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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 ...

Amgen

Global Commercial Operations Counsel

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$146K - $199K/yr

If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as ... In this vital role you will be responsible for counseling Amgen's commercial value and access ...

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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.

SUD Counselor

McAlister Institute for Treatment & Education,Inc.

Oceanside, CA • On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description:

Join McAlister Institute, a 49-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.


We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor to join our McAlister team. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse populations in various behavioral health settings. As a SUD Counselor, you will be reporting to the site Program Manager and will be responsible for providing individual and group counseling, developing treatment plans, and supporting clients through their recovery journey.


Benefits for YOU:

  • 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
  • Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
  • EAP

Key Responsibilities:

  • Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
  • Maintain an active caseload of clients, providing individual and group counseling in adult and/or teen programs.
  • Conduct comprehensive, individualized screening and assessments, including the ASI and ASAM PCC to determine the needs of clients and develop individualized treatment plans.
  • Facilitate evidence-based, culturally competent, trauma-informed treatment programs and interventions tailored to the specific needs of the population served.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including social workers, therapists, case managers, and medical professionals.
  • Educate clients and their families about the recovery process and available resources.
  • Coordinate with community resources and provide referrals when necessary.
  • Performs other assigned duties as needed.
Requirements:
  • Certified or Registered SUD Counselor (CCAPP, CADTP, or equivalent required).
  • Minimum of two years’ experience in behavioral health services preferred.
  • Experience working with adult populations in a counseling or therapeutic setting.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
  • Demonstrated success working with the unique needs of clients referred through agencies such as the Probation Department, Child Welfare Services, Dependency Drug Court, and the criminal justice system preferred.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated empathy for, and knowledge of the needs of clients with co-occurring conditions.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices in substance use treatment.
  • Understanding of trauma-informed care and the ability to apply it in 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 persons or families and defuse crisis or high intensity situations.
  • Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • Proficient with EHR Systems (e.g., Welligent or Smartcare).
  • Compliance with all agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, and reporting.
  • Maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; effectively regulates emotions, especially under stress; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  • Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • On-site position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:


McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.


Reasonable Accommodations:


McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the jobs@mcalisterinc.org., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for.


Work Authorization Requirement:


Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.


Pre-Employment:


All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements). A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.


General Information & Considerations:


Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.


Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions they meet essential qualifications.


To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:


We do not solicit staffing or agency contacts for our recruitment needs. Our careers site is only for individuals seeking a job at McAlister. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes. Any such submissions will be considered unsolicited and will be ignored to prioritize our own process. We are sure you do amazing work and can give us data to support your sell. We, however, are a non-profit, and are mindful agents of our resources. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to us, or email us individually. McAlister Institute is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.