Lead Counselor

Lead Counselor Ability Now Bay Area - 2.5 Oakland, CA Job Details From $82,000 a year 16 hours ago Qualifications Collaborate with healthcare professionals Bachelor's degree in counseling Report writing Management Bachelor's degree in special education Intake Caseload management Regulatory compliance Group therapy Bachelor's degree in psychology Master's degree in special education Master's degree in psychology Mid-level Master's degree Clinical staff training Supervising experience Bachelor's degree Counseling Staff training Care plan development Quality improvement Psychology Direct support Conflict management Patient progress monitoring Progress documentation Special Education 1 year Care coordination Referral coordination

Full Job Description Job Title:

Lead Counselor Department:

Counseling Reports To:

Director of Programs FLSA Status:

EXEMPT Effective Date:

Nonprofit Overview Formerly known as the Cerebral Palsy Center for the Bay Area, Ability Now Bay Area (ANBA) offers adults with developmental and physical disabilities the most comprehensive and cutting-edge services available. Our unique programs include education, communication, computer literacy, vocational training, wellness, and community integration. We promote self-advocacy, independent living skills, and leisure skills, which enhance our participants' ability to live more independent and fulfilled lives. Position Summary The Lead Counselor is responsible for overseeing participant services and ensuring highquality, person-centered support. This role includes developing and monitoring Individual Service Plans (ISPs), tracking participant progress, and providing direct counseling. The Lead Counselor serves as a key liaison between participants, families, care teams, and external agencies to ensure coordinated and effective communication. In addition, the role involves maintaining accurate documentation, preparing reports, and supporting program evaluation efforts. As a supervisor, the Lead Counselor manages counseling staff, oversees intake and referral processes, ensures compliance with regulatory standards, and provides training and guidance to staff. This position plays a critical role in fostering an inclusive environment while supporting participant growth, independence, and successful community integration. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Lead Counselor Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Service Plans (ISPs) to ensure participant progress and achievement of established goals. Facilitate regular reviews and make adjustments as needed. Serve a liaison between participants, families, care providers, case managers, regulatory agencies, and internal staff to ensure clear communication and coordinated services. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements. Support a case load of participants collecting supporting documentation and meeting as required with Regional Center. Track and chart participant program objectives and measurable outcomes to support program evaluation and quality improvement efforts. Prepare internal and external reports, including progress reports for families, case managers, and regulatory representatives. Draft professional correspondence as needed. 2 Distribute weekly internal updates regarding participants on assigned caseload. Provide Counseling support to participants as issues arise, including but not limited to personal counseling sessions, group sessions and conflict resolution. Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, staff trainings, counselor meetings, and required agency events. Provide training for other staff when appropriate on counseling-related skills and competencies. Promote a respectful, inclusive, and person-centered environment that supports participant dignity, independence, and community integration. Supervisory Duties Coordinate the referral intake process including but not limited to admission, intake, enrollment, retention, discharge, and follow-up processes for all program participants, including screening, interviewing applicants, and providing information and referral services. Serve as a primary liaison with ANBA's nursing staff to ensure participant care plan documents are turned in and updated. Supervise counseling staff's documentation, schedules and duties. Support staff in understanding and implementing participant service plans, providing direction and guidance when necessary. Ensure compliance with all licensing, regulatory, and agency standards related to documentation, participant rights, and program operations. Schedule, facilitate, and document team meetings to review participant progress and develop comprehensive, integrated support plans. Additional Job Requirements Transportation support - assist participants in getting to and on buses Support other departments as necessary Assist with walking or pushing participants to classes Comply with all Ability Now Bay Area policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook Check StoriiCare and email daily, and respond to emails promptly Perform other duties as assigned Education and Experience Master's degree in psychology, counseling, special education, or closely related field with two years of experience working with the disabled in a counseling capacity (preferred). o or Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent certificate, license, or credential) in psychology, counseling, special education, or closely related field with three years of experience working with the disabled in a counseling capacity and at least one year of related supervisory experience. o or An equivalent combination of education and experience with the disabled community and supervision. The right candidate will demonstrate a track record of positive interactions with colleagues, the desire to learn and grow, and the commitment to support adults with developmental disabilities in a positive, engaging learning environment. 3 Communication and Reading Comprehension Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and to utilize electronic devices for tasks including timekeeping and agency communication. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to adapt to varied and changing circumstances. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to safely perform all physical and manual movements needed for job functions.

Note:

Any lifting of program participants always requires two people. Work Environment The Physical Demands and Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. May be exposed to outdoor elements of wind, moderate cold, and rain while assisting participants with transportation. Must be able to carry out job instructions promptly and willingly, and to follow established procedures accurately. Must be flexible, positive, and cooperative in solving problems and working with other staff in constantly changing and sometimes challenging circumstances. If you are looking to make a significant impact for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a dynamic learning environment, we encourage you to apply for this transformative role.

ANBA IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Qualified applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities. It is the policy of ANBA not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.