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Lay Counseling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

McAlister Institute

SUD Counselor

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

... counseling. * Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation. * Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as ...

McAlister Institute

SUD Counselor

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

... counseling. * Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation. * Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as ...

CMBG3 Law, P.C.

Senior Counsel

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

The Senior Counsel will serve as a senior member of the litigation practice, handling complex ... Take and defend lay, expert, and corporate representative depositions. * Argue motions and appear ...

McAlister Institute

SUD Counselor

Escondido, CA

$21 - $30/hr

... counseling. * Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation. * Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as ...

McAlister Institute

SUD Counselor

El Cajon, CA

$21 - $30/hr

... counseling. * Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation. * Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as ...

McAlister Institute

SUD Counselor

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

... counseling. * Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation. * Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as ...

McAlister Institute

SUD Counselor

Oceanside, CA

$21 - $30/hr

... counseling. * Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation. * Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as ...

McAlister Institute

SUD Counselor

San Diego, CA

$21 - $30/hr

... counseling. * Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation. * Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as ...

McAlister Institute

SUD Counselor

Escondido, CA · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

... counseling. * Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation. * Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as ...

McAlister Institute

SUD Counselor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

... counseling. * Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation. * Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as ...

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All JobsLay Counseling JobsLay Counseling Jobs in California

Lay Counseling information

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 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 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 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 become a lay counselor?

To become a lay counselor, individuals typically complete relevant training or certification programs in mental health or counseling, which may include coursework in psychology, active listening, and crisis intervention. Many roles also require a background check and supervised experience, with some positions accepting volunteers or paraprofessionals without formal degrees. Certification requirements vary by organization and region, so researching local standards is recommended.

What are popular job titles related to Lay Counseling jobs in California?

For Lay Counseling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lay Counseling jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lay Counseling jobs in California are:

Lay Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Counseling job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, and 86% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Community Health Navigator

St Johns Community Health

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

The Community Health Navigator (CHN) plays a central role in the Compton Community Health Professions Partnership (CCHPP) by acting as a vital bridge between community members, health systems, and educational partners. CHNs are trusted messengers who facilitate access to care, support healthcare career exploration, and provide culturally responsive health education. This position will support all phases of the CCHPP, including direct engagement with students, families, residents, and stakeholders across the Compton area.

Benefits:

  • Free Medical, Dental & Vision
  • 13 Paid Holidays + PTO
  • 403 (B) retirement match
  • Life Insurance, EAP
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • SEIU Union
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Continued workforce development & training
  • Succession plans & growth within

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: (Preferred)

  • High School Diploma or GED

Experience: (Required)

  • 2,000 hours of relevant experience, or completion of Community Health Worker certification course.
  • Bilingual (preferred)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs a combination, but not necessarily all, of the following duties:

Community Outreach and Engagement – Conduct in-person and digital outreach to engage youth, families, and community members in health promotion, educational opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Health Navigation and Linkage – Provide support in accessing medical, mental health, educational, and social services. Assist with scheduling, referrals, warm handoffs, and follow-up to ensure successful access and utilization.

Education & Empowerment – Facilitate workshops and presentations on health topics such as chronic disease prevention, sexual and reproductive health, environmental justice, trauma, and mental wellness.

Career Pathway Support – Collaborate with educational institutions to support youth and young adults interested in healthcare professions. Provide mentorship, event support, and connection to internships, apprenticeships, or training opportunities.

Advocacy & Peer Support – Assist individuals and families in identifying the most culturally competent and relevant services in relation to the service plan, whether internal to St. John’s or within the community, and provide direct linkage, warm handoff, and follow-up on all referrals wherever possible. Ensure appropriate communication between all medical and psychosocial service providers, both internal and external, to coordinate clinical and logistical needs to best serve patient outcomes.

Peer Support, Education, and Advocacy – Provide individual support in the form of lay counseling to assist patients in managing their health and psychosocial service goals and action steps, may include appointment reminders, assisting with transportation, attending appointments with the patient to act as a cultural mediator with service providers, teaching how to navigate the larger service network within St. John’s and in the larger community.

Cross-Sector Collaboration – Participate in multi-stakeholder meetings and planning sessions to ensure community-informed program development. Foster strong relationships with healthcare and education partners.

Documentation & Reporting – Track services provided, referrals made, and outcomes achieved using electronic data systems and reporting tools in compliance with grant requirements.

Program Implementation Support – Assist in organizing public forums, training sites, clinical rotations, and health education initiatives.

St. John’s Community Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer