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Lay Counseling Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ...

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ...

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ...

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ...

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ...

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ...

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ...

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ...

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ...

Lay Counseling information

See Alabama salary details

$8

$21

$44

How much do lay counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for lay counseling in Alabama is $21.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.62 and $25.61 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.
What are popular job titles related to Lay Counseling jobs in Alabama? For Lay Counseling jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lay Counseling job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,691 per year, or $22 per hour.
Chaplain

Chaplain

U.S. Navy

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 hours ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors and Marines, supporting and uplifting the brave men and women who have chosen to serve their country. The Navy Chaplain Corps boasts more than 800 Navy Chaplains from more than 100 different faith groups, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and many others.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Navy Chaplain, your job spans a broad range of duties. You will support fellow servicemembers during their most joyful and most difficult moments. Your responsibilities might be to:

  • Conduct worship services in a variety of settings
  • Perform religious rites and ceremonies such as weddings, funeral services and baptisms
  • Counsel individuals who seek guidance
  • Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school and youth groups
  • Visit and provide spiritual guidance and care to hospitalized personnel and their family members
  • Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs
  • Promote attendance at religious services, retreats and conferences
  • Advise leaders at all levels regarding morale, ethics and spiritual well-being

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

If you’re in the process of starting or completing your graduate theological degree, you could potentially enter the Navy Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student.

Opportunities for continuing education are available through the Advanced Education Program while being paid full-time as a Navy Officer. Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Navy Chaplains can advance their education by:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
  • Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find out more about additional education opportunities for Officers, including post-graduate school.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • Graduate degree in theological or related studies from an accredited educational institution • Have two years of full-time religious leadership experience
  • Must be able to obtain an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a religious faith organization registered with the Department of Defense

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Navy Chaplains immerse themselves in the daily lives of service members. In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and insight in the moment, whenever they’re needed. You could provide support while on land or at sea, when presiding over religious ceremonies on a base or when conducting services from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time opportunities as a Navy Chaplain. Serving part-time as a Reserve Chaplain gives you the flexibility to minister in the Navy while maintaining responsibilities to your congregation at home.


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Benefits

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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