Jobs and Careers

Senior Residential Counselor - Department of Family and Children Services

County of Santa Clara

Throughout the County of Santa Clara, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 2 Jul 2026

💰 $131,490/yr($108,670/yr – $131,490/yr)

About the role

Posting number: 26-Y3F-A

Department: Social Services Agency - DFCS

Job classification: Senior Residential Counselor

Posting type: Open

Categories: Social Services

Summary

Under general supervision, to assist in the coordination and direction of residential facility activities; to provide lead direction and assignment coordination for residential facility staff; and to provide guidance, assistance, supervision and direction to youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs at a licensed facility providing twenty-four (24) hour residential care.

Examples of duties

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

Provides lead direction, training and work review to the Residential Counselors in assigned shift ensuring appropriate care and supervision is provided to children in accordance with applicable law, licensing regulations, and facility policies;

Consistently models and implements the residential program of care and counseling in working with the children; provides technical guidance and leadership regarding the residential program to other residential facility staff; trains other staff in implementation of the residential program of care;

Ensures youth have access to routine and developmentally appropriate experiences, including health, education, and social opportunities, consistent with the role of a caring, responsible adult;

Provides lead direction and oversight in developing, planning and implementing individual care plan for youth in their care;

Assesses and evaluates each child's emotional, behavioral, and social functioning on a daily basis;

Oversees and coordinates recreational activities that support treatment goals, build healthy relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and support emotional regulation;

Leads daily group therapy or psychoeducation sessions intended to build coping skills, improve interactions, foster pro-social behavior and support emotional well-being through developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed and relationally oriented counseling techniques;

Provides support through individual rehabilitation sessions that support the child’s care plan, self-image, and daily needs;

Implements strength-based approaches to support youth to improve their behavioral and emotional functioning and reduce their reliance on maladaptive behavior through encouragement, consistency, and natural consequences aligned with treatment goals;

Provides support and guidance to youth in addressing substance use needs through counseling and psychoeducation, while promoting problem-solving skills, relapse prevention, and maintaining a substance free living environment;

Collaborates with program staff to implement strategies to support youth in achieving their treatment, educational, and vocational goals;

Collaborates with internal and external providers, to ensure transitions, services, and daily supports are youth-centered, timely, and aligned with care goals;

Prepares necessary and assigned documentation such as resident files, incident reports, maintenance requests, daily logs, and billing-related documentation in accordance with regulatory and program standards;

Leads and oversees the routine organization, care, and maintenance of the residential facilities and property;

Teaches, supports, and provides the development of daily living and independent living skills, including basic cooking, meal planning, grocery shopping, personal organization, household responsibilities, and other everyday tasks appropriate for youth’s age and developmental level;

Administers first aid and obtains medical care at a level commiserate with symptoms;

Dispenses prescribed medication in accordance with the medical provider’s instructions and ensures all medications are securely stored and accurately documented;