Help Build a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) for Youth and Families in Santa Cruz, California
Aspiranet's Santa Cruz location is seeking talented professionals for our Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and Children’s Crisis Residential Program (CCRP). These specialized programs offer short-term, trauma-informed care for youth experiencing acute emotional and psychiatric crises, providing vital stabilization services to help them return safely to their homes, schools, or communities.
Join the Aspiranet Team as we take action.
Hope Forward Esperanza Adelante Jobs
Leadership Opportunities
Clinical Director
The Clinical Director is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and continuous improvement of behavioral health programs at the designated location. This role integrates clinical supervision, program operations, and quality assurance to ensure services are delivered in alignment with evidence-based practices, regulatory standards, and agency policies.
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California Licensed Marriage Family Therapist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Meets the BBS qualifications to provide clinical supervision
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Ability to develop and provide training
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Ability to supervise to evidence based practices utilized by the agency (must be trained in the EB practices)
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Two years experience providing clinical supervision to staff in the field of family or child mental health or related field.
Direct Care Opportunities
Lead Clinician
The Lead Clinician provides direct clinical services within Aspiranet’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and Children’s Residential Programs. Alongside providing therapy and treatment planning, the Lead Clinician plays a key role in intake, discharge coordination, and transitional support, ensuring each youth receives consistent and high-quality care. This role collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams, community partners, and program leadership to promote safety, stabilization, and long-term wellness for youth and families.
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Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field required.
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Current California BBS registration or licensure (AMFT, ACSW, APCC, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC) required.
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Minimum 2 years of clinical experience with children, adolescents, and families in residential or crisis settings.
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Minimum 2+ years leading a team of clinicians and/or working with multiple leadership members.
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Strong knowledge of intake, assessment, discharge planning, and transitional coordination.
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Proven ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
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Excellent communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
Psychiatric Technician / Licensed Vocational Nurse
The Psychiatric Technician (Licensed Vocational Nurse) provides compassionate care and clinical oversight to youth placed in Aspiranet’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). This role is responsible for assessing clients, administering medication, monitoring medical needs, and supporting individualized treatment plans. The Psychiatric Technician collaborates closely with multidisciplinary treatment teams, supports health and wellness education, and ensures compliance with health, safety, and infection control standards.
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Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing or Medical Assistant program.
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Current Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Psychiatric Technician certification.
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Minimum of one year of professional nursing or medical assistant experience.
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CPR/BLR and First Aid certification
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Minimum of two years’ experience working with children, adolescents, and families with emotional or behavioral challenges.
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Mental health background and experience working with youth or adolescents preferred.
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Experience in an inpatient, residential, or clinical setting strongly desired.
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Must be at least 21 years of age.
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Strong knowledge of crisis assessment, trauma-informed care, and safety planning.
Administrative Assistant II
The Administrative Assistant plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of Aspiranet’s programs. Under the direction of the Program Director, this position ensures smooth front office functioning, maintains accurate documentation, processes fiscal and HR-related tasks, and assists in tracking essential data. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong customer service skills, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The Administrative Assistant is essential to our mission of supporting youth, families, and communities across California.
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Minimum of 2 years’ experience in clerical or business office operations.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) and comfort with remote data systems.
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Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
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Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
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Competence with standard office equipment (e.g., copier/scanner/printer/postage machine).
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Must meet all Community Care Licensing requirements, including DOJ clearance, TB test, and valid CA driver’s license if driving is required.
Support Counselor (Full-Time)
The Support Counselors works directly with youth and caregivers n home and community settings to implement individualized plans of care. This position provides behavioral and emotional interventions, models positive strategies for caregivers, and supports youth participation in age-appropriate activities. The Support Counselor II plays an essential role in Aspiranet’s child and family team, ensuring quality care, consistency, and collaboration across services.
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Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR at least two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience in a behavioral health-related field.
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Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
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Meets all agency, funder, and regulatory employment requirements.
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Complies with all federal, state, and county regulations, including periodic background and sanction checks.
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Strong knowledge of crisis assessment, trauma-informed care, and safety planning.
Support Counselor (Part-Time)
The Support Counselors works directly with youth and caregivers n home and community settings to implement individualized plans of care. This position provides behavioral and emotional interventions, models positive strategies for caregivers, and supports youth participation in age-appropriate activities. The Support Counselor II plays an essential role in Aspiranet’s child and family team, ensuring quality care, consistency, and collaboration across services.
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Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR at least two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience in a behavioral health-related field.
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Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
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Meets all agency, funder, and regulatory employment requirements.
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Complies with all federal, state, and county regulations, including periodic background and sanction checks.
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Strong knowledge of crisis assessment, trauma-informed care, and safety planning.
Peds Psych Registered Nurse
Aspiranet is seeking a compassionate and skilled Peds Psych Registered Nurse (RN to support youth and adolescents in our residential and outpatient behavioral health programs. These youth often experience acute emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric challenges, and may be at risk of harming themselves or others. As a key member of a multidisciplinary team, the RN provides direct care, conducts health and risk assessments, administers medications, and responds to crisis situations in a trauma-informed, youth-centered environment. This role requires strong clinical judgment, a calm demeanor under pressure, and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth.
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Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment.
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Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, preferably in pediatric, adolescent, behavioral health, or residential care settings.
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Experience working with youth and teens in mental health or developmental disability programs strongly preferred.
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Knowledge of psychiatric medications, adolescent development, and trauma-informed care principles.
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Ability to perform comprehensive health assessments and manage nursing interventions independently.
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Strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills in fast-paced or crisis situations.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with youth, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
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Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required; Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional and ethical standards.
