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Chat Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$58K - $93K/yr

Possess the skills to effectively utilize virtual counseling or other electronic modes of communication, such as web based, secure online chat, or video-based communications and secure video ...

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Chat Counselor information

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$6

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How much do chat counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for chat counselor in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Chat Counselors?

Chat Counselors are trained professionals who provide emotional support, guidance, and crisis intervention through online chat platforms. They help individuals cope with personal issues, mental health concerns, or stressful situations by offering a safe and confidential space to communicate. Chat Counselors are skilled in active listening and empathy, and they may work for helplines, mental health organizations, or support services. Their main goal is to assist users in finding resources, coping strategies, and a sense of relief during difficult times.

What are some common challenges a Chat Counselor might face when providing support online?

Chat Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing multiple conversations simultaneously, interpreting clients' emotions without visual cues, and maintaining professional boundaries in a digital environment. They must also be adept at quickly building rapport through written communication and staying calm under pressure when dealing with crises. Successful Chat Counselors use strong active listening skills and digital empathy to effectively support clients while adhering to confidentiality and organizational guidelines.

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

To thrive as a Chat Counselor, you need a background in counseling or psychology, strong written communication skills, and familiarity with crisis intervention techniques. Proficiency with chat platforms, client management systems, and sometimes certifications in mental health first aid or counseling are commonly required. Emotional intelligence, empathy, patience, and the ability to build rapport online are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important for providing effective, timely support to clients in distress and ensuring their safety and well-being.
More about Chat Counselor jobs
What states have the most Chat Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Chat Counselor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chat Counselor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

Personal Financial Counselor, Assignment Ready Counselor, California

Magellan Health Services

$58K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 12 days ago


Magellan Health rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This position will provide coverage in short-term, surge and on demand situations resulting from the Military needs such as a post-deployment event or to cover an existing assignment for counselors who are absent. Primary responsibilities include the full breadth of personal financial counseling services to military service members and their families at military installations. Services include education and counseling addressing financial services that may include, but are not limited to, one-on-one counseling, consultation with a commander or with another provider or staff, conducting briefings and presentations, or providing referral resources to a participant outside the context of a counseling session. Works closely with the installation and military branch Points of Contact (POC) to assure that the program is provided within scope and meets the needs of the installation.
  • Provides personal financial counseling and management services directly to service members and their families.

  • Assists service members in establishing a spending plan for extended absences.

  • Develops and makes available informational financial materials to service members and families.

  • Coordinates, publicizes and provides a wide variety of Personal Financial Management classes/workshops, e.g., topics across the military lifecycle, including, but not limited to, arrival at first duty station, pre- and post-deployment, and personal and career events outlined in DoDI 1322.34.

  • Responds to requests for age-appropriate classes or seminars.

  • Possess the skills to effectively utilize virtual counseling or other electronic modes of communication, such as web based, secure online chat, or video-based communications and secure video teleconference sponsored by the customer. Virtual PFC support may only be authorized by OSD FINRED Program office.

  • Manages duty to warn situations according to Department of Defense (DoD) protocol.

  • Communicates with leadership and participates in regular individual and group supervision, sharing information regarding trends and issues on the installations to which the counselor is assigned.

  • Participates in regular in-services/training, quality improvement committees or other contract activities as assigned/appropriate.

  • All other duties as assigned.

The job duties listed above are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of what may be expected of an employee assigned to this job. A leader may assign additional or other duties which would align with the intent of this job, without revision to the job description.

Other Job Requirements

Responsibilities

Bachelor's degree required.
May consider applicants with an associate degree plus 4 years' experience in lieu of bachelor's degree.
May consider applicants with a high school diploma plus 6 years' experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
3+ years of financial counseling experience.
Must be a U.S. citizen and speak fluent English.
If required by the contract, must be bilingual in English and Spanish.
Be able to obtain a favorably adjudicated Tier 2 investigation.
Must be able to pass the Congressionally Mandated Disclosures for Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) process.
Must have one of the following certifications: Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

General Job Information

Title

Personal Financial Counselor, Assignment Ready Counselor, California

Grade

24

Work Experience - Required

Financial Counseling

Work Experience - Preferred

Education - Required

A Combination of Education and Work Experience May Be Considered., Bachelor's

Education - Preferred

License and Certifications - Required

AFC - Accredited Financial Counselor - EnterpriseEnterpriseEnterprise, CFP - Certified Financial Planner - EnterpriseEnterpriseEnterprise, ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant - EnterpriseEnterpriseEnterprise, DL - Driver License, Valid In State - OtherOtherOther

License and Certifications - Preferred

Salary Range

Salary Minimum:

$58,440

Salary Maximum:

$93,500

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

This position may be eligible for short-term incentives as well as a comprehensive benefits package. Magellan offers a broad range of health, life, voluntary and other benefits and perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.

Magellan Health, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Tobacco-free workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.
Every employee must understand, comply with and attest to the security responsibilities and security controls unique to their position; and comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.


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