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Counseling Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Participates in individual and group discussions with school counselor and limited English-proficient students and parents/guardians to assist them in defining and developing post-secondary ...

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Participates in individual and group discussions with school counselor and limited English-proficient students and parents/guardians to assist them in defining and developing post-secondary ...

Participates in individual and group discussions with school counselor and limited English-proficient students and parents/guardians to assist them in defining and developing post-secondary ...

Participates in individual and group discussions with school counselor and limited English-proficient students and parents/guardians to assist them in defining and developing post-secondary ...

Counselor

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20/hr

COUNSELING * Assist beneficiaries to understand and overcome social and emotional problems through individual and process group counseling. * Keep beneficiary files current with proper documentation ...

COUNSELING * Assist beneficiaries to understand and overcome social and emotional problems through individual and process group counseling. * Keep beneficiary files current with proper documentation ...

COUNSELING * Assist beneficiaries to understand and overcome social and emotional problems through individual and process group counseling. * Keep beneficiary files current with proper documentation ...

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Counseling Assistant information

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$10

$22

$47

How much do counseling assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for counseling assistant in the United States is $22.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the 7 types of counseling?

The seven main types of counseling are individual, group, family, marriage, career, substance abuse, and mental health counseling. Each type focuses on different issues and uses specific techniques to support clients' needs. Counseling assistants may work in various settings, assisting licensed professionals across these counseling types.

What field of counseling pays the most?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists tend to have the highest salaries due to advanced education, licensure, and specialized skills. These roles often require a doctoral degree and offer higher compensation compared to other counseling fields such as school or mental health counseling.

What is a counselor assistant called?

A counselor assistant is often referred to as a mental health aide, behavioral health technician, or counseling aide. These roles support licensed counselors by assisting with client activities, administrative tasks, and program implementation, often requiring relevant training or certification. They work in settings such as clinics, schools, or community organizations and may need to understand confidentiality and basic counseling principles.

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

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 are Counseling Assistants?

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 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.

How does a Counseling Assistant typically support licensed counselors during client sessions and follow-up care?

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.

Do you need a degree to be a counselor assistant?

Counseling assistants typically do not need 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 on-the-job training is common. Requirements can vary depending on the employer and specific role.
More about Counseling Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Counseling Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Counseling Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs? The most popular types of Counseling jobs are:
What states have the most Counseling Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Counseling Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Counseling Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,884 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Substitute Counseling Assistant (Short-Term/Temporary)

Substitute Counseling Assistant (Short-Term/Temporary)

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$23.34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday


Job description

Salary: $23.34 Hourly
Location : San Luis Obispo Campus, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY2526-00138
Division: Student Success & Support Programs
Department: Counseling Services
Opening Date: 03/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description Summary
This is a recruitment for a short-term/temporary position. 40 hours per week. M-F (8am-5pm)
DEFINITION
Under general supervision of a Student Services Dean or Director, perform a variety of clerical duties involved in scheduling counseling appointments, provide a welcoming presence, organize and manage the Counseling Department scheduling and check in area, assist in the implementation of the Student Support and Success Program core activities, and perform other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Counseling Assistant is distinguished from other classes in that the incumbent is responsible for running a high volume office that carries out Student Support and Success Program core activities, performs clerical duties related to scheduling appointments and providing assistance with departmental activities and events, which requires knowledge of college and statewide regulations, and the ability to give accurate information to students utilizing independent judgment in a variety of situations which require tact, discretion, and courtesy.
Incumbents in this position support student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness by creating an office environment that allows students, staff and faculty to conduct District business in an effective and efficient manner thus increasing the access and success of students.
Essential Functions & Qualifications
As a substitute until the permanent position is filled, the job duties may be a subset of the below essential functions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Greet and work with the public, students, and college staff as they seek to access counseling and orientation services;
  • Disseminate information about counseling and orientation services;
  • Interpret college policies and procedures and provide instruction to the public, students, faculty, and staff as related to counseling and orientation services;
  • Prepare correspondence, labels, flyers, brochures, and notices as necessary;
  • Assist in development of outreach on and off campus to increase the awareness of counseling and orientation services;
  • Answer multiple phone lines and assist caller or forward as appropriate;
  • Receive email inquiries regarding appointments and reply or forward as appropriate;
  • Open and classify incoming mail and other information;
  • Schedule student appointments using department established scheduling software;
  • Provide students with appointment reminders by utilizing the appointment reminder functions of scheduling software or by another method deemed appropriate;
  • Create and maintain calendars, schedules, and other functions of department established scheduling software;
  • Provide chair, dean, and/or director with reports from scheduling and tracking software;
  • Prepare student files (records and transcripts) in preparation for student appointments with counselors;
  • Update, notes, contact records, and other student tracking data in scheduling software and student information system;
  • Maintain referral list of on and off campus support services;
  • Recruit, orient, train, and oversee student employees;
  • Work independently with a minimum of supervision;
  • Assist with counseling, orientation, and student success activities;
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
  • Process forms, as needed, distributing to appropriate departments;
  • Maintain accuracy of information through attendance at staff meetings and workshops;
  • Participate in IPPR Process;
  • Assist counseling department faculty and staff with clerical tasks; and
  • Perform other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:

