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Lay Counseling Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Guidance Counselor

Winter Haven, FL · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Requirements Requirements The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work ... Bachelor's Degree from four-year College or University required in the field of Counseling, Master ...

Guidance Counselor

Winter Haven, FL · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Requirements Requirements The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work ... Bachelor's Degree from four-year College or University required in the field of Counseling, Master ...

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by employees ... Designs and implements a data-driven, comprehensive school counseling program for all students to ...

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Lay Counseling information

See Florida salary details

$7

$20

$41

How much do lay counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for lay counseling in Florida is $20.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.83 and $24.13 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.
Infographic showing various Lay Counseling job openings in Florida 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 $43,038 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Nurse Manager

St Petersburg Pregnancy Center Inc

Saint Petersburg, FL • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Purpose & Impact

The Nurse Manager oversees the provision of patient care and clinic operations, provides support and care to patients, and maintains professional standards of care. The Nurse Manager is responsible for planning and performing nursing interventions. He/she is also responsible for supervising, organizing, planning, assessing, and monitoring the medical services provided by The Next STEPP Center. The Nurse Manager collaborates with medical professionals and lay counselors to assure that patients are receiving the best medical, psychosocial and spiritual care possible.

Reports to: The Medical Director and CEO

Supervises: All medical personnel (paid and volunteer) who assist with the medical services program

The following professional strengths and qualities are valued in a Nurse Manager:

  • Is a committed Christian who demonstrates a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
  • Exhibits strong commitment and dedication to the pro-life position.
  • Agrees with and is willing to uphold the Statement of Faith, Code of Christian Conduct, Statement of Confidentiality, and the policies and procedures of The Next STEPP Center.
  • Exhibits strong interpersonal and administrative skills.
  • Demonstrates responsiveness to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Skills & Abilities

  • Has one year of experience in Ob/Gyn nursing (preferred).
  • Has one year of supervisory experience.
  • Has experience in a pregnancy center medical clinic (preferred).
  • Has already been trained in, or is willing to attend training for, the performance of Limited Obstetric Ultrasound.
  • Exhibits strong interpersonal, administrative skills.
  • Efficiently uses computer and software applications in performance of duties, and performs responsibilities with little or no supervision.

Responsibilities: The Nurse Manager provides support and care to patients and maintains professional standards of care. Under the general supervision of the Medical Director and CEO, the Nurse Manager is responsible for planning and performing direct and indirect nursing interventions. She is also responsible for a variety of other clinic functions: supervising, organizing, planning, assessing, and monitoring the medical services provided by The Next STEPP Center. The Nurse Manager also works in conjunction with physicians, nurses, other medical professionals, and lay counselors to assure that patients are receiving the best medical, nursing, spiritual and psychosocial care possible. This position has full time/part time flexibility.

Basic Qualifications: RN, BSN; Clear & active license as a registered nurse in the state of Florida

Company Description

The Next STEPP Center is a nonprofit Christian ministry that provides life affirming solutions and medical services as well as practical, emotional, social and spiritual support to women, men and families experiencing pregnancy or parenting and related challenges. Our easily accessible, culturally responsive services are available to all regardless of age, race, ethnic, religious, economic, military, orientation or marital status.