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Lay Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chicago State University

Tutor Counselor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4K/wk

Performs some lay-counseling functions. * Act as a chaperone during weekly field trips and the week-long end of summer enrichment trip. * Maintain confidentiality, as appropriate while working with ...

Child & Family Service

Outreach Specialist NE

Hilo, HI · On-site

Informal lay counseling may be provided based on needs identified. Priority will be placed on individuals and families who have experienced trauma due to a natural disaster. EDUCATION AND TRAINING ...

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How much do lay counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lay counseling in the United States is $25.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lay Counselor, you need strong interpersonal skills, basic counseling knowledge, and often some formal training or certification in counseling or mental health support. Familiarity with intake systems, case management software, and basic mental health assessment tools is typically required. Empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills that help build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualities are important for effectively supporting individuals in need while ensuring ethical and effective guidance within community or organizational settings.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries, often due to advanced degrees and licensing requirements. Licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists generally have lower earning potential, but salaries can vary based on experience, location, and work setting. Specializations such as neuropsychology or forensic psychology also tend to be more lucrative within the field.

What is the difference between Lay Counseling vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectLay CounselingMental Health Counselor
CredentialsOften no formal licensing; may have training or certificationLicensed, with master's degree and state licensure
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, churches, schools, non-profit organizationsClinics, private practices, hospitals, mental health facilities
Industry UsageUsed in community-based support rolesProfessional mental health treatment
Common Search/ComparisonLay Counseling vs Mental Health Counselor

Lay Counseling typically involves individuals providing emotional support and guidance without formal licensure, often in community or faith-based settings. Mental Health Counselors are licensed professionals with advanced degrees who offer clinical mental health services. While both roles aim to support mental well-being, the key difference lies in credentials, scope of practice, and work environment.

What is lay counseling?

Lay counseling refers to the practice of providing emotional support, guidance, and basic counseling services by individuals who are not professionally trained or licensed therapists. Lay counselors are often members of the community who receive specific training to help others with common mental health concerns, stress, or life challenges. They typically work under supervision and focus on listening, offering empathy, and helping people access appropriate resources. Lay counseling can be an important resource in areas with limited access to professional mental health services.

What are some common challenges lay counselors face when supporting clients, and how can they address these challenges?

Lay counselors often encounter challenges such as managing emotional boundaries, recognizing the limits of their expertise, and handling sensitive situations. It can be difficult to know when to refer a client to a licensed mental health professional. To address these challenges, it is important for lay counselors to participate in regular supervision, seek ongoing training, and maintain open communication with their team. This ensures client safety and helps lay counselors grow in their supportive role.
More about Lay Counseling jobs
What cities are hiring for Lay Counseling jobs? Cities with the most Lay Counseling job openings:
What states have the most Lay Counseling jobs? States with the most job openings for Lay Counseling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lay Counseling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lay Counseling jobs are:
Lay Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Counseling job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,027 per year, or $26 per hour.

Recovery Pastor-Male Campus

Hope Center Ministries

Shelbyville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Recovery Coordinator
Job Title: Recovery Pastor
Our Mission
Hope Center Ministries is a growing nonprofit discipleship recovery program with multiple centers across the U.S. Hope Center Ministries exists to restore lives, restore families, and restore communities. We do this by helping those individuals bound by drug addiction and/or alcoholism find lasting freedom and sobriety through a relationship with Jesus Christ, which translates into seeing the lost saved, the saved freed, the freed restored, and the restored fulfilled.
Position
The Recovery Pastor is a spiritual shepherd and servant leader who walks alongside residents in recovery, guiding them in their journey toward healing, wholeness, and transformation in Christ. This role is central to fostering a discipleship-driven culture on campus, ensuring daily operations reflect our mission, and building strong support networks among residents, families, volunteers, and church partners. This includes facilitating marriages, communion, baptisms and funerals as those opportunities present themselves, serving the spiritual needs of individuals and communities through these important moments of life and faith.
Key Areas of Ministry & Responsibility
    • Discipleship & Pastoral Care
      • Provide Christ-centered counseling, both individually and in groups, helping residents grow in spiritual maturity and emotional healing.
      • Ensure all counseling aligns with the biblical and recovery principles foundational to Hope Center Ministries.
      • Actively mentor residents and facilitate meaningful connections with approved mentors and family members.
      • Oversee and support Bible study teachers, ensuring they uphold doctrinal soundness and model Christian character.
      • Ensure each resident is supported in finding a sponsor and advancing through their recovery phase.
      • Lead by example in modeling a godly, loving, and structured environment that reflects the character of Christ.
      • Support Community Leaders in maintaining the daily schedule that balances structure, rest, and spiritual enrichment.
      • Encourage community through shared meals, prayer, worship, and Christ-honoring recreation.
      • Address discipline and correction with grace, truth, and love, ensuring all actions are properly documented and rooted in redemption.

      Daily Operations & Leadership Development
      • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the campus in alignment with the mission and standards of HCM.
      • Develop and empower leaders, staff, interns, and volunteers to steward their roles effectively.
      • Ensure compliance with all counseling and program requirements, including vocational training and Scripture memorization.
      • Plan and oversee weekend activities that support spiritual and relational growth.

      Family & Community Engagement
      • Coordinate Family Support Nights to help loved ones engage in the recovery process.
      • Lead Foundation Classes and ensure support groups are invited and integrated into community life.
      • Plan and execute holiday celebrations and special events to honor and encourage families and supporters.
      • Commit to personal spiritual disciplines and ongoing development-spiritually, mentally, and physically.
      • Attend relevant workshops, conferences, or training opportunities.
      • Set and pursue ministry goals that align with the broader vision of HCM, including leadership multiplication and community engagement.
      • Participate in regular performance reviews and growth planning.

Knowledge/Skills
    • Advanced knowledge of the Bible
    • Ministry license - New hires will be begin the ministry license process immediately upon hire.
    • Working knowledge of Celebrate Recovery 12 steps and 8 Principles (Beatitudes)
    • Basic knowledge of human behavior
    • Basic knowledge of lay counseling and Drug & Alcohol rehabilitation
    • General knowledge of the 12-steps, 8-principles, HCM curriculum & for individuals and groups
    • Convey information effectively
    • Time Management
    • Ability to handle complaints, settle disputes & resolve grievances

Additional Requirement
    • Have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and must live a life according to Biblical standards
    • Agree with the Statement of Faith, Lifestyle Statement, and overall vision of Hope Center Ministries
    • Successfully pass background Screening, social media, personal & professional reference checks
    • Meet any additional requirements as may be determined by Hope Center Ministries

Qualifications & Expectations
    • A mature, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a lifestyle aligned with biblical standards.
    • Agreement with the Statement of Faith, Lifestyle Statement, and mission of Hope Center Ministries.
    • Ministry license - New hires will be begin the ministry license process immediately upon hire.
    • Advanced knowledge of the Bible and a heart for discipleship.
    • Familiarity with Celebrate Recovery's 12 Steps and 8 Principles.
    • Basic understanding of addiction, human behavior, and lay counseling.
    • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to resolve conflict biblically and compassionately.
    • Excellent time management, communication, and organizational skills.
    • Willingness to submit to background checks and reference screenings.

This is more than a job-it's a calling.
As a Recovery Pastor, you'll have the opportunity to help men encounter Christ, break the chains of addiction, and step into the life of purpose and freedom they were created for. If you are passionate about making disciples, building Christ-centered community, and seeing restoration take root, we invite you to join the mission.

Apply