---
title: Mental Health Counselor at STARS in Merced, CA
description: STARS is hiring for the Mental Health Counselor role in Merced, CA. Pays $19.08–$21.08
  per hour. See the full description and apply.
type: job
url: https://www.foundrole.com/jobs/mental-health-counselor-at-stars-01a1284b-2580-7d5e-8997-b4a4070c4b6e
date: 2026-10-11T00:15:31Z
og_description: Join STARS as Mental Health Counselor in Merced, CA. Pays $19.08–$21.08 per hour.
  Full-time role. See the full description and apply.
og_image: https://www.foundrole.com/og/u11w2e.png
breadcrumbs:
  - label: Home
    url: https://www.foundrole.com/
  - label: Search
    url: https://www.foundrole.com/jobs
---

| | |
|---|---|
| **Company** | STARS |
| **Location** | Merced, CA |
| **Salary** | $19.08/hr - $21.08/hr |
| **Type** | Full Time |
| **Posted** | Oct 09, 2026 |
## Description

# **Partner with us in making a positive change!**

Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.

**Job Title:**

Full-Time Mental Health Counselor

**Division/Program:**

Crisis Residential Unit (CRU Program)

**Starting Compensation:**

19.08 - 21.08 USD Per Hour

**Working Location:**

Merced, CA

**Working Hours/Shift:**

Friday through Monday on the AM shift (6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) 32 hour work week. Full Time and benefits eligible

**Why Join Our Team?** 

- **Competitive Compensation**: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.
- **Generous Time Off**: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.

**Comprehensive Benefits Package**:

- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.

**Professional Growth Opportunities**:

- On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities.
- Career development programs designed to help you grow.
- Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).

**Employee Recognition & Rewards**: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication

**This role is eligible for commuter benefits: Employees who commute over 20 miles one way may receive a monthly stipend:**

- $200 per month for full‑time staff

- $100 per month for part‑time staff

**What you bring to SBHG:**

**Education:**

- High School Diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in a social science field is preferred.

**Experience:**

- One (1) year of full-time direct care experience preferred, OR one (1) year of non-professional, consumer-directed internship experience in the mental health field preferred.

**Licensure & Compliance:**

- A valid California Driver’s License and the ability to meet agency driving criteria **required**

**How you will make a difference**

This position has the primary responsibility for assisting clients with daily living skills, including eating, personal hygiene, grooming, and other care needs. Monitors participation in activities and encourages client engagement through positive support and motivation. Leads and assists with activity groups and community outings, promotes positive social interactions, and serves as a role model for appropriate behavior. Maintains accurate documentation of client attendance and participation in activities and therapeutic services and may transport clients using a company vehicle as needed.

**Division/Program Overview:**

- **Population Served (Capacity):** Serving adults, ages 18-59
- **Facility & Setting:**24/7 inpatient voluntary program, 16-bed facility
- **Clinical Services (Core):**Rehabilitation/recovery services, including substance use rehabilitation services
- **Length of Stay:** 30 day stay
- **Skills & Services:**Pre-vocational or vocational counseling and medication evaluation and support services.

**Learn more about SBHG at**: <https://www.starsinc.com/stars-inc/>

**For Additional Information:**

CencalJobs@Starsinc.com
## Skills

- Driving
- Direct Patient Care
## Benefits

- Vision Insurance
- Professional Development
- Employee Programs
- Dental Insurance
- Health Insurance

## Related

- [Social Services & Nonprofits jobs](https://www.foundrole.com/careers/social-services-and-nonprofits?utm_source=ai_markdown)- [Social Work & Counseling jobs](https://www.foundrole.com/careers/social-services-and-nonprofits/social-work-and-counseling?utm_source=ai_markdown)- [Mental Health Therapist jobs](https://www.foundrole.com/careers/social-services-and-nonprofits/social-work-and-counseling/mental-health-therapist?utm_source=ai_markdown)- [Browse all companies](https://www.foundrole.com/companies?utm_source=ai_markdown)

## Related pages

- [California](https://www.foundrole.com/locations/us/california?utm_source=ai_markdown) — 276936 jobs
- [Ambulance Services](https://www.foundrole.com/sectors/healthcare/ambulance-services?utm_source=ai_markdown) — 2559 jobs

## Browse

- [Companies](https://www.foundrole.com/companies?utm_source=ai_markdown)
- [Jobs by country](https://www.foundrole.com/locations?utm_source=ai_markdown)
- [Jobs in the United States by state and city](https://www.foundrole.com/locations/us?utm_source=ai_markdown)
- [H1B sponsors by location](https://www.foundrole.com/h1b-sponsors?utm_source=ai_markdown)
- [H1B salaries](https://www.foundrole.com/h1b-salaries?utm_source=ai_markdown)
- [Sectors and industries](https://www.foundrole.com/sectors?utm_source=ai_markdown)
- [Jobs by career field](https://www.foundrole.com/careers?utm_source=ai_markdown)
- [Latest jobs](https://www.foundrole.com/jobs/latest?utm_source=ai_markdown)