1

Counseling Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Counseling information

See Reston, VA salary details

$37.5K

$62.1K

$82.7K

How much do counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for counseling in Reston, VA is $62,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,100.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Counseling jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Counseling jobs in Reston, VA? For Counseling jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Counseling jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Counseling jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Counseling jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Counseling job openings:
Infographic showing various Counseling job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,097 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

$25 - $30/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for assisting the counseling center staff in performing appropriate clinical functions in order to facilitate client movement between counseling center programs and/ or completing clients from the programs. This position presents education lectures, facilitates counseling groups (under the direct oversight of the primary counselor or clinical supervisor), conducts substance abuse testing, assist with case management, and assists in documentation. The counseling assistant will assist with completing new client orientations as well as assist with discharge planning. This is a full-time, hourly position with full benefits. The schedule is M-F 8:30am-4:30pm.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for assisting in orientation sessions for clients and documenting appropriate movement between phases

Monitors client supervision, including taking vitals, urine drug screen and breathalyzers.

Assist primary counselors with documentation and chart compliance

Assist staff and clients in maintaining adherence to posted schedule

Co-Facilitates groups as scheduled or as needed

Coordinate information communication to ensure smooth transitions and dissemination of appropriate information

Attend appropriate meetings, assembling information for staff and reporting any issues observed with the milieu

Oversee communication of client's medical concerns with the nurse and medical consultants

Assist counselors in contacting clients, referral sources, and parent (if applicable) about any client change in status

Present education lectures as assigned and facilitate counseling groups as needed.

Provide crisis intervention as needed

Responsible for assuring program systems are employed according to Program's policies and procedures

Conducts Urine drug screens and random breathalyzes

Document the Electronic Medical Record, all significant client interactions, changes in behavior, medical or psychiatric interventions

Complete Incident Reports as needed

Contact referral sources and document in client medical records in cases of ATAs, AWOLs, and discharges

Develop, implement and maintain leisure, social and spiritual program goals, objectives and actions to address areas of the whole person affected by addiction

Assist Program Manager to develop dynamic leisure, social and spiritual component to treatment

Responsible for maintaining/monitoring activities and education schedule for clients and family

Ensure that client informational boards are appropriate and current

Maintain ethical standards and continued professional growth, including

a. Abide by Program and NCTR policy and procedures. Oversees staff understanding and compliance.

b. Ensure all CARF standards are instituted and maintained

c. Promote, in public and private contacts, the quality standards and ethical practices of NCTR staff.

d. Continue professional growth by attending workshops, trainings and staff

In-service trainings to increase skill and knowledge and to set appropriate example for staff

Maintain current licensure/certification including CES, CPR, First Aid, and Medication Management.

e. Maintain professional boundaries with staff and clients

f. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor


QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates degree in human services field or equivalent years working in addiction treatment field preferred

Certification as a substance abuse counselor (CSAC-A, CAC, CSAC) or able to obtain within one year

Certification in CPR, First Aid,

Familiarity with 12-step recovery programs

Possess valid driver's license and safe driving record


KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Ability to prepare and maintain required documentation

Ability to comply with state and federal regulations regarding confidentiality

Knowledge of recreation therapy, family therapy and behavior management techniques

Ability to work and communicate with others

Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with clients

Possess a thorough knowledge of various treatment methods and experience working with diverse populations.

General computer knowledge and skills, including, but not limited to use of email and basic timekeeping

Good written and verbal skills


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. In the course of performing this job, one typically spends time sitting, walking, climbing stairs, standing, carrying, climbing stairs, lifting up to 15 pounds, listening, speaking, typing, reading, and writing.


WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.


NCTR is an Equal Opportunity Employer