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Lay Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trace Church

Church Counselor

Colorado Springs, CO

Recruit, train, and resource a team of lay care volunteers or Stephen Ministers to extend the reach ... Manage counseling scheduling, intake forms, consent documentation, and case notes through an ...

St Joseph Catholic School

Guidance Counselor

Winter Haven, FL · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Counsels students to help them understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems ... Requirements Requirements The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work ...

St Joseph Catholic School

Guidance Counselor

Winter Haven, FL · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Counsels students to help them understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems ... Requirements Requirements The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work ...

Diocese of Orlando

Guidance Counselor

Winter Haven, FL · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Counsels students to help them understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems ... Requirements Requirements The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work ...

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How much do lay counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lay counselor in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lay counselor?

A Lay Counselor is a trained, non-professional individual who provides emotional and psychological support to people facing personal challenges. They typically offer active listening, encouragement, and basic guidance, often in religious, community, or volunteer-based settings. Unlike licensed therapists, Lay Counselors do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders but serve as a compassionate support system. Many receive training in counseling techniques, ethics, and crisis intervention. Their goal is to offer comfort, guidance, and referrals when necessary.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a lay counselor?

As a Lay Counselor, your daily responsibilities often include meeting with individuals or groups to provide emotional support, listening to concerns, and guiding people toward healthy coping strategies. You may be responsible for keeping confidential notes, collaborating with professional counselors or supervisors, and referring clients to specialized services if needed. Many Lay Counselors also participate in regular training sessions or peer review meetings to enhance their skills and ensure best practices. The setting can vary from community organizations and schools to faith-based groups, and you will frequently interact with people from diverse backgrounds seeking help with personal or situational challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the lay counselor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lay Counselor, you need foundational knowledge of basic counseling techniques, active listening, and ethical guidelines, often supported by training programs or workshops rather than formal degrees. Familiarity with basic electronic recordkeeping systems and participation in ongoing supervision or mentorship are commonly expected. Outstanding candidates demonstrate compassion, non-judgmental communication, cultural sensitivity, and strong boundaries while supporting others. These skills are essential for providing effective emotional support, ensuring client well-being, and maintaining trust within community or organizational settings.

How to become a lay counselor?

To become a lay counselor, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant training or certification in counseling or mental health support. Many roles require strong communication skills, empathy, and sometimes a background in social work or psychology, with some positions offering on-the-job training or supervised experience.
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Lay Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 36% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 63% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

Care and Counseling Coordinator

Pinehurst, NC • On-site

Christ Community Church
Religious Organizations • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Christ Community Churchexternal

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Care and Counseling Coordinator

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Work Days/Hours:  Monday-Friday.  Minimum of
40 hours per week.

Weekend Responsibilities:   This position has no regularly assigned weekend duties and responsibilities.  However, weekends may occasionally be required and are assigned by the Care and Counseling Director.

Reports To:  Care and Counseling Director

MINISTRY PURPOSE:  This position is responsible for the general administration and office management of the Care and Counseling Center and in supporting Christ Community Church’s mission of “Helping All People Find Freedom in Following Jesus.”


MINISTRY QUALIFICATIONS: 

Character

  • A follower of Jesus Christ who is growing spiritually and serving as a leader within the body of Christ. 

  • Demonstrate a lifestyle and family life that is consistent in word and practice with the teaching of Jesus Christ. Consistently meets and strives to maintain the leadership character qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3…above reproach, sober minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach...filled with gentleness.”

  • Understand and embrace CCC’s Mission, Vision, and Purposes for ministry in accordance with the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) Statement of Faith. 

  • Possess an inspirational and influential personality that connects with a diverse demographic and population.
  • Advance CCC’s culture of grace seeking unity in the essentials, charity in the nonessentials, and exalting Christ in all things. 


