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Counseling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mount San Antonio College

Dean, Counseling

Walnut, CA

$202K - $232K/yr

Dean, Counseling at Mount San Antonio College Share on X Print Application Deadline 8/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 6/12/2026 Contact Human Resources (909) 274-4225 Number of Openings Not ...

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Counseling information

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$58.9K

$78.5K

How much do counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for counseling in California is $58,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $64,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, often supported by a relevant degree and state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, assessment tools, and therapeutic techniques such as CBT is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help counselors build trust and effectively support clients. These abilities are vital for accurately assessing client needs, developing treatment plans, and fostering positive outcomes.

What is the difference between Counseling vs Social Work?

AspectCounselingSocial Work
Required CredentialsMaster's in Counseling or Psychology, state licensureBachelor's or Master's in Social Work, licensure often required
Work EnvironmentPrivate practices, clinics, schools, mental health centersHospitals, community agencies, schools, social service organizations
Industry UsageFocuses on mental health, emotional well-being, and personal developmentAddresses social, economic, and environmental factors affecting clients

While both Counseling and Social Work professionals support individuals' well-being, Counseling primarily focuses on mental health and emotional issues, often in clinical settings. Social Work encompasses a broader scope, including social services and advocacy, addressing clients' social and environmental needs alongside mental health. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

What are some common challenges counselors face when working with clients from diverse backgrounds?

Counselors often encounter challenges such as cultural misunderstandings, language barriers, and differing expectations about therapy when working with clients from diverse backgrounds. It's important to build cultural competence and remain open-minded to effectively address each client's unique perspectives and needs. Counselors typically receive ongoing training and supervision to support them in providing respectful and effective care, and they may collaborate with colleagues or community resources to ensure the best outcomes for their clients.

What is counseling?

Counseling is a professional service where trained counselors help individuals, couples, or groups address personal, social, or psychological challenges. Counselors use various therapeutic techniques to support clients in understanding their feelings, improving coping skills, and making positive changes in their lives. Counseling sessions are confidential and can address issues such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, and more. The goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their concerns and work towards personal growth.

What careers are there in counseling?

Careers in counseling include roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse counselor, and career counselor. These positions typically require relevant degrees, licensure or certification, and strong interpersonal skills to support clients in various settings like clinics, schools, or private practice.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs in California?

The most popular types of Counseling jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Counseling jobs in California?

For Counseling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Counseling jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Counseling jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Counseling jobs?

Cities in California with the most Counseling job openings:

Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Counseling job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,906 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

L.A. Metro Peer Counselor

HELPLINE YOUTH COUNSELING

Long Beach, CA

$28.80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE: L.A. Metro Peer Counselor

The Homeless and Housing department at HYC is seeking a Metro Peer Counselor to join our team.

The Metro Peer Counselor is part of the Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS) Street Based Engagement multi-disciplinary team at HYC.

This team is responsible for providing services to people experiencing homelessness on the Metro Rail Stations and/or Bus Routes.

The Metro Peer Counselor will have the primary responsibility of using their lived experience and knowledge to provide outreach and engagement, support advocacy, and direct services to clients.

The Peer Counselor will travel with the HYC Metro team to a variety of settings including but not limited to transit stops on the bus and rail line stops/stations, homeless encampments, shelters, drop-in centers, and other areas designated by the Los Angeles Department of Health Services (DHS).

The role involves offering emotional support, sharing experiences of personal recovery, and facilitating access to community resources.

This position will be assigned to the Metro Blue Line from Slauson to Downtown Long Beach stop.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide peer support to people experiencing homelessness that are encountered on the Metro Blue line
  • Provide outreach, counseling, and case management services to people experiencing homelessness
  • Conduct intakes, assessments, enroll individuals in LA HMIS, and document according to the timeframe provided in the contract and according to HYC policies
  • Meet with enrolled clients on a regular basis to review, evaluate, and support both long- and short-term goals established
  • Assist clients with establishing mainstream benefits and gathering necessary vital documents such as birth certificates, IDs, or social security cards
  • Work with local law enforcement officers and interim service providers to ensure a smooth transition to interim housing
  • Participate in case conferencing, internal and external meetings, trainings, and other functions as directed by Program Manager and DHS
  • Assist with applications for supportive and subsidized housing and build relationships with prospective landlords
  • Facilitate connections with community-based organizations and agencies to provide comprehensive services to clients
  • Perform follow-ups and wellness checks on existing clients assigned
  • Maintain and execute confidential information in accordance with HIPAA standards
  • Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager and DHS. Not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here and is designed to provide typical examples of work performed

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be available to work between the hours of 6:30am-8:00pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional weekends as needed.
  • Have reliable transportation a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and the ability to qualify for Helpline Youth Counseling's insurance coverage
  • High School Diploma
  • One year of experience working with homeless individuals or have a minimum of two years of experience providing direct health, behavioral health, substance use counseling or ICMS SBE. Lived experience with homelessness, or mental health/substance use recovery
  • Knowledge of case management techniques including trauma informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, housing first model
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals with urgent and multiple case management needs
  • HMIS experience highly desirable
  • Clear and concise oral and written communication skills
  • Strong time management skills and the ability to coordinate multiple tasks with time sensitive deadlines

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made, if requested, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HYC, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATION IS MADE WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MARITAL STATUS, NATION ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, MILITARY OR VETERAN STATUS, INCLUDING PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITIES OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS.

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