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Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and on-call as needed.
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Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required for some outpatient or community-based roles.
Clinician
The Clinician (Crisis Stabilization Unit) provides comprehensive screening, assessment, and therapeutic services to youth admitted to the CSU. This position is responsible for developing safety and service plans, providing interventions during crisis situations, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners to ensure safe and effective stabilization. The Clinician plays an essential role in helping youth transition successfully to ongoing care and community-based supports.
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Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling Psychology
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Current registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) (AMFT, ACSW, or APCC).
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Minimum 2 years of experience working directly with children or youth in a behavioral health, crisis, or residential setting preferred.
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Strong knowledge of crisis assessment, trauma-informed care, and safety planning.
Redefining Mental and Behavioral Health Treatment in California
Aspiranet's Hope Forward Esperanza Adelante Santa Cruz Youth Crisis Center is made possible through a partnership with Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health. Our mission is to deliver services that meet the needs of youth and families in crisis.
Aspiranet is looking to work with gifted, talented, and passionate staff to be a part of our therapeutic care community dedicated to bringing transformative services to youth and families. Come grow with us.
The new facilities and programming will be located in Santa Cruz. Services provided to youth and their families will include:
Aspiranet is a leading California-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families. Our Santa Cruz location provides talented professionals at our Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and Children’s Crisis Residential Program (CCRP). These specialized programs offer short-term, trauma-informed care for youth experiencing acute emotional and psychiatric crises, providing vital stabilization services to help them return safely to their homes, schools, or communities.
Our team of multidisciplinary professionals is committed to providing intensive therapeutic treatment for youth and families that have been left behind for too long.
Santa Cruz is a great place
to call home
Situated on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a well-known tourist destination, known for its beaches, surf culture, and historic landmarks. Originally home to the Awaswas nation of Ohlone people, the arrival of the Spanish in 1791 established Mission Santa Cruz, which remains a popular tourist attraction. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was built in 1904, solidifying the community’s reputation as a seaside resort community.
Home of the University of California, Santa Cruz, the city is a surf town that never ages. Eclectic, artsy, and fun, Santa Cruz has a vibrant music and arts scene. Known officially as “Surf City, USA”, Santa Cruz hosts multiple surf competitions each year. The area’s natural beauty is preserved through multiple state parks and beaches, including the Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve and the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of northern California’s most-visited attractions, and is California’s oldest surviving amusement park. It marks a summer tradition for many California families.
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Aspiranet is a proud non-profit member of California's social services community. Providing educational, behavioral health, foster care, family resources, and residential services in Stanislaus County since 1985. Aspiranet is recognized as a valuable contributor to the county’s social network of services. Our staff are members of the community!
As one of California's largest social service agencies, Aspiranet provides unique opportunities for career growth. We are a vision and values-driven organization accredited by The Joint Commission. Aspiranet is dedicated to providing services based on best practices and innovation.
Aspiranet provides collaborative working experience, with strong support from management and plenty of room for growth. The work you do is appreciated and rewarded. Our workforce is as diverse as the communities we serve, with women in the majority of our senior leadership roles.
Great benefits, a collaborative culture,
and a true work-life balance
Perks & Benefits You Can Use Right Now
Exceptional Benefits
Aspiranet has a generous benefits package that includes an employer-paid healthcare option, retirement savings, and much more.
Paid Time Off
Aspiranet staff enjoys 14 paid holidays each year, including a paid birthday holiday and 2 diversity holidays of choice, as well as 10 paid sick and vacation days in your first year.
Student Loan Forgiveness
As a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, working with Aspiranet may make you eligible for student loan forgiveness.
Educational Support and Training
Aspiranet provides ongoing training, certifications, and supports you when you decide to advance your degree.
A Diverse and Vibrant Employer
Aspiranet's workforce is as diverse as the communities we serve, with women making up the majority of our leadership positions.
Commitment to
Social Justice
Aspiranet has a Social Justice Department focused exclusively on supporting important issues in the communities we serve.
Aspiranet supports the important work you do every step of the way with competitive benefits and perks.
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14 annual paid holidays
including a paid birthday holiday and 2 diversity
holidays of choice -
10 paid vacation and 10 paid sick days your first year
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Training and advancement opportunities
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A statewide organization with offices across California
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Healthcare, dental, and vision (including an employer-paid option)
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Flexible healthcare spending accounts
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403(b) savings plan with company match
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Life and disability insurance
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Flexible working schedules
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Employee discount and perks program
Work with amazing people
A highly skilled and passionate staff fuels our organization.
Love what you do
Make a difference in the lives of families and children.
Advance your career
We provide promotional opportunities for staff to take on leadership roles and expand into new program areas.
Get great benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits program for staff which includes Agency-sponsored medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, vacation, sick and holiday plan, and a full array of voluntary benefits.
Develop your skills
We invest in staff training and learning, and provide ongoing opportunities to gain skills, knowledge and tools.
Make an impact
Our diversity of programs and locations provides you with the opportunity to connect with individual clients while also impacting services to children and families across California.
With over 40 locations across California, Aspiranet offices help cultivate your strengths and celebrate your successes.
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Holiday celebrations
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Quarterly employee awards
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Employee of the Year awards
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Picnics and pitch-ins
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Company-wide employee appreciation celebrations
Aspiranet supports your career goals, wherever you want them to take you. Smaller caseloads allow you to get to know your clients in a personal way, which makes a huge difference in their success.
Join the Aspiranet team and become part of the change we're making in communities across California. Check out our open positions below or connect with us on LinkedIn.