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Counseling Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Legal Assistant

Mclean, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Support legal research activities and coordinate with vendors, experts, and opposing counsel * Assist with trial preparation, including briefs and supporting materials * Organize and maintain ...

Housing Specialist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$45K - $48K/yr

... counseling; assist in symptom management, ensuring immediate changes are made in the treatment plans as client's needs change. Educate and support client's families, and advocate for client rights ...

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Counseling Assistant information

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How much do counseling assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for counseling assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $22.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.73 and $26.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a counseling assistant?

Counseling Assistants are professionals who support licensed counselors, therapists, or psychologists by performing administrative tasks, assisting with client intake, and maintaining records. They may also help facilitate communication between clients and counselors, schedule appointments, and provide basic information about counseling services. While they do not typically provide therapy themselves, their role is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of counseling offices and supporting client needs. Counseling Assistants often work in schools, mental health clinics, hospitals, or private practices. Their responsibilities may also include handling confidential information and ensuring a welcoming environment for clients.

What does a counseling assistant do?

Counseling Assistants play a crucial role in supporting licensed counselors by handling administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining confidential records, and preparing materials for sessions. They may also assist in gathering client information, monitoring session progress, and following up with clients to ensure continuity of care. While they do not provide direct counseling, their organizational support helps counselors focus on client needs. Effective communication and collaboration with the counseling team are essential for ensuring clients receive timely and coordinated support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a counseling assistant?

To thrive as a Counseling Assistant, you generally need a background in psychology or social work, strong interpersonal skills, and at least an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with client management software, scheduling tools, and basic office systems is typically required. Active listening, empathy, and strong organizational skills help Counseling Assistants build rapport with clients and support counselors effectively. These abilities are crucial for maintaining a supportive environment, managing sensitive information, and ensuring smooth counseling operations.

What is the difference between Counseling Assistant vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectCounseling AssistantMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, outpatient facilitiesHospitals, mental health facilities, residential programs
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health clinics, educational institutionsHospitals, psychiatric units, community mental health centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesSimilar support roles in mental health settings

Both Counseling Assistants and Mental Health Technicians support mental health services, but Counseling Assistants typically work in outpatient or educational settings with less direct patient care, while Mental Health Technicians often work in inpatient or hospital environments providing more hands-on support. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, making them common points of comparison for those exploring careers in mental health support.

Do you need a degree to be a counseling assistant?

A counseling assistant typically does not require a college degree, but some employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as communication, organization, and basic knowledge of mental health practices are important, and certifications in mental health support can be beneficial. Requirements vary by employer and location.

What field of counseling assistant pays the most?

Counseling assistants working in specialized fields such as mental health, substance abuse, or rehabilitation tend to earn higher salaries due to the complexity and demand of these areas. Those with additional certifications or experience in clinical settings can also command higher pay. Overall, counseling assistants in healthcare or clinical environments generally have higher earning potential than those in educational or community settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Counseling jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Counseling Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Counseling Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Counseling Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Counseling Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Counseling Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Counseling Assistant job openings:

Genetic Counselor Assistant

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$42K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Under direct supervision by genetic counselors and guided by the procedures of Ambulatory Services, we are seeking a Genetic Counselor Assistant who will be responsible for supporting the clinical work of the Johns Hopkins Prenatal Genetics office. This will involve direct contact with the genetic counselors (GC), patient service coordinators, other team members, referring providers and patients. The GCA works as a team member with other practice staff and consistently projects a professional and courteous demeanor. They must pay close attention to detail and demonstrate excellent customer service skills with patients and staff.
Under the supervision by genetic counselors, the Genetic Counselor Assistant (GCA) will work primarily with the clinical genetic counselors (GCs) to assist with all aspects of patient care. The GCA is responsible for collaborating with GCs, other clinicians, patients and hospital staff in the operational functioning of the genetic counseling clinical activities to ensure optimal communication and efficient services are provided; thus, meeting the needs of patients and families served by the genetic counseling program.
Critical features of this position are described below and are subject to change at the discretion of management. This job description reflects the designation of essential job functions but does not provide an all-inclusive list of duties that may be assigned.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Assisting genetic counselors with all aspects of patient intake, genetic counseling and documentation. Genetic Counselor assistant will work primarily with clinical (5) genetic counselors.

Review of genetic test results
  • Review incoming faxed routine lab reports.
  • Receive results through reference lab online portals and disseminate to appropriate GC.
  • Fax test results to referring OBs.
  • Call out negative routine genetic test results using script provided by GC and arrange follow-up telephone call with GC as needed (cfDNA, expanded carrier screen, etc.).

Coordinate and assist with all aspects of genetic testing, including,
  • Transport specimens to/from Cytogenetics lab, Pathology Customer Service, etc.
  • Investigate genetic test options.
  • Contact lab to determine price, turn-around-time, and sample requirements.
  • Complete electronic and paper test requisition forms.
  • Order specimen collection kits.
  • Compile clinical information for lab.
  • Track ordered tests.

Assist GC in preparing for patient appointments
  • Obtain basic pedigree from patient by phone prior to appointment.
  • Review relevant medical records and obtain missing documents.
  • Perform searches of medical literature (e.g. PubMed, OMIM) and publicly-available genetic databases (e.g. ClinVar, HGMD, DECIPHER), as requested by GC.

Prepare correspondence and documentation
  • Prepare letters of medical necessity to obtain insurance authorization and/or provide supporting evidence as necessary related to genetic testing and genetic counseling.
  • Draft components of genetic counseling visit notes, result summary letters, and other patient/family educational materials for review by GC.
  • Document any patient correspondence in electronic medical record.

Assist with general office tasks, including
  • Answer phones and field general phone calls.
  • Serve as back-up to schedule appointments when patient service coordinator is out of office.
  • Maintain the master Outlook calendar.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biological/Health Science or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • Successful completion of at least one undergraduate course in genetics preferred.
  • Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both over the telephone and in person. Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with patients. Excellent organizational skills. Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills. Ability to work well both independently, with little supervision, and in a team setting.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Classified Title: Genetic Counselor Assistant
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB
Starting Salary Range: $42,330 - $74,110 Annually ($58,220 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM OB GYN Cytogenetics
Personnel area: School of Medicine

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876