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Counselor Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

Louisiana Tech University

Financial Aid Counselor

Ruston, LA · On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

The counselor must understand financial aid packaging concepts, correcting over-awards and processing requests for revisions on an as-needed basis. The counselor will award Chafee grants and will ...

Louisiana Tech University

Financial Aid Counselor

Ruston, LA · On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

The counselor must understand financial aid packaging concepts, correcting over-awards and processing requests for revisions on an as-needed basis. The counselor will award Chafee grants and will ...

US Navy

Chaplain

Jonesboro, LA

Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families, supporting morale, readiness, and resilience across ...

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Counselor information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$10

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$31

How much do counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor in Ruston, LA is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a counselor do?

Counselors work in a variety of fields and may help individuals, families, or groups with job and career concerns, educational decisions, mental and emotional health issues, and relationship problems. Mental health counselors, for example, work with people to address and treat mental and emotional disorders. Counselors can work in a wide variety of specialties, so their duties vary greatly, depending on the community in which they work and the population they serve. Counselors may work with children, adolescents, or families on school, social, or domestic problems. They may also work with adults in areas such as mental health disorders, addiction, disability, and employment. Counselors are trained to recognize diverse issues and potential problems in order to provide their clients with appropriate support and coping tools.

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 solid understanding of psychological principles, active listening, and assessment skills, generally supported by a relevant degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with counseling software, case management systems, and standardized assessment tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and ethical judgment help counselors build trust and effectively support clients. These skills ensure effective client care, ethical practice, and positive therapeutic outcomes.

What are some common challenges counselors face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed within the team?

Counselors often encounter challenges such as clients being hesitant to open up, managing complex or crisis situations, and preventing burnout from emotionally demanding sessions. These challenges are typically addressed through regular supervision, team debriefings, and ongoing professional development. Many counseling teams foster a supportive environment where colleagues can share difficult cases confidentially, seek advice, and receive emotional support, helping maintain both counselor well-being and high-quality client care.

What is the difference between Counselor vs Therapist?

AspectCounselorTherapist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; licensure varies by stateUsually holds a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or social work; licensure or certification often required
Work EnvironmentSchools, community agencies, outpatient clinics, private practicePrivate practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, hospitals
Industry UsageCommonly used in educational, community, and outpatient settingsUsed across mental health, healthcare, and private practice sectors
FocusGuidance, support, and skill development for clients facing life challengesIn-depth mental health treatment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy

While both counselors and therapists provide mental health support, counselors often focus on guidance and skill-building in specific areas, whereas therapists typically provide more comprehensive psychotherapy for mental health conditions. The roles overlap, but their settings and scope of practice differ.

What degree do most counselors have?

Most counselors hold at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as psychology, social work, or counseling. Many also pursue a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work to meet licensing requirements and enhance their qualifications. Certification or licensure often requires completing supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam.

What kind of work does a counselor do?

A counselor provides guidance and support to individuals facing emotional, mental, or behavioral challenges. They assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and use techniques such as active listening and counseling strategies to help clients improve their well-being, often working in settings like schools, clinics, or private practices. Certification or licensure is typically required depending on the specialization and location.

What type of counselor gets paid the most?

In the counseling field, clinical or mental health counselors with advanced licenses, such as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), tend to earn higher salaries. Specialized counselors, such as substance abuse counselors or school counselors with additional certifications, may also have higher earning potential depending on their experience and work setting.
More about Counselor jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Ruston, LA?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Ruston, LA are:

What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Counselor jobs?

Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Counselor job openings:

Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Counselor job openings in Ruston, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,270 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Financial Aid Counselor

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA • On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Louisiana Tech University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

488th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Thank you for your interest in employment with Louisiana Tech University.
The Office of Financial Aid is seeking qualified applicants to fill a vacancy in the position of Financial Aid Counselor. The position is responsible for processing unusual and special circumstances, dependency overrides, and verification for federal financial aid. The counselor must understand financial aid packaging concepts, correcting over-awards and processing requests for revisions on an as-needed basis. The counselor will award Chafee grants and will counsel students and their families regarding financial aid regulations and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
This position requires the ability to handle sensitive information and use professional judgement. Financial Aid Counselors must display excellent customer service skills and have a strong commitment to quality service and professionalism. Each counselor must multi-task in an office environment with frequent interruptions and distractions while maintaining effective results. Efficient time management skills, compassion, empathy, discretion, independent work ethic as well as collaboration are also all necessary skills for this position.
Louisiana Tech University provides over $100 million annually to its students through a combination of federal, state, institutional and private sources. The Office of Financial Aid operates under the Division of Student Advancement and works as a part of the University team to accomplish the mission and provide timely, accurate aid to applicants.
Required Qualifications:
This position requires a minimum of an earned bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Other essential, required skills include the following:
  • Hands-on experience with PC based information systems
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
  • Solid written and verbal communication skills
  • Decision-making skills with attention to details
  • Work with integrity and maintain confidentiality
  • Must be able to drive an automobile and carry materials to make presentations at remote sites.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the above requirements, familiarity with the following would enhance an applicant's fit for this position:
  • PowerFAIDS software knowledge
  • Workday software or other Student Information System user experience
  • Successful experience in a financial aid office.

Basis of Employment and Salary:
Employment is on a 12-month basis. Employees serve at the pleasure of the President of the University. Relocation costs are not paid by the University. This is an on-site position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Process:
Applicants may submit materials online or via email or paper delivery to the addresses listed below.
Application packets must contain all of the following:
  • A cover letter outlining relevant experience in relation to its applicability to this position,
  • A current resumé which includes a chronology of employment,
  • The names, telephone numbers, addresses, and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references, one of whom was a supervisor within the last five years, AND
  • An unofficial copy of your academic transcript from the school from which you received your highest degree.

Incomplete applications will not receive consideration.
Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Louisiana Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer and places a high priority on the creation of an environment supportive of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Posting Close Date: This position will remain open until filled.
Please Note: Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensure consideration.
Note to Applicant:
Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.
This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at the Louisiana Tech University may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

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