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Entry Level Counselor Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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How much do entry level counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level counselor in Florida is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level counselor do?

An entry level counselor provides support and guidance to individuals, often under the supervision of more experienced counselors. Their duties may include conducting intake assessments, helping clients set goals, facilitating group or individual counseling sessions, and maintaining client records. They often work in schools, community agencies, or healthcare settings, assisting clients with issues like stress, family relationships, or academic challenges. Entry level counselors use basic counseling techniques and refer clients to specialized resources when needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Counselor, you need a foundational understanding of counseling theories, active listening, and a relevant degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Familiarity with case management software, documentation standards, and possibly certifications like a state counseling license or associate credential are typical requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build rapport help entry level counselors connect effectively with clients and colleagues. These competencies are crucial for providing effective support, maintaining ethical standards, and fostering positive client outcomes.

What types of support and supervision can an entry level counselor expect in their first year?

Entry level counselors typically receive regular supervision from experienced, licensed professionals to help them navigate client cases and develop their skills. Most organizations offer weekly or bi-weekly meetings for reviewing client progress, discussing challenges, and ensuring ethical standards are met. New counselors may also participate in team meetings, training sessions, and case consultations to foster collaboration and continued learning. This supportive environment helps build confidence and paves the way for professional growth within the organization.
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Entry Level Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Counselor job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,132 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Readjustment Counselor)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Lakeland, FL

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The basic requirements for employment as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(11). To qualify for appointment as an LPMHC in VHA, all applicants must meet the following:
  • Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)
  • Education: Hold a master's or doctoral degree in: Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; or a related field, from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/.
    • Examples of related mental health counseling fields include but are not limited to: Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling.
**NOTE: Traditional Rehabilitation counseling programs that are accredited by CACREP do not meet the LPMHC qualification standards as Traditional Rehabilitation counseling differs from Clinical Rehabilitation counseling.
  • Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to LPMHC positions in the GS-0183 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment.
    • Exception: VHA may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure for a period not to exceed 3 years for a LPMHC that provides care under the clinical supervision of a licensed LPMHC who is at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the entry level (GS-09).
  • English Language Proficiency: LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3j.
  • Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a LPMHC on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    • Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, demoted, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
    • Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade level for each candidate.
LPMHC, GS-09 (Entry Level):
  • Experience, Education and Licensure: The GS-9 grade level is the entry grade level for LPMHCs with less than one year of experience (post-master's degree) or for LPMHCs at the master's or doctoral level) who are graduates not yet licensed at the independent practice level. Unlicensed LPMHCs at the GS-9 grade level have completed the required education and are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure.
~AND~
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below:
    • Ability to engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuum of care, evaluation and follow-up.
    • Knowledge of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders in formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate clinical interventions using professional counseling practices.
    • Basic knowledge of professional counseling practice with emphasis on human development principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions, and strategies that address high risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development across the life span.
    • Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
    • Ability to serve on an interdisciplinary team with focus on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and relational functioning of individuals, groups and families and on the counseling approaches, strategies, and techniques that will best help patients function effectively.
    • Basic skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management, maintaining accurate, timely and thorough clinical documentation and delivery of services, such as Telehealth.
    • Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by VHA.
    • Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling.
    • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds.
LPMHC, GS-11 (Full Performance Level):
  • Experience, Education and Licensure: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one year of post-master's or post- doctoral degree mental health counseling experience (VA or non-VA experience) and must be licensed to practice at the independent practice level.
~AND~
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the GS-11 experience, education and licensure grade requirements, candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below:
    • Ability to make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendation for treatment planning and implementation.
    • Advanced knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of the counseling process which includes defining patient/family problems and maintaining an effective counseling relationship.
    • Ability to provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and trainees on the counseling process within various specialty areas, build on the foundation of competence through regular meetings and discussions to explain assignments, review progress of cases and confer about the counseling perspectives and orientation.
    • Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients who are in psychological distress. Requires independent judgment and skill.
    • Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced- based practices, screening, and psychosocial assessment.
    • Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
    • Ability to fully utilize the current DSM in making diagnoses and formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate clinical intervention using professional counseling practices.
    • Ability to develop and facilitate psychotherapy and psycho- education groups that include life skills, family support, and community integration. This may include evidence-based psychotherapy.
Physical Requirements: The work does not inherently include physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with a workplace accommodation.
References: VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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