Residential Counselor III - Canyon Oaks Youth Center - (Departmental Promotional Only)

Description

The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division of San Mateo County Health is seeking experienced individuals for the position of Residential Counselor III.

Currently, there is one regular full-time vacancy to fill at the Canyon Oaks Youth Center.

Residential Counselor III is the lead level in the Residential Counselor series and provides technical assistance and/or lead direction to entry and journey-level staff. Incumbents at this level work under minimal, indirect supervision and demonstrate a high level of technical expertise and knowledge in their assigned responsibilities. They exercise sound judgment and discretion in decision-making and are relied upon to provide guidance, support, and real-time coaching to Residential Counselors I and II, without serving in a direct supervisory capacity.

Canyon Oaks Youth Center is a Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) providing trauma-informed, 24-hour care to youth ages 12-18 who require intensive mental health services. COYC's day treatment and residential programs focus on creating a safe, supportive environment that promotes healing and skill development, with the goal of successful reintegration into the community. Families are engaged and active partners throughout the treatment process. The ideal candidate will be able to work a flexible schedule, including day, swing or evening shifts and one weekend within a 40-hour work week.

Physical interventions are used only as a last resort to prevent serious injury or in situations. Staff are required to complete emergency intervention training, including written and hands-on competency examinations, and maintain annual certification.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education, Counseling, Child Development or related fields
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles, including awareness of the impact of trauma on behavior and development
• Training and experience in managing assaultive behavior and implementing physical restraint when necessary
• At least two years of experience working with adolescents in a residential treatment setting
• A valid California Driver's License in good standing
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred; positions designated for bilingual proficiency may receive an additional $90 biweekly upon successful certification, in accordance with County policy.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide lead direction, training, coaching, and feedback to Residential Counselors on assigned shifts, ensuring trauma-informed care and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and facility policies
• Supporting shift operations by coordinating activities, addressing concerns, and collaborating with program leadership to maintain a safe and structured environment
• Serve as health and safety lead as assigned, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety Code requirements and overall facility upkeep
• Lead team debriefs and ensure timely completion, accuracy, and communication of incident reports and critical information
• Support new admissions and orient youth to the facility following established procedures
• Plan and facilitate recreational and skill-building activities
• Supervise and engage youth, using guidance, redirection, and interventions that promote safety, well-being, and skill development
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to assess behaviors and implement appropriate interventions and coping strategies
• Maintaining accurate documentation, including shift summaries, medication charts, and inventory records
• Ensure completion of daily routines, including hygiene, household tasks and medical needs
• Administer first aid and medications in accordance with established protocols and obtain medical care as needed
• Transport youth to appointments, school, and community activities
• Function as a health, medication, and/or safety lead as assigned
• Complete and/or review required documentation, including incident and maintenance reports
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Department Status:
Only current County of San Mateo employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

Security Clearance:
Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Special Requirements:
Must have the ability to complete 40 hours of mandated training annually.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is a minimum two years of experience providing advice, assistance, supervision and direction to emotionally disturbed children.

Knowledge of:

• Basic supervisory principles and practices.
• Basic principles and practices of employee training and development.
• Child and adolescent development and behavior.
• Principles and practices of child care and custody.
• Group dynamics.
• Child development stages.
• Common safety practices and procedures including first aid.
• Individual and group counseling techniques, especially behavior modification.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, assign, direct and review the work of others.
• Train staff in work procedures and provide technical assistance and lead direction to staff. Build positive relationships with youth and adults, earning their trust and respect. Provide care and support to youth in the facility.
• Work effectively within a team concept.
• Sense, evaluate, and handle tense group and individual situations as they develop and a willingness to accept responsibility for decisions.
• Exercise good judgment and act calmly in emergency situations.
• Communicate and work effectively with parents, public and private agencies, and the community.
• Instruct, train and supervise personnel.

Application/Examination

Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in the County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline
Final Filing Date: Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: Week of May 11, 2026
Panel Interviews: Week of May 18, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.
We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

HR Contact: Priscilla Bermudez (04242026) (Residential Counselor III - G028)

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• County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

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