1

Lay Counseling Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Provides, when invited, direct spiritual counsel, prayer and sacraments to patients and their ... Ordained and endorsed minister, priest, rabbi or a member of a religious order preferred or lay ...

Provides, when invited, direct spiritual counsel, prayer and sacraments to patients and their ... Ordained and endorsed minister, priest, rabbi or a member of a religious order preferred or lay ...

... the staff, the lay and professional public, the Board of Directors and Medical Director ... Provide counseling and education to IDG, nursing staff and physician, as appropriate * Timely ...

... the staff, the lay and professional public, the Board of Directors and Medical Director ... Provide counseling and education to IDG, nursing staff and physician, as appropriate * Timely ...

Chaplain

Gary, IN · On-site

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 Indiana salary details

$9

$24

$48

How much do lay counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for lay counseling in Indiana is $24.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $28.39 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 Indiana? For Lay Counseling jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lay Counseling job openings in Indiana 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 $50,647 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Chaplain Hospice

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago


Amedisys rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 115 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Responsible for the provision of spiritual care services to patients/families/caregivers, either directly or through the coordination of care with other spiritual counselors.


Responsibilities
  1. Represents a spiritual presence and connection with the religious/spiritual roots of the hospice movement.
  2. Provides a constant reminder to hospice workers that, beyond the physical and emotional support given, patients may desire to have spiritual resources of their choosing.
  3. Serves as a spiritual resource to team members and assists them in their growth or in dealing with their grief.
  4. Documents the patient and/or family's religious/spiritual needs and resources on the intake/assessment form and completes progress notes in the patient's chart following each contact.
  5. Raises, when appropriate in a patient care conference, the possibility of spiritual needs of the patient and family and reports interventions.
  6. Provides, when invited, direct spiritual counsel, prayer and sacraments to patients and their families.
  7. Interfaces with the patient/family's own clergyman, rabbi or congregation, if requested.
  8. Encourages patients and families to plan the funeral, wills, requests, obituaries and interment in advance. Remains available to officiate at funeral services if requested.
  9. Present at time of death, if requested.
  10. Provides literature and spiritual resources that may be of assistance to patients and families.
  11. Participates in the patient/family problem-oriented care plan.
  12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required
  • Ordained and endorsed minister, priest, rabbi or a member of a religious order preferred or lay person with certified training in pastoral care. Professional experience in a religious agency or institution may be considered in lieu of a formalized education.
  • One (1+) year of experience in a health care setting or with death and dying.
  • Comfort working in an interfaith setting.
  • Must be familiar with general use an functions of the computer, such as user names and password concepts; internet; email; navigation of computer desktop, including starting programs, using files, and windows, effectively use navigation buttons and tool bars; ability to self-manage online HR services and online training programs.
Preferred
  • Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology (Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree or training).

Amedisys is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Qualifications:
Required
  • Ordained and endorsed minister, priest, rabbi or a member of a religious order preferred or lay person with certified training in pastoral care. Professional experience in a religious agency or institution may be considered in lieu of a formalized education.
  • One (1+) year of experience in a health care setting or with death and dying.
  • Comfort working in an interfaith setting.
  • Must be familiar with general use an functions of the computer, such as user names and password concepts; internet; email; navigation of computer desktop, including starting programs, using files, and windows, effectively use navigation buttons and tool bars; ability to self-manage online HR services and online training programs.
Preferred
  • Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology (Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree or training).

Amedisys is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: PART_TIME

What Amedisys employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amedisys logo

About Amedisys

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

*Caregiving is our Calling* At Amedisys whether we're caring for patients directly or supporting those who do, each of us is a caregiver at heart. Every team member contributes to our mission of providing exceptional, clinically distinct care in the home to thousands of patients and families every day.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1982