Competency - Skills 


  • Demonstrate the ability to engage and motivate volunteers toward a greater passion for Christ.
  • Possess thoughtful, effective, and biblically based decision-making skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills for use in managing an office, interfacing with vendors, conducting intakes with counselees, problem solving and conflict resolution, etc.
  • Competent in the utilization of computer software programs such as Google, Excel, Word, and Access, etc.
  • Ability to maintain the highest degree of discernment and confidentiality at all times.

Chemistry – Relational Abilities 


  • Appreciate the God-given personalities and spiritual giftedness of others.
  • Demonstrate proven experience in administrative and ministry support. 

  • Understand the unique discipleship and logistical needs of a growing church community.
  • Possess an exceptional degree of discernment, judgement, critical thinking, and problem solving as well as the ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality.

Job Responsibilities:  Counseling Related Support Duties

  • Serve as the administrator of Counseling Center and support staff member for the Care and Counseling Director and Community Care Pastor.
  • Maintain the counseling phone line by handling all incoming calls from clients and counselors.
  • Complete all Care and Counseling intake assessments and assign clients to the appropriate Lay Counselor, Pastoral Counselor, or Licensed Counselor based on the needs of the individual and level of the counselor’s skill level and expertise.
  • Develop and complete on-boarding training for Care and Counseling Center interns to ensure office procedures are followed and BibliCare system is utilized properly.
  • Maintain the confidential and general records of the Care and Counseling Ministry and the filing of records, charts, documents. 
  • Maintain the client database and complete the training of Lay Counselors on its use.
  • Update the Counseling Center website to keep information accurate and current. 
  • Provide administrative, office and clerical support for multiple counselors.
  • Receive, direct, and relay all internal and external communications with sensitivity and confidentiality. 
  • Perform other related duties as by the Care and Counseling Director.

Job Responsibilities:  General Administrative Support Duties

  • Greet visitors, answer a high-volume of incoming phone calls, and deliver outstanding customer service and care to visitors, clients, and staff.
  • Receive and sort incoming mail and distribute to the appropriate individuals.
  • Collaborate with and support Care Ministry Leaders and Volunteers involved with Prayer Teams, Marriage and Family, Visitation, GriefShare, Financial Peace University (FPU), and Recovery by supplying necessary resources for successful group completion.
  • Establish, manage, and maintain online sign-ups, promotion, and marketing of ministry events and programs.
  • Receive, update, and prepare weekly prayer requests and disseminate to Pastoral Staff and CCC Prays via Planning Center Online (PCO).
  • Assist with Care Ministry related responsibilities including the researching and purchasing of flowers, cards, gift baskets and related items for members and regular attenders.
  • Attend weekly, monthly, and quarterly meeting as assigned.
  • Order and maintain an adequate inventory of office supplies, cleaning products, paper products, ministry resource materials, etc.
  • Reconcile all credit card transactions via Bill.com in a timely manner.
  • Oversee safe building access and assist in the maintenance of the security system.
  • Maintain safe and hazard-free building walkways and steps.
  • Perform light cleaning duties of general building areas especially during high-volume business days ensuring areas are neat, tidy, hazard-free, and welcoming in appearance.
  • Utilize Excel spreadsheets to maintain and track Care and Counseling Center’s monthly statistics.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Care and Counseling Director.


Minimum Qualifications:

Education:  Associate’s Degree in a related field.

Experience:  Two years of directly related experience working in a similar environment to include administrative support, office management, or counseling.

Skills:  Detail oriented, ability to multi-task and prioritize.  Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.  Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.  Ability to remain calm and collected in stressful situations.  Ability to maintain the highest degree of discernment and confidentiality at all times. 

Physical Requirements:  Periods of time spent sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, and stooping.  Mobility to move from one office area to another within the Church campus and to off-Campus locations.  Light lifting up to 15 lbs. and light carrying up to 15 lbs.  Ability to reach above shoulders and extend arms.  Manual dexterity sufficient to type, operate general office equipment, and to file.  Specific visual acuities to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.