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Entry Level Counselor Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

MTK Healthcare

Mental Health Counselor

Gardner, MA · On-site

$55/hr

Mental Health Counselor (Contract Role) Location: Gardner, Massachusetts (Heywood Hospital) Start ... Requires active licensure (not entry-level friendly) * Contract role (temporary, 13 weeks) Should ...

Jencap

Claims Assistant-Entry Level

Worcester, MA

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Prepare and submit claim files and supporting documentation to third parties (e.g., coverage counsel, subrogation vendors, carriers, and other partners) as instructed * Run and distribute routine ...

Advocates, Inc

Direct Service Worker

Northborough, MA

$18.50/hr

In this entry-level role, you will support individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance ... Counselor, psychiatric rehabilitation, behavioral services Education:High School Diploma ...

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All JobsCounselor JobsEntry Level Counselor JobsEntry Level Counselor Jobs in Worcester, MA

Entry Level Counselor information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do entry level counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level counselor in Worcester, MA is $25.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $28.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who gets paid more, LCSW or LMHC?

LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers) generally earn higher salaries than LMHCs (Licensed Mental Health Counselors) due to their broader scope of practice, additional clinical responsibilities, and often required supervision hours. Salary differences can vary by region and setting, but LCSWs tend to have higher earning potential in mental health roles.

What Does an Entry-Level Counselor Do?

An entry-level counselor position is the first step in a rewarding career as a counselor. In this field, you work with a patient to understand their concerns and struggles and advise them on ways to improve their situation. Your duties are to evaluate their current mental health, develop a treatment plan, and provide them with skills to reshape negative behavior. You can counsel an adult, student, or a young child depending on your specialty. Entry-level counselors work in various fields that require counseling responsibilities, including addiction recovery and substance abuse, mental health, college and other academic environments, relationship therapy, prisons for adults and juveniles, the foster system, and more.

How to make $200,000 as a therapist?

Entry level counselors typically earn less than $200,000 annually; reaching this income level usually requires advanced licensure, specialization, private practice, or working in high-demand settings. Building a strong client base, gaining additional certifications, and expanding services can increase earning potential over time.

How to become an entry level counselor?

To become an entry-level counselor, typically a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is required. Gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining any necessary state licensure or certification can also be important steps in qualifying for entry-level counseling positions.

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 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.

Is there a way to become a counselor without a degree?

Entry level counselors typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but most counseling roles require a relevant bachelor's degree in fields like psychology or social work. Some positions may accept related experience or certifications, but advanced counseling generally requires a degree and licensure or certification to practice legally and effectively.

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.
More about Entry Level Counselor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Worcester, MA? The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Counselor jobs in Worcester, MA? For Entry Level Counselor jobs in Worcester, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Counselor jobs in Worcester, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Counselor jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Entry Level Counselor jobs? Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Entry Level Counselor job openings:
Entry Level Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Counselor job openings in Worcester, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,201 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Mental Health Counselor

MTK Healthcare

Gardner, MA • On-site

$55/hr

Contractor

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Mental Health Counselor (Contract Role)

Location: Gardner, Massachusetts (Heywood Hospital)
Start Date: April 13, 2026
⏳ Duration: 13 weeks
Schedule: 32 hrs/week (Evenings: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM)
Includes every other weekend

Key Responsibilities

This role is a mix of clinical care, case management, and coordination:

  • Conduct patient assessments and gather clinical data
  • Monitor patient condition and identify any abnormalities
  • Provide individual and group therapy sessions
  • Develop and adjust treatment plans
  • Educate patients and (when appropriate) their families
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (nurses, PCPs, etc.)
  • Coordinate care across providers and services
  • Handle case management and discharge planning
  • Document all care and interventions in Meditech EMR
  • Support supervision of students/interns
RequirementsEducation
  • Required: Bachelor’s in Psychology, Human Services, or related field
  • Preferred: Master’s degree
Experience
  • Minimum 1 year clinical experience in human services
Certifications
  • Required:
    • Active state license (LPC or LCSW)
    • AHA BLS certification (or within 90 days)
Compensation
  • Base Rate: $55/hour (all-inclusive)
  • Overtime: +$10/hr after 40 hours
  • On-call: $4/hr (pager)
  • Callback / Holiday: +$10/hr

Guaranteed Hours: 32/week

Facility Overview
  • Facility: Heywood Hospital
  • System: Heywood Healthcare Family
  • Bed Size: 50–149
  • EMR: Meditech
Pros
  • Solid hourly rate for a 1-year experience role
  • Guaranteed hours (32/week)
  • Broad clinical exposure (therapy + case management)
  • Multidisciplinary team environment
⚠️ Considerations
  • Evening shifts + weekend rotation
  • No travel perks (no housing, mileage, or bonuses listed)
  • Requires active licensure (not entry-level friendly)
  • Contract role (temporary, 13 weeks)
Should You Apply?

This role makes sense if you:

  • Already hold LPC/LCSW licensure
  • Have at least 1 year of clinical experience
  • Are comfortable with evening shifts
  • Want short-term contract work in behavioral health