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Lay Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Regional Resource Center/VACCEB

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Bi-Lingual Program Coordinator

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Willingness to be trained (e.g., CPR, lay counseling, etc.) * Ability to work successfully in a team setting and independently * Ability to work professionally within a team setting and meet ...

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Child & Family Service

Outreach Specialist NE

Hilo, HI · On-site

$24.08/hr

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 30, 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 of mental health counseling.

What is a lay counselor job description?

A lay counselor is a trained non-professional who provides emotional support, guidance, and basic counseling services to individuals or groups. They often work in community settings, churches, or non-profit organizations, and may assist with mental health, substance abuse, or crisis intervention under supervision. Certification or training in counseling techniques is typically required, and they usually work part-time or volunteer hours.

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.

How to be a lay counselor?

To become a lay counselor, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant training or certification in counseling or mental health support. Strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential, and some roles may require background checks or supervised experience. Certification programs vary by region and organization, and ongoing education can enhance your effectiveness in the role.

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 is the highest paid counselling job?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to have the highest salaries, often due to advanced degrees, licensing, and specialized training. These roles typically require a doctoral degree and involve working in healthcare settings, with psychiatrists generally earning more due to prescribing authority and medical training.

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

Bi-Lingual Program Coordinator

Regional Resource Center/VACCEB

San Leandro, CA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Provide translation services in Spanish or Vietnamese to help clients fill out forms or applications.

  • Perform outreach efforts, document activities, and conduct client intake and data entry.

  • Teach English as a Second Language or Digital Literacy classes, as needed.

Job description

Duties include:

  • Provide translation services in Spanish or Vietnamese to help clients fill out forms or applications (e.g., MediCal, Calfresh, SNAP, Housing).
  • Contribute to program goals and assure they are met on time.
  • Perform outreach efforts, document activities, and do client intake/data entries.
  • Attend partner/community meetings and events.
  • Teach English as a Second Language or Digital Literacy classes, as needed. Willingness to become TESOL certified.
  • Providing administrative and hands-on support across different programs.
  • Willingness to be trained (e.g., CPR, lay counseling, etc.)
  • Ability to work successfully in a team setting and independently
  • Ability to work professionally within a team setting and meet deadlines.
  • Coordinating other various events and projects to meet goals and deliverables.
  • Support Managers, as needed

Qualifications

  • 2-3+ years nonprofit or related experience
  • Strong communication and ability to work independently. Highly manageable and coachable.
  • Comfortable working with underserved communities (seniors, refugees, immigrants).
  • Proficiency in MS Office/Google Drive and familiarity with Salesforce
  • Bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese required.

Company Description

Our mission is to provide quality program services to help our clients acclimate and integrate successfully into their newly adopted country. Our goal is to help our clients become as self-sufficient as soon as possible. We provide food security, health and wellness, education, information and referrals, translation and senior services.