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Lay Counselor Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

... corrective counseling, and providing recognition/commendations to achieve desired outcomes ... and lay out a logical and compelling storyline that drives toward a recommendation or set of ...

Lay Counselor information

See Houston, TX salary details

$6

$15

$23

How much do lay counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lay counselor in Houston, TX is $15.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.31 and $17.21 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.

What are popular job titles related to Lay Counselor jobs in Houston, TX?

For Lay Counselor jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Lay Counselor jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Lay Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Lay Counselor job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,768 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Receptionist / Business Team Admin

Woodsedge Community Church

Spring, TX • On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description:

The receptionist will be responsible for answering incoming calls, directing calls to appropriate associates, mail distribution, flow of correspondence and requisition of supplies, as well as providing general office support with a variety of clerical activities and related tasks for the Business Team.


Key Roles and Responsibilities


Reception

  • Connect callers and walk-ins to the appropriate people or place for info.
  • Direct callers to the website for assistance, if applicable.
  • Advise callers and visitors with information regarding events for the various ministries.
  • Assist with Financial Care requests (screen for regular attendees, advice initial steps to apply, what’s needed, etc., print documents for financial care team, scan and send).
  • Pray with callers and visitors as led to do so.
  • Assist callers / walk-ins on Hope Center reservations / process.
  • Let Hope Center Director know when office food boxes are out / low
  • Assist and train employees on copy room equipment (Printers, cutters, laminators, etc.)
  • Update Lobby staff binder monthly or as needed
  • Recruit and Train New Front Desk Volunteers
  • Update volunteer folder documents
  • Credit Card Training for New Hires
  • Maintain workroom and supplies
  • Shop for best prices on office supplies; code the supplies and send to accounts payable.
  • Maintain inventory of office supplies.
  • Contact provider for service as needed for copiers.
  • Fax or assist those faxing documents, as needed.
  • Maintains mail room
  • Distribute daily mail / packages and sort to the correct employee / team
  • Coordinates the pick-up and delivery of express mail services (FedEx, UPS, etc.)
  • Inform staff of deliveries for them.
  • Coordinate pickups / deliveries for staff.
  • Assist callers / walk-ins on Hope Center Reservations / process
  • Let Hope Center Director know when office food boxes are out / low
  • Assist callers / walk-ins on any event registration.
  • Update lobby staff binder monthly or as needed.
  • Crises Walkins 
  • Add to workflow in PCO & distribute to appropriate team  
  • Complete training in lay counseling & crises care
  • Comfortable handling crises / manic people and situations
  • Provide training documents to new admins.
  • Add Newsletter submissions, respond and sort “contact us” as well as online connect cards & info@woodsedge.org submissions
  • Add those requesting newsletters to MailChimp
  • Distribute and collect signatures for Financial Care envelopes as picked up.
  • Run Sunday numbers and collect all numbers and make weekly report for lead team.
  • Add to spreadsheets


Business Office

  • Credit Cards
  • Approve transactions daily.  
  • Put together credit card packets and train new employees.  
  • Ad Hoc processing of payables as needed.
  • Responsible for pre-service preparations including distributing giving bags and café starting cash for all venues.
  • Filing
  • Run Report for first time givers.
  • Pull giving statements upon request and giving questions
  • Quarterly send report and all staff receipts to comptroller.
  • Go to the bank weekly to deposit giving and submit mileage.
  • Pay the Electricity Bill monthly and any bills as needed from the Business Office.


Facilities

  • Send weekly Facility Schedule Report to various entities
  • Distribute keys / fobs as needed and sign policy (update policy as needed)
  • Unlock Buildings as needed.


Human Resources

  • Set-up all new employees:
  • Mail slots 
  • Order name plates
  • Add to the WE staff phone list
  • Orient new hires to phone use as needed
  • Distribute and collect signatures for childcare and KidsEdge workers’ paychecks as picked up.

Other

  • Cultivate volunteer team to act as backup, as needed
  • Special projects as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned
  • Intentionally disciple others
  • Maintain a strong working relationship by walking in our virtues of Holy, Humble, Healthy, Hungry. 
  • Actively communicating with appropriate individuals on relevant matters and events.
  • This person is loving Jesus more, journeying together well with others in community and bringing tangible hope to more and more people. Intentionally disciple others
  • Commitment to personal time with God every day to pursue a heart that loves Jesus, and to ongoing spiritual, personal, and professional growth 
  • Active prayer intercessor
  • Agreement with our Statement of Faith, and demonstration of that faith through actions and lifestyle
  • Order and stock all supplies for Staffe’.


Success Outcomes

  • Well served internal and external customers
  • Well organized, fully stocked, and functional workroom
  • Proactively identifies opportunities to bring excellence to the role and responsibilities


Staff Expectations

  • Commitment to personal time with God every day to pursue a heart that loves Jesus.
  • Participation in staff prayer, staff meetings, training sessions, retreats, ministry related classes, trainings or events, and all staff events as required.
  • Commitment to ongoing personal growth in spiritual maturity and professional growth.
  • A valuable team player that seeks to make others better through service to others, development, leadership, collaboration, and healthy conflict resolution. 
  • A life-long learner willing to be coached, evaluated, and held accountable.
  • Passion for welcoming and connecting people to God, His church, and one another.
  • Active prayer intercessor
  • Agreement with our Statement of Faith, and demonstration of our faith through actions and lifestyle
  • Ownership of the WoodsEdge mission & values emphasizing prayer, passion, humility and kingdom-mindedness.
  • Attend WoodsEdge Community Church 
  • Additional Responsibilities as assigned.  
  • Servant’s heart for whom no job is too small.


Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 3-5 years related work experience
  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures
  • Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications
  • Strong communication and people skills
  • Highly professional, friendly and service oriented demeanor
  • Ability to multitask
  • Strong organization and time management skills
  • Experience in crises care / kind bedside manner