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Lay Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excellent counseling, presentation, customer service skills, detailed orientated, multi-tasking ... Sessions (lay-off meetings), and other outreach activities as may arise from time to time. • ...

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Lay Counseling information

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How much do lay counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lay counseling in the United States is $25.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.29 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.

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.

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 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.
More about Lay Counseling jobs
What cities are hiring for Lay Counseling jobs? Cities with the most Lay Counseling job openings:
What states have the most Lay Counseling jobs? States with the most job openings for Lay Counseling jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lay Counseling job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,027 per year, or $26 per hour.
Genetic Counselor - Center for Perinatal Medicine

Genetic Counselor - Center for Perinatal Medicine

Northside Hospital Inc.

Atlanta, GA

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Northside Hospital rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 429 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

293rd of 869 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Northside Hospital is award-winning, state-of-the-art, and continually growing. Constantly expanding the quality and reach of our care to our patients and communities creates even more opportunity for the best healthcare professionals in Atlanta and beyond. Discover all the possibilities of a career at Northside today.

Responsibilities

Assists with the development, implementation and coordination of all genetic counseling, screening, testing, and follow-up for specific patient populations. Supports the development and promotion of the program through education to the lay and medical community. Functions as a resource to other members of the health care team. Consults with physicians and other health care providers and makes recommendations for appropriate services and patient health care management. May also participate in other research activities as directed.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES/LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

 

  • Master's Degree from accredited Genetic Counseling training program (provisional accreditation acceptable/second year students in good standing may apply)
  • Licensed as a Genetic Counselor in the State of Georgia or valid Temporary License as a Genetic Counselor in the State of Georgia
  • Board certification in Genetic Counseling by the ABMG or ABGC is required within 18 months of employment, or within the timeframe required by the employee's Temporary License as a Genetic Counselor in the State of Georgia.
  • KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES/LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION PREFERRED

     

  • Minimum two (2) years of genetic counseling experience
  • Membership in a professional genetic counseling organization
  • Management / supervisory experience
  • Work Hours (EX:7AM-7PM):8AM-5PMEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

    What Northside Hospital employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom


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    About Northside Hospital

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    * 288-bed hospital, offering a full range of services including comprehensive and interventional stroke care, preventative and corrective cardiac care, full-service orthopedic and spine treatment, an ER 24/7®, and general surgery * As one of the first hospitals in the area to achieve Atrial Fibrillation Certification (SCPC), our technologically advanced hospital allows our highly skilled physicians, nursing and caregivers to serve our growing community * Northside Hospital was the first nationally recognized Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pinellas County and nationally recognized for quality and safety by earning an 'A' rating from the Leapfrog Group

    Industry

    Hospitals

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Atlanta, GA, US

    Year founded

    1970