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Trace Church

Church Counselor

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

Counseling Ministry Development * Develop and oversee a comprehensive counseling ministry infrastructure including intake processes, referral systems, care pathways, and volunteer lay counseling ...

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How much do lay counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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.

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.
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Lay Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Counseling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,027 per year, or $26 per hour.

Church Counselor

Trace Church

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Description - Church Counselor

Vision

At Trace, we believe our mission and vision should be fully embraced by everyone-especially those in leadership. Our staff are called to lead by example and help shape the culture of our church. We hold the conviction that we're not paid for performance, but for preparation. This means we work diligently throughout the week to ensure our hearts and minds are fully devoted to worship on Sundays. Trace staff are expected to be self-driven and committed to personal and spiritual growth, so that the ministry we lead never outpaces our ability to sustain it.

Job Overview: Church Counselor

The Church Counselor serves as a primary point of care for individuals and families navigating emotional, relational, and mental health challenges. This role exists at the intersection of professional clinical practice and pastoral ministry - bringing both licensed competence and biblical grounding to bear on the full spectrum of human need. The Counselor leads Trace's counseling response, providing initial assessment and short-term care while building and maintaining a robust referral network of outside professionals, support groups, and internal ministries. This role helps ensure that no one who reaches out for help falls through the cracks, and that every person is connected to the right level of care at the right time.

Core Responsibilities

Clinical Counseling & Assessment

  • Provide professional, biblically-informed counseling for individuals, couples, and families presenting with a wide range of needs including trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, marriage and family conflict, and crisis intervention.
  • Conduct initial intake assessments to determine the nature and severity of presenting needs and identify the appropriate level of care.
  • Deliver short-term, solution-focused counseling (typically 2-5 sessions) while developing a clear care pathway for each person.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential clinical records in compliance with HIPAA and applicable state licensure requirements.
  • Provide crisis support and safety planning for acute mental health situations, coordinating with emergency services when necessary.

Referral & Care Coordination

  • Build and maintain a curated network of licensed Christian and licensed secular counselors, psychiatrists, and specialists for long-term or specialized referrals.
  • Connect individuals to appropriate internal and external support groups, recovery programs, and care ministries based on their specific needs.
  • Serve as the bridge between pastoral care, small groups, and professional services - ensuring holistic, coordinated support for each person.
  • Follow up with individuals after referrals to ensure connection was made and care is continuing.
  • Partner with the pastoral team to identify congregants who may need proactive outreach or care.

Counseling Ministry Development

  • Develop and oversee a comprehensive counseling ministry infrastructure including intake processes, referral systems, care pathways, and volunteer lay counseling support.
  • Recruit, train, and resource a team of lay care volunteers or Stephen Ministers to extend the reach of pastoral care throughout the congregation.
  • Identify gaps in available care resources and propose new support group offerings, classes, or partnerships to meet those needs.
  • Collaborate with ministry leaders to ensure care ministry is integrated into the life of the church rather than siloed.

Support Groups

  • Launching and overseeing groups for recovery, grief, divorce, anxiety, trauma, and more
  • Recruiting and training facilitators (lay and licensed)
  • Evaluating curricula like Celebrate Recovery, GriefShare, and DivorceCare
  • Integrating groups into the broader care pathway
  • Assessing group health and outcomes over time

Pastoral Integration

  • Operate from a biblically grounded, theologically informed approach to counseling that honors both clinical best practices and the authority of Scripture.
  • Collaborate closely with the pastoral team, participating in staff prayer, care team meetings, and spiritual formation rhythms of the church.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while functioning as a minister - praying with those in care, offering spiritual encouragement, and pointing people toward the local church community.

Systems, Administration & Compliance

  • Manage counseling scheduling, intake forms, consent documentation, and case notes through an appropriate practice management or church management system.
  • Ensure all counseling practices comply with state licensure requirements, ethical codes (ACA, AACC, or equivalent), and applicable law.
  • Track referral outcomes and care connections to evaluate effectiveness and identify gaps.
  • Manage a counseling ministry budget with fiscal responsibility and good stewardship.

General Staff Expectations

  • Attend annual team retreats and informal team gatherings for relational health.
  • Live out and champion Trace's Cultural Distinctives.
  • Participate in a Small Group and actively tithe to Trace Church.

Qualifications, some required some preferred

  • Deep, personal faith in Jesus Christ and full alignment with Trace's mission, values, and statement of faith.
  • Active state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent.
  • Master's or doctoral degree in counseling, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, or a related field from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical experience, including work with trauma, crisis, grief, and family systems.
  • Demonstrated integration of biblical and theological foundations within clinical counseling practice.
  • Experience in a church, faith-based nonprofit, or ministry context strongly preferred.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to create a warm, safe, and confidential environment for those seeking care.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple cases, systems, and relationships simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of community mental health resources, support groups, and referral networks.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with pastoral staff, ministry leaders, and outside professionals.
  • Flexibility to work some evenings for counseling appointments as needed.

Employment Details

  • Position Title: Church Counselor
  • Reports To: Executive Pastor of Ministries
  • Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt, Salaried
  • Compensation:$57,800 - $62,500 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
  • Working Hours: 40+ hours/week
  • Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday (Fridays and Saturdays off except for special events)
  • Vacation: 15 days/year
  • Sick Leave: Unlimited (tracked)
  • Housing Allowance: TBD based on qualifications
  • Ministry Week: 1 week per year serving in an area outside your primary ministry
  • Insurance: $2,000 per person in family under 26 years old per year

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