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Counselor Trainee Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Career Counselor, Biomedical

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$113K - $188K/yr

Advise trainees on scientific, science-related, medical, dental, and other clinical career pathways. * Serve as the career counselor expert for the Career Services Center Premedical Program ...

Career Counselor, Biomedical

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$113K - $188K/yr

Advise trainees on scientific, science-related, medical, dental, and other clinical career pathways. * Serve as the career counselor expert for the Career Services Center Premedical Program ...

Addictions Counselor

Pasadena, MD · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

We are currently seeking a full-time Addictions Counselor to join our clinical team ... Candidates must possess at least an ADT (Alcohol and Drug Trainee) credential. Position Details:

... 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 ...

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 ...

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Counselor Trainee information

See Washington salary details

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How much do counselor trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor trainee in Washington is $26.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much does a counselor trainee make?

A counselor trainee typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on the location, organization, and level of education. The position often serves as an entry-level role requiring relevant coursework or certification, with pay increasing as experience and responsibilities grow.

How to become a trainee counselor?

To become a trainee counselor, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by enrolling in a relevant training program or obtaining a related degree such as psychology, social work, or counseling. Gaining practical experience through internships or supervised practice is also important, and some regions may require certification or licensing to advance in counseling roles.

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

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Counselor Trainee jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Counselor Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Counselor Trainee job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,284 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Career Counselor, Biomedical

Guidehouse

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$113K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Guidehouse rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:
Program Management
Travel Required:
Up to 25%
Clearance Required:
Ability to Obtain Public Trust
We are seeking a full-time Career Counselor to support the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE) in providing career and professional development services to biomedical trainees in the NIH Intramural Research Program. This position is hybrid role primarily based at the NIH main campus in Bethesda, Maryland, with authorized travel to other NIH locations within 50 miles. Incumbent capture, no other candidates were considered due to incumbent candidate identified. They meet the labor category requirements provided by the customer.
What You Will Do:
  • Provide one-on-one career counseling addressing self-assessment, career exploration, job-search strategy, interview preparation, presentation skills, professional self-advocacy, and review of resumes, curricula vitae, cover letters, and application materials.
  • Advise trainees on scientific, science-related, medical, dental, and other clinical career pathways.
  • Serve as the career counselor expert for the Career Services Center Premedical Program, including advising trainees on clinical exposure and professional-school options.
  • Lead group mock interviews for MD, MD/PhD, dental school, and other professional-school applicants; train facilitators and staff on interviewing techniques.
  • Develop and deliver workshops on selecting and applying to medical and dental schools, MD/PhD pathways, personal statements, reapplication strategies, and professional-school interviews.
  • Provide counseling, practice interviews, and application review for Medical Scholars Research Program participants applying to residency programs and Clinical Fellows applying for medical positions.
  • Advise, mentor, and train less-experienced staff developing expertise in pre-professional services.
  • Develop career-related articles, blog posts, webpage content, workshop materials, and other assigned written or digital content.
  • Contribute to career development offerings and identify needs for new workshops or courses.
  • Plan and support workshops, panels, career fairs, symposia, and other events, including content, communications, and logistics.
  • Provide requested recommendations concerning web presence, social media, marketing strategies, and program improvements.
  • Refer trainees to staff or designated NIH resources when needs fall outside the scope of career counseling.
  • Maintain appointment and activity records and produce accurate, timely, accessible, and professionally presented deliverables.
  • Protect PII and nonpublic Government information and comply with applicable Federal, HHS, NIH, Section 508, privacy, security, records management, communications, and facility requirements.
  • Travel, as authorized, to NIH branch campuses or other approved locations within 50 miles of the NIH main campus.

What You Will Need:
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • A minimum of six (6) years of demonstrated experience providing career counseling and pre-professional advising, with emphasis on scientific or biomedical careers, to undergraduate, graduate, and/or postdoctoral trainees at a major university, research institution, professional society, or equivalent organization.
  • Knowledge of national issues and trends affecting scientific and medical careers and the biomedical workforce.
  • Experience supporting self-assessment, career planning, professional communication, interview preparation, and application-material development.
  • Experience delivering career information and counseling to individuals and groups.
  • Experience addressing the career development needs of trainee populations, including international trainees.
  • Experience planning or supporting large career development events such as career fairs, workshops, panels, or symposia.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality content on defined timelines.
  • Ability to work independently, coordinate effectively with Government staff, and manage competing priorities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, collaboration, flexibility, initiative, sound judgment, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to complete any required suitability determination and obtain an NIH PIV badge or other access credentials.

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • Advanced degree in Career Counseling or a related field.
  • Recognized professional counseling credential or certification.
  • Experience advising premedical, predental, MD/PhD, medical student, Clinical Fellow, or residency applicants.
  • Experience developing career-focused web content, blog posts, workshops, or digital communications for biomedical trainees.
  • Familiarity with NIH trainee programs, the NIH Intramural Research Program, or comparable biomedical research environments.

The annual salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$188,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Care.com annual membership
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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