Becoming A Counselor
We at the William Joseph Brinkley Center for Cultural Affirmation cordially invite you to become an integral part of a dedicated nonprofit organization with a 50-year history of providing affordable and accessible mental health counseling to the San Fernando Valley community.
Our Center reaches the underserved whose psychological needs might not be met in any other way. The Center provides an exciting and creative place for potential counselors to enhance their educational and professional experience in the mental health space.
We have counselor positions available for three different types of individuals, with two different options for Associates. We offer employment options for Associates, and volunteer positions as counselors for Associates, Trainees, and Paraprofessionals.
COUNSELOR TRAINING PROGRAM
The counselor-in-training program is a 12-week course that is available to Trainees in their master’s program, Paraprofessionals, and Associates (see below for additional Associate options and timeline). There are two training cohorts per year with one taking place January to March, and the second from July to September. This program meets BBS training requirements and will consist of two parts:
-
An experiential portion (for January and July classes) is held on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and
-
A two-hour lecture (for January and July classes) is held on Saturdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm or 12:00pm to 2:00pm. The schedule is typically provided with advance notice so you can schedule your time accordingly.
It is required for each counselor to complete the training program in full and no more than two absences are allowed per training session. Any counselors that are unable to complete the program will not be eligible to see clients at the center.
​
Applications and Timelines for Trainees* and Paraprofessional Counselors
​​​
January Start Date July Start Date
Applications Sept 1 to Oct 31 May 1 to June 15
Interviews October May-June
Acceptance Notification First week of November First week of June
​
*All trainees are required to pay monthly counselor dues in the amount of $75.00, these dues assist to offset the costs for training and supervision.
Trainees begin seeing clients and participate in a supervision group four to five weeks into the training depending upon the school requirements and counselor comfort level. Paraprofessional counselors begin seeing clients once they have completed the training program. Counselors are required to see at least four clients per week and attend a weekly two-hour supervision group. In addition, they are required to attend any Workshop/Staff meetings as requested.
Please download an application to complete and email your application along with a resume and cover letter to shawnlareecd@wjbcenter.com
ASSOCIATES
Associate applications are received on a year-round basis and considered based on the current needs of the center at time of application. Associates have the option to volunteer at the center or become paid employees. Associates that are paid will be provided with an hourly wage to complete all required tasks that are part of working as a counselor. This includes sessions with clients, supervision, progress notes and treatment planning, marketing, and networking. Associates will be provided bonuses on top of the base salary depending upon the number of clients served, and amount of counselor fees collected per two week pay period.
The paid Associate program was created to increase revenue to the counseling center to better support our ability to provide affordable mental health care to the community while providing counselors a space to develop their marketing skills and be prepared to step into private practice once licensed. Associates will have the option to begin seeing clients immediately and will receive training and introduction to the center in two parts of two hours each. This training will include an introduction to TheraNest, our electronic health record system, and some basics on marketing and networking.
To apply as an Associate, please provide three letters of reference, a cover letter, and resume to shawnlareecd@wjbcenter.com. You will be contacted within one week to set up an interview to determine if SFVCC is the right fit for you.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcome you to our mission of providing mental health counseling to the San Fernando Valley community. It is our belief that everyone, regardless of financial means, should have access to affordable counseling. We hope you will join us in this mission.
​
15720 Ventura Blvd , Suite 609, Encino, CA 91436 I Phone (818) 798-3201 I Website www.wjbcenter.com
​