1

Catholic Counselor Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Social Worker Counselor I or II

Fairfax, VA ยท Hybrid

$58K - $61K/yr

Catholic Charities' Pregnancy and Adoption Support (PAS) Social Worker/Counselor provides options counseling and adoption planning to expectant parents, completes home studies for prospective ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Catholic Counselor information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$7

$15

$23

How much do catholic counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for catholic counselor in Springfield, VA is $15.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Catholic counselor integrate faith-based principles into their counseling sessions while maintaining professional boundaries?

Catholic Counselors are trained to incorporate faith-based perspectives and values into their therapeutic approach, often using principles such as compassion, forgiveness, and the dignity of the individual. They respect the client's spiritual beliefs and only bring faith elements into sessions with client consent. Maintaining professional boundaries is essential, so counselors balance psychological best practices with spiritual guidance, ensuring that clients' mental health and confidentiality are prioritized. Collaboration with clergy or parish staff may occur when additional spiritual support is needed, always with the client's permission.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Catholic counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catholic Counselor, you need a background in counseling or psychology, often with a master's degree and relevant state licensure, along with a strong understanding of Catholic teachings. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic case management systems, and sometimes specific certifications in pastoral counseling are typically required. Compassion, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to integrate faith into therapeutic practice are vital soft skills. These competencies enable counselors to provide effective, ethical, and faith-informed support that respects clients' spiritual and emotional needs.

What is the difference between Catholic Counselor vs Licensed Professional Counselor?

AspectCatholic CounselorLicensed Professional Counselor
CredentialsRequires counseling license + Catholic or Christian counseling trainingRequires state licensure (e.g., LPC, LCPC) and relevant master's degree
Work EnvironmentReligious organizations, churches, faith-based clinicsPrivate practices, mental health clinics, hospitals
Industry UsageOften employed in faith-centered settingsWidely used across mental health and healthcare sectors

While both roles involve providing mental health support, Catholic Counselors focus on integrating faith and Catholic teachings into therapy, often working within religious settings. Licensed Professional Counselors have a broader scope, working in diverse environments without necessarily incorporating religious elements. The choice depends on whether you want a faith-based approach or a more general mental health practice.

What is a Catholic counselor?

A Catholic Counselor is a mental health professional who integrates the teachings, values, and traditions of the Catholic faith into counseling sessions. They offer guidance and support for emotional, psychological, and spiritual issues, helping clients align their lives with Catholic principles. Catholic Counselors may work in private practice, church settings, or community organizations, and they often address issues like marriage, family, addiction, and personal struggles from a faith-based perspective. Their approach combines clinical counseling techniques with spiritual support to promote holistic well-being.
What job categories do people searching Catholic Counselor jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Catholic Counselor jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Catholic Counselor jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Catholic Counselor job openings:

Social Worker Counselor I or II

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington

Fairfax, VA โ€ข On-site

$58K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Catholic Charities seeks to implement the Church's mission of social justice in the Diocese of Arlington in ways that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. In addition to a purpose-based work environment, Catholic Charities offers a generous benefit package including medical plans, generous holiday leave, paid Family Medical Leave*, flexible work options, career development, Diocesan tuition reimbursement*, retirement plans and much more.
Social Worker/Counselor I or II
Ministry: Pregnancy and Adoption Support
Primary Office: Fairfax
Hours per Week: 40 exempt
Staff Supervisor: Adoption Supervisor
Telework Available: ____ No ___x Hybrid
Salary Range: $58,656 - $61,750
Position Description:
Catholic Charities' Pregnancy and Adoption Support (PAS) Social Worker/Counselor provides options counseling and adoption planning to expectant parents, completes home studies for prospective adoptive families, provides post placement and educates adoptive families and community partners on adoption issues and services. Catholic Charities is seeking a Social Worker/Counselor I or II. The salary range and level of the role is commensurate with a candidate's education and years of experience.
Position Responsibilities:
In alignment with ministry standards, conduct intake, assessment, and options counseling for all expectant parents in need of services.
  • Provide parents pursuing an adoption with options counseling, adoption planning support, and case management during pregnancy and following placement.
  • In alignment with agency and Virginia State standards, complete adoption home studies within designated period
  • Maintain both infant and foster care adoption cases
  • Advocate for adoptive families to make informed decisions adoption placement. Provides support to ensure a successful transition and placement for the child and family.
  • Collaborate with community partners to educate them about PAS services and provide follow up with client referrals to/from these partners.
  • Effective communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
  • Support Social Worker/Counselor II and III with program training/public speaking obligations for PAS adoptive families and community partners (Social Worker/Counselor I).
  • Facilitate training and outreach for PAS adoptive families and community partners (Social Worker/Counselor II).

Other Duties:
  • Work occasional evenings and weekends and participate in an on-call rotation.
  • Carry a small caseload of post adoption clients as needed.
  • Travel throughout the Diocese educating and promoting the work of the ministry in the community.
  • Willing to uphold Catholic social teaching in the workplace
  • Other job-related duties as required.

Qualifications & Skills:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license, have a good driving record (including 3+ positive points on the VA Motor Vehicle Record), and have at least three years of US driving experience. Willing to drive clients.
  • Fluency in Microsoft office and other relevant software
  • Ability to learn new tasks and procedures, comply with processes, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
  • Effective communication and people skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Education and Experience Social Worker/Counselor I:
  • Master's degree in social work or another related field or a bachelor's degree in a related field with 3 years social work/case management experience.
  • Experience working in child welfare preferred.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Education and Experience Social Worker/Counselor II:
  • Master's degree in social work or another related field or a bachelor's degree in a related field with 3-5 years social work/case management experience.
  • Has completed one or more of the following (or equivalent):
    • National Training Institute (NTI) Training for Child Welfare Professionals or Mental Health Professionals
    • Training for Adoption Competence (TAC)
    • TBRI Practitioner Training
    • Grief Counseling Certification
  • Experience working in child welfare.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
This role involves working frequently with individuals in crisis or distress which may require the mental health professional to manage their own stress and maintain emotional resilience.
BENEFITS: Vacation, Sick, STD, LTD, Paid FML*, 15 paid holidays in 2026, Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, retirement plan, After 1 year: Pension, Diocesan School Tuition Reimbursement K-12, Education Assistance. Closed between Christmas and New Years.
Thank you for your interest in joining Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington in the crucial work we do. Catholic Charities appreciates the time and effort it takes to submit an application.