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Group Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Salvation Army

Addictions Counselor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.83 - $23.79/hr

Within Unit policies, programs, and procedures, individual and/or group counseling to clients with addictions and related problems is provided; may be required to function as an intake worker when ...

SGA YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES NFP

Counselor

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Counselor delivers individual and group counseling services, facilitates psychoeducational workshops, conducts assessments, and collaborates with schools, caregivers, and community partners to ...

SGA Youth & Family Services

Counselor

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Counselor delivers individual and group counseling services, facilitates psychoeducational workshops, conducts assessments, and collaborates with schools, caregivers, and community partners to ...

SGA Youth & Family Services

Counselor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$47K - $53K/yr

The Counselor delivers individual and group counseling services, facilitates psychoeducational workshops, conducts assessments, and collaborates with schools, caregivers, and community partners to ...

EDGEWATER HEALTH

Youth Addictions Counselor

Gary, IN

$45K - $60K/yr

Youth Addictions Counselor JOB SUMMARY: The Youth Addictions Counselor works with adolescents ... Providing individual and group therapy sessions to address substance use behaviors, build healthy ...

Symetria Recovery

Counselor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$25.75 - $31/hr

Lead group counseling sessions to foster discussion, peer support, and the sharing of recovery strategies. * Equip patients with coping skills and behavioral management techniques to sustain ...

Symetria Recovery

Counselor - SUD

Naperville, IL

$25.75 - $31/hr

Lead group counseling sessions to foster discussion, peer support, and the sharing of recovery strategies. * Equip patients with coping skills and behavioral management techniques to sustain ...

Symetria Recovery

Counselor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$25.75 - $31/hr

Lead group counseling sessions to foster discussion, peer support, and the sharing of recovery strategies. * Equip patients with coping skills and behavioral management techniques to sustain ...

Symetria Recovery

Counselor

Palos Heights, IL

$25.75 - $31/hr

Lead group counseling sessions to foster discussion, peer support, and the sharing of recovery strategies. * Equip patients with coping skills and behavioral management techniques to sustain ...

Symetria Recovery

Counselor

Palos Heights, IL · On-site

$25.75 - $31/hr

Lead group counseling sessions to foster discussion, peer support, and the sharing of recovery strategies. * Equip patients with coping skills and behavioral management techniques to sustain ...

Symetria Recovery

Counselor

Palos Heights, IL · On-site

$25.75 - $31/hr

Lead group counseling sessions to foster discussion, peer support, and the sharing of recovery strategies. * Equip patients with coping skills and behavioral management techniques to sustain ...

Symetria Recovery

Counselor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$25.75 - $31/hr

Lead group counseling sessions to foster discussion, peer support, and the sharing of recovery strategies. * Equip patients with coping skills and behavioral management techniques to sustain ...

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All JobsGroup Counselor JobsGroup Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Group Counselor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$33

$57

How much do group counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for group counselor in Chicago, IL is $33.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.77 and $49.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a group counselor?

Group counselors are mental health professionals who facilitate therapeutic sessions with multiple participants at once. They help group members share experiences, provide support, and develop coping strategies within a safe and structured environment. Group counselors may work with various populations, such as children, teens, or adults, and address issues like addiction, grief, social skills, or mental health disorders. Their role involves guiding discussions, ensuring confidentiality, and fostering a sense of community among group members.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a group counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Group Counselor, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree and, in many cases, state licensure or certification. Familiarity with therapeutic modalities, group facilitation techniques, and case management software is important. Strong communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills help build trust and effectively manage group dynamics. These skills are crucial for fostering a supportive environment that promotes positive behavioral and emotional outcomes for group members.

What are some common challenges a group counselor might face when facilitating group sessions, and how can they effectively manage them?

Group Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing differing personalities, ensuring equitable participation, and addressing conflicts that arise within the group. Balancing the needs of individual members while maintaining group cohesion is key. Effective Group Counselors use active listening, clear guidelines, and evidence-based group facilitation techniques to foster a supportive environment. Regular supervision and ongoing professional development also help counselors refine their skills in navigating complex group dynamics.

What is the difference between Group Counselor vs School Counselor?

AspectGroup CounselorSchool Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or related field; certification may be preferredMaster's degree in school counseling or related field; state certification/license required
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, mental health clinics, residential programsPublic and private schools, educational settings
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, mental health agencies, residential facilitiesSchool districts, educational institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in counseling, mental health support, group therapyIndividuals exploring careers in school-based counseling or educational support

While both roles involve providing counseling services, a Group Counselor primarily works in community or clinical settings focusing on group therapy, whereas a School Counselor operates within educational environments, supporting students' academic and emotional needs. The key differences lie in their work settings, required credentials, and target populations.

How to become a group counselor?

To become a group counselor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by a master's degree such as a Master of Social Work (MSW) or a counseling degree. Licensure or certification is often required, which involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing an exam. Developing strong interpersonal and communication skills is essential for effective group facilitation.
Group Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Group Counselor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,247 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

School Counselor

Gary Community School Corporation

Gary, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Student Support Services/Guidance Counselor
Date Posted:
9/29/2025
Location:
Bailly Middle SchoolPURPOSE STATEMENT
Utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, school counselors promote student success, provide preventive services, and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and personal/social development for all students. The major functions of the school counselor job description incorporate the Gary community School Corporation Board of Education's guiding mission that every public-school student will graduate from high school globally competitive for work and postsecondary education and prepared for life in the twenty-first century.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all the duties and responsibilities performed by this position.
Development and Management of a Comprehensive School Counseling Program:
  • Discusses the comprehensive school counseling program with the school administrator.
  • Develops and maintains a written plan for effective delivery of the school counseling program
  • Communicates the goals of the comprehensive school counseling program to education stakeholders (i.e., administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community/business leaders).
  • Maintains current and appropriate resources for education stakeholders.
  • Uses data to develop comprehensive programs that meet student needs.

Delivery of Comprehensive School Counseling:
  • Provides leadership and collaborates with other educators in the school-wide integration of the State Guidance Curriculum Standard Course of Study.
  • Implements developmentally appropriate and prevention-oriented group activities to meet student needs and school goals.
  • Incorporates into their programs the life skills that students need to be successful in the twenty-first century.
  • Accurately and appropriately interprets and utilizes student data.
  • Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational, career, and life planning.
  • Provides individual and group counseling to students with identified concerns and needs.
  • Consults and collaborates effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs.
  • Implements an effective referral and follow-up process as needed.
  • Accurately and appropriately uses assessment procedures for determining and structuring individual and group counseling services.
  • Provides appropriate information to school personnel related to the comprehensive school counseling program.
  • Assists teachers, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders in interpreting and understanding student data.
  • Participates in professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.
  • Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
  • Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective working environment.
  • Supports the scheduling and planning for required classes for diploma requirements; including graduation pathway requirements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Students.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of:
  • School counseling program.

Skill in:
  • Using a computer and related software applications.
  • Using modern office equipment.
Ability to:
  • Assist all students, individually or in groups, with developing academic, career and personal/social skills, goals, and plans.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master's Degree in School Counseling preferred.
CERTIFICATION
Indiana Department of Education School Services License: School Counselor (7-12).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Testing
Drug Test/Screening
Background Clearance

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