School-Based Counselor

Think of the School-based Counselor as a teammate who's always supporting the students we serve, helping to create a warm, inclusive, and empowering space for every student to grow. With a strength-based mindset, our School-based Counselors create personalized ways to support each student while celebrating everything that makes them unique. As a School-based Counselor, you won't be working alone; you will have the opportunity to partner with families, educators, and other mental health professionals to build a strong circle of support. The team will help students feel seen, heard, and ready to chase their goals both in school and beyond. Join our dedicated team and apply today!

ABOUT PATHFINDER

Seneca’s Pathfinder Academy is a Nonpublic School in Union City, California, serving students in grades 6–12. We partner with school districts across the Bay Area to support students with significant mental health and behavioral needs. Pathfinder provides a high-quality education through a culturally responsive lens, integrating therapeutic and special education services to meet students where they are. We believe in creating a safe, supportive environment where students are empowered to heal, grow, and thrive. Our mission is to inspire a love of learning while building the skills, relationships, and resilience students need to succeed in school and beyond. With strong academic standards and an emphasis on compassion, community, and self-investment, students are encouraged to take ownership of their growth. At Pathfinder, we believe every student can learn—and deserves the opportunity to do so in a setting that nurtures their full potential.

ABOUT SENECA 

Seneca has been nominated among the Bay Area’s Top Workplaces for several consecutive years. We’re committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities with a network of excellent mental health, community-based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff. Our programs deeply engage in conversations and training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team with teachers, therapists, and other specialists/educational staff


• Foster strong therapeutic relationships with students that support engagement at school and in progress towards individualized goals


• Aid in the implementation of classroom modifications and accommodations as identified by students’ individualized education plans (IEP) or other plans


• Provide direct behavioral intervention that decreases engagement in behaviors that have impeded school success and increases engagement in replacement behaviors


• Provide effective supervision of students at all times to maintain safety


• Utilize crisis communication and de-escalation techniques, this may include intervening with the clients' behavioral program through physical management


• Contribute to a strong school culture by participating in or leading activities that celebrate success and promote joy


• Complete required data collection and service documentation to measure the effectiveness of services, inform team decision making, and/or engage in service billing


• Transport clients to and from school as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education/Experience Requirements:
  
  
  
  • Bachelor’s degree OR
  
  
  • Associate degree or equivalent + 1 year of applicable experience OR
  
  
  • High School Diploma/GED + 2 years of applicable experience
  
  
  • Applicable experience can include paid or unpaid experience working with youth or families, working in a classroom setting, working in a mental health setting, providing academic support to youth, or providing crisis support to youth
  
  
  
  


• At least 21 years of age


• TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements


• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and insurability through Seneca Family of Agencies’ insurance policy

SCHEDULE

• Full-time
  
  
  
  • Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm
  
  
  • 5 weeks of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and 14 paid school break days 
  
  
  
  

BENEFITS 

• Starting at $26.22 - $28.72 per hour, commensurate with experience
  
  
  
  • Additional compensation provided upon passing bilingual language proficiency exam 
  
  
  • Salary increases each year
  
  
  
  


• 5 weeks of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and 14 paid school break days


• Comprehensive benefits package:
  
  
  
  • Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, fertility coverage
  
  
  • Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance
  
  
  • 50% paid premiums for dependents
  
  
  • 403b Retirement Plan
  
  
  • Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan 
  
  
  
  


• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer


• Promotional opportunities across the agency in California and Washington