily living activities, adjusting support based on client readiness and independence levels. Observe and report changes in clients’ behaviors, moods, and safety concerns; implement safety protocols accordingly.
Serve as a positive role model in promoting healthy routines and behaviors. Support clients with meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation, offering skill-building assistance as appropriate.
Provide medication prompts, ensure proper storage, monitor adherence, and support timely refills as required by program guidelines. Provide client transportation using personal or agency vehicles; support clients in learning and using public transportation.
Assist clients in attending and following up on medical and mental health appointments. Facility and Maintenance
Responsibilities
Perform minor maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed Reports needed facility Maintenance to Team Leader Program Quality and Compliance Ensure all services reflect best practices and align with clients’ recovery goals. Adhere to all legal, contractual, and regulatory requirements (e. g., CARF, Medi-Cal, HUD).
Maintain a high level of professionalism, client satisfaction, and program integrity.
Education and Experience Must meet Medi-Cal criteria for Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist: Associate degree with 6+ years’ experience in mental health as a specialist in physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment, OR Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years’ experience in those fields, OR Master’s degree with 2+ years’ related experience.
Previous experience must be in a mental health setting, working in areas such as physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational support. Experience with individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders is preferred. Professional Skills and
Requirements
Fluent in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to work independently, remain organized, and manage responsibilities with professionalism and good judgment. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to set boundaries and maintain a calm, supportive presence.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Must be a team player with flexibility and a desire to support clients and coworkers alike. Valid California driver’s license, insurable driving record, and access to a reliable, insured vehicle.
Must be able to pass a Live Scan background check (for certain program placements). PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Able to perform intermittent physical tasks including bending, kneeling, stretching, reaching, lifting up to 30 pounds, and squatting.
Able to perform extended activities including sitting, driving, standing, writing, and typing. Must have visual and auditory capacity sufficient for communication and documentation. Great Benefits!
Medical, dental, vision and life and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts for health, dependent and transit costs, retirement savings plan with company match, paid meal breaks, eligibility for loan forgiveness, continuing education credits available through our learning management system, and generous paid time off.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Key Responsibilities
The Mental Health Counselor II provides daily support and guidance to clients with mental health needs to promote recovery, autonomy, and independent living. Responsibilities include facilitating group meetings, assisting with daily living activities, monitoring medications, and maintaining accurate clinical documentation.
Requirements
Candidates must meet Medi-Cal criteria for a Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist, which requires an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree combined with relevant experience in mental health settings. A valid California driver's license and the ability to pass a background check are also required.
Qualifications
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Counselor Career Context
In California, the Mental Health Counseling weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$76k (34 salary observations; 147 listings), vs ~$77k nationally (532 salary observations; 2,442 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-11-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$58k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $53k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $56k–$60k | Mental Health Counseling median $72k (middle half $62k–$90k)43 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| California vs national | $76k median in California | $77k nationally (−2%)34 state / 532 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$53k in purchasing power | California index 110.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Mental Health Counseling listings in California | 35 active | 778 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 50% remote · 30% no call · 68% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | loan repayment | California counselor listings (all specialties): 12% state a sign-on bonus (median $3k) · 9% offer loan repayment1,000 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Mental Health Counseling listings | 332 in the last 30 days | 211 the 30 days before (+57%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Mental Health Counseling pay trend | −2.7% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
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