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Counselor Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Residential Counselor The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the ... A) trainee by the time of hiring. At least one year of experience working with individuals ...

... counseling and coaching * Assess, investigate, and resolve staff and patient issues by analyzing ... Operations Manager Trainee must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile ...

... counseling and coaching * Assess, investigate, and resolve staff and patient issues by analyzing ... Operations Manager Trainee must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile ...

$25 - $30/hr

Registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) or QMHP-Trainee (QMHP-T) . * Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field. * Valid driver ...

... Manager Trainee (OMT) is to gain an understanding of the skills and company knowledge to ... counseling and coaching * Assess, investigate, and resolve staff and patient issues by analyzing ...

Operations Manager Trainee

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$27.75 - $38.75/hr

... counseling and coaching * Assess, investigate, and resolve staff and patient issues by analyzing ... Operations Manager Trainee must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile ...

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Counselor Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$23

$34

How much do counselor trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor trainee in Virginia is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of supervision and support can counselor trainees expect during their training period?

Counselor Trainees typically work under the close supervision of licensed counselors or clinical supervisors who provide regular feedback and guidance. Supervision often includes weekly meetings to discuss client cases, review counseling techniques, and address any challenges that arise. This supportive environment helps trainees develop their professional skills, navigate ethical dilemmas, and build confidence in their counseling abilities. Additionally, trainees usually have access to peer support groups and ongoing training workshops, fostering both learning and professional growth.

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

To thrive as a Counselor Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of counseling theories, basic assessment techniques, and often enrollment in or completion of a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with case management systems, documentation software, and supervision protocols is typically required. Active listening, empathy, and self-awareness are crucial soft skills for building trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering ethical, effective support while developing professional competence under supervision.

What is a counselor trainee?

Counselor trainees are individuals who are in the process of completing their education and supervised experience required to become licensed counselors. They typically work under the supervision of a licensed professional, such as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), as part of their graduate training or internship. Counselor trainees provide counseling services to clients while developing their skills, gaining practical experience, and fulfilling licensure requirements. Their work is closely monitored to ensure ethical and effective practice. This role is essential for bridging the gap between academic learning and independent professional practice.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Counselor Trainee jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Counselor Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Counselor Trainee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,393 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Lead Counselor - Pantops

ONIX GROUP LLC

Charlottesville, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

We are offering a $2,000 Sign On Bonus!!!

Schedule: Monday-Friday 5a-1:30p; rotating Saturday 6:30am-10:30am

ARS Treatment Centers specialize in outpatient treatment for those suffering from opioid use disorder. Our clinic is one of ten locations in the mid-Atlantic region that provides specialized outpatient medication-assisted treatment.. 

Respect, Empowerment, Professionalism, and Excellence are operationalized at all levels of the organization. We welcome input and ideas from patients and staff at all levels and incorporate them into our daily activities, interactions and strategic plan.  We are currently seeking a Lead Counselor to join our team!

ARS rewards it’s employees for their hard work and dedication to providing the best care possible, with a wide-range of benefits and perks to show we care.

BENEFITS AND PERKS WE OFFER:

Benefits

  • Competitive Wages 
  • We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your work/life balance  
  • Opportunities for Career Advancement and Personal Growth
  • Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits for You & Your Family
  • 401k Retirement With Company Match
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA)
  • Paid Time Off - Vacation, Personal, Sick Days & Paid Holidays
  • Short-term Disability and Maternity Leave Options, Personal and Family Medical Leave
  • Company provided Life and Long Term Disability Coverage
  • And More!

Employee Perks Program

  • Tickets At Work for Discounted Entertainment Tickets
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • In Facility Training/In-service Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Free Will/Estate Preparation Services
  • Optional Legal & Identity Protection Services
  • Verizon Wireless Discount

Position Description:

The Lead Counselor assists the Regional Clinical Supervisor and Executive Director in ensuring the delivery of high-quality clinical and administrative services to patients and their families.  This senior role requires the individual to serve as a working role model and clinical resource for counseling staff.  The Lead Counselor is expected to consistently uphold and promote the vision, mission, and values of the company.


Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Maintain caseload per State Regulations
  • Assist the Clinical Supervisor with auditing admission and discharge charts and supporting the development and follow-through of Plans of Care (POC) to ensure timely and accurate completion of required documentation, including but not limited to biopsychosocial assessments, interpretive summaries, pre-authorizations, ASAM LOC 2.1 screenings, and accurate patient status, tags, and program assignments within ARS policy timelines.
  • Provide oversight and organization of treatment team meeting minutes and related documentation.
  • Maintain compliance with all state, federal, certification, and licensure training requirements.
  • Provide oversight and support to counselors and counselor trainees to promote timely completion of work and adherence to program policies and procedures, including documentation review as directed by the Regional Clinical Supervisor.
  • Support the onboarding of new counselors, including conducting shadowing sessions and reviewing 30-day training progress.
  • Conduct weekly check-ins with new counselors during their first 90 days to:
    • Document progress and identify additional training needs
    • Communicate observations and recommendations to the Clinical Supervisor and Executive Director
  • Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching to counselors to support professional development and clinical skill-building.
  • Maintain direct responsibility for ensuring the quality and timeliness of training and orientation for new counseling staff.
  • In coordination with the Regional Clinical Supervisor, support and co-facilitate bi-weekly or monthly clinical supervision sessions.
  • Participate in the emergency on-call rotation as required.
  • Assist with intake and inquiry calls as needed.
    • Coordinate admissions and communication with local jails to ensure smooth patient transitions.
  • Attend required management, clinical, and treatment team meetings on a weekly basis to support consultation and coordination of care for current caseloads.
  • Assist with the supervision of counselors, if qualified and as directed by the Regional Clinical Supervisor.
  • Support the Clinical Supervisor with administrative oversight of counselors, including:
    • Weekly review of treatment notes and identification of incomplete or non-compliant documentation
    • Follow-up with counselors regarding outstanding treatment plans to provide guidance and identify training needs
    • Assistance with oversight of discharge analysis report completion
  • Maintain working knowledge and compliance with state licensure standards, CARF standards, 42 CFR, HIPAA regulations, and all company policies.
  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or human services
  • CSAC Certified
  • Masters Preferred
  • License Preferred (LSW, LPC, LSATP, or LCSW)
  • Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience, including at least 1 year in a substance use treatment setting
  • Virginia licensure or certification preferred