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Entry Level Career Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pyramid Healthcare

IOP Counselor

Harrisburg, PA

Career growth for entry-level through fully licensed clinicians * Supportive environment aligned ... Counselor Talent Pipeline . ***Due to the nature of behavioral healthcare work and our ...

Gateway Foundation

Substance Use Counselor

Bainbridge, GA

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career ... Provides individual client counseling, educational programs and lectures to address relapse ...

Gateway Foundation Inc

Addictions Counselor

Bainbridge, GA · On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

... pursue a career in substance use counseling! Gateway will help you get a certification by ... Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Bainbridge PSATC ...

Gateway Foundation

Addictions Counselor

Bainbridge, GA · On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

... pursue a career in substance use counseling! Gateway will help you get a certification by ... Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors** Location: Bainbridge PSATC ...

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Entry Level Career Counselor information

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$30.5K

$44.6K

$60.5K

How much do entry level career counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level career counselor in the United States is $44,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level career counselor do?

An entry level career counselor helps individuals, often students or recent graduates, identify their strengths, interests, and career goals. They provide guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. Entry level career counselors may also administer career assessments, facilitate workshops, and connect clients with resources to support their career development. Their goal is to assist clients in making informed decisions about their educational and professional paths.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level career counselor?

To thrive as an Entry Level Career Counselor, a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, along with basic knowledge of career development theories, is typically required. Familiarity with career assessment tools, job search platforms, and client management systems is important for effective guidance. Strong communication, active listening, and empathy are vital soft skills that help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies enable counselors to provide relevant advice, support clients' career goals, and facilitate successful job placements.

What are some typical challenges an entry level career counselor might face when working with clients for the first time?

As an entry level career counselor, one common challenge is building rapport and trust with clients who may be uncertain or anxious about their career paths. Additionally, you may encounter clients with unclear goals or limited self-awareness, which can require patience and skillful questioning to help them articulate their interests and strengths. Navigating diverse backgrounds and tailoring your guidance to each individual's unique needs is essential. Seeking support from experienced colleagues and utilizing available resources can help you develop effective counseling strategies.

What is the difference between Entry Level Career Counselor vs Career Advisor?

AspectEntry Level Career CounselorCareer Advisor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or bachelor's; some roles may prefer related certificationsHigh school diploma or bachelor's; certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, career centers, community organizationsEducational institutions, career services, private practices
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, colleges, nonprofitsUniversities, career service providers, private firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Career Counselors and Career Advisors often share similar roles in guiding individuals toward career paths. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job functions; Entry Level Career Counselors typically focus on assessment and foundational guidance, while Career Advisors may offer broader career planning services. Both roles are essential in educational and career development settings, with overlapping credentials and work environments.

Are entry level career counselors in demand?

Entry level career counselors are in moderate demand as organizations seek professionals to assist individuals with career planning and development. The role often requires strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of career assessment tools, with employment prospects influenced by the growth of educational and employment services sectors.

How do I become an entry level career counselor?

To become an entry-level career counselor, typically a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work and developing strong communication and interpersonal skills are also important; some positions may prefer or require certification from a recognized counseling organization.

What is the first step in entry level career counseling?

The first step in entry level career counseling is assessing the client's interests, skills, and values through interviews or assessments. This helps identify suitable career options and sets a foundation for developing an individualized career plan.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Career Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Career Counselor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Career Counselor jobs?

The most popular types of Career Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Career Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Career Counselor jobs include:

Entry Level Career Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Career Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,555 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Youth Counselor (Mental Health Technician / Behavioral Health Worker) | 0.8 FTE | $5,000 Sign-On ...

North Homes Children & Family Services

Grand Rapids, MN • On-site

$19.23 - $22.12/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description

Start Your Career in Mental Health, Human Services, or Youth Counseling

Are you looking for an entry-level career where you can make a difference while gaining valuable experience in mental health, behavioral health, youth services, or human services?


North Homes Children and Family Services is hiring compassionate, dependable individuals to join our residential treatment team as Youth Counselors. No previous experience is required-we provide comprehensive paid training and ongoing support.

This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in careers in:

  • Mental Health
  • Behavioral Health
  • Human Services
  • Social Work
  • Psychology
  • Counseling
  • Criminal Justice
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Child Welfare
  • Education
  • Direct Support Professional (DSP)
  • Healthcare
  • Residential Treatment

Every day, you'll help young people build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and move toward lasting success.


Pay & Benefits

Starting Wage: $19.23-$22.12 per hour

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus

Shift Differentials
  • +$1.50/hour for Afternoon Shifts
  • +$1.00/hour for Overnight and Weekend Shifts
Benefits for 0.8 FTE (32 Hours per Week)
  • Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Earned Sick & Safe Time (ESST)
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Paid Training
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
Schedule
  • 0.8 FTE (32 hours/week)
  • Afternoon Shifts Available
  • Overnight Shifts Available
  • Weekend Opportunities
  • Additional Full-Time and Part-Time openings may be available
What You'll Do

As a Youth Counselor, you'll play an important role in helping youth develop the skills they need to be successful.

Responsibilities include:

  • Provide direct care, supervision, and support for youth ages 10-18
  • Build positive, trusting relationships with youth
  • Maintain a safe, structured, and trauma-informed therapeutic environment
  • Teach coping skills, emotional regulation, communication, and independent living skills
  • Support youth in reaching individualized treatment goals
  • Help manage behavioral challenges using positive interventions
  • Model healthy relationships, consistency, and professional boundaries
  • Document observations and communicate with the treatment team
  • Collaborate with therapists, case managers, nurses, teachers, and other professionals
Programs You May Support

North Homes provides several residential mental health programs for youth, including:

  • Stabilization Program - Short-term crisis stabilization and assessment
  • 35-Day Evaluation Program - Comprehensive behavioral health evaluation and treatment planning
  • Intensive Residential Treatment (IRT) - Structured therapeutic programming
  • Residential Treatment Cottage - Long-term residential care for youth with emotional and behavioral needs
  • Teens in Transition - Independent living preparation and life-skills development
Why You'll Love Working at North Homes
  • No experience necessary
  • Paid training from experienced professionals
  • Supportive team culture
  • Meaningful work that changes lives
  • Opportunities for promotion and career growth
  • Gain valuable experience for graduate school or future careers in behavioral health, psychology, counseling, nursing, social work, education, corrections, probation, law enforcement, and healthcare
  • North Homes provides trauma-informed residential treatment and behavioral health services that help children, adolescents, and families build healthier futures. Our team is committed to providing safe, supportive environments where youth can heal, learn, and thrive.

Requirements

Whether you're beginning your career or looking for meaningful work with purpose, North Homes provides the training, mentorship, and experience to help you succeed.


Minimum Qualifications

We're looking for individuals who are compassionate, dependable, and committed to helping youth succeed.

Required
  • At least 21 years old
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid Minnesota driver's license
Preferred (Not Required)
  • College coursework or degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Behavioral Health, Education, or a related field
  • Experience working with youth, residential treatment, mental health, direct care, group homes, childcare, education, corrections, juvenile justice, healthcare, or human services
Ideal Candidates

Successful Youth Counselors are:

  • Compassionate and patient
  • Dependable and accountable
  • Strong communicators
  • Team-oriented
  • Calm under pressure
  • Motivated to learn
  • Passionate about helping youth heal and grow
Apply Today

If you're looking for an entry-level mental health, behavioral health, youth counselor, residential treatment, direct care, or human services position where your work truly matters, we'd love to meet you. Join North Homes and help make a lasting difference in the lives of youth every day.


North Homes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, public assistance status, or any other protected characteristic. 

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