Required
  • Graduation from high school or equivalent;

Preferred
  • Associate Degree;
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish (oral and written).

Experience:
Required
  • Two years increasingly responsible clerical experience including daily contact with the general public.

Preferred
  • Previous student support position in secondary or higher education setting.

Knowledge of:
  • Office management techniques and organizational skills;
  • Current technologies, personal computer, and associated office software such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and/or database software;
  • Correct usage of English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; and
  • District policies and procedures.

Ability to:
  • Understand, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, guidelines and procedures;
  • Maintain confidentiality;
  • Operate a word processor, computer terminal and file scanner;
  • Work independently with minimal supervision;
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; and
  • Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and of staff and students with physical and learning disabilities.

Physical ability to:
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; and
  • Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and of staff and students with physical and learning disabilities.

Physical ability to:
  • Read and comprehend printed matter and text and data on computer monitors;
  • Communicate intelligibly and effectively via speech, telephone, written correspondence, and/or email;
  • Sit or stand for extended periods of time;
  • Lift and/or carry 25 pounds; and
  • Exert manual dexterity sufficient for keyboard and other office equipment operation.

License and Certificates (current within the last year or must be continuously current):
Required
  • Valid driver's license and eligible to obtain California driver's license upon hire

Additional Information
This is a recruitment for a short-term/temporary position. 40 hours per week. M-F (8am-5pm)
Interview Process Information
Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
TO: New Employees
FROM: Human Resources
SUBJECT: Benefits for Classified & Management Employees
Cuesta College's Benefits website:
Employees who work half-time or more are entitled to receive fringe benefits. The fringe allocation is money from the District to help cover the cost of insurance. Employees working half-time or more are eligible to participate in the District's medical, dental and vision insurance.
Employees with a work assignment of 50% to 74% of full time will receive one-half of the above stated fringe allocation.
If your insurance rate exceeds your fringe allocation, the balance will be deducted from your monthly payroll check. If the insurance plans selected cost less than the fringe allocation, any excess amount will be returned to the District. For more information about how fringe benefits are determined please refer to the collective bargaining agreement between SLO Community College District and Cuesta College Classified United Employees (CCCUE) or the Board of Trustees policy regarding management employees.
If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at 805-546-3129 or hr@cuesta.edu.
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We endeavor to foster a just and inclusive campus culture here at Cuesta College. Please tell us about your experiences with inclusion as it relates to your career or some other aspect of your work? If you have not had direct experience in this area, please tell us about your aspirations. We welcome learning about your areas of challenge or growth and success.
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