1

Lay Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Counselor I (801996) Location:1 Medical Drive, Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950 Mode of Work- onsite ... Sessions (lay-off meetings), and other outreach activities as may arise from time to time. • ...

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 ...

SUD Counselor

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

As a SUD Counselor, you will be reporting to the site Program Manager and will be responsible for ... Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as ...

SUD Counselor

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

As a SUD Counselor, you will be reporting to the site Program Manager and will be responsible for ... Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as ...

SUD Counselor

Escondido, CA · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

As a SUD Counselor, you will be reporting to the site Program Manager and will be responsible for ... Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as ...

As a SUD Counselor, you will be reporting to the site Program Manager and will be responsible for ... Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as ...

Showing results 21-40

Lay Counselor information

See salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do lay counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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.

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 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.

More about Lay Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Lay Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Lay Counselor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lay Counselor jobs? The most popular types of Lay Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Lay Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Lay Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lay Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lay Counselor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lay Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Recovery Coordinator

Job Title: Recovery Pastor

Our Mission
Hope Center Ministries is a growing nonprofit discipleship recovery program with multiple centers across the U.S. Hope Center Ministries exists to restore lives, restore families, and restore communities. We do this by helping those individuals bound by drug addiction and/or alcoholism find lasting freedom and sobriety through a relationship with Jesus Christ, which translates into seeing the lost saved, the saved freed, the freed restored, and the restored fulfilled.


Position

The Recovery Pastor is a spiritual shepherd and servant leader who walks alongside residents in recovery, guiding them in their journey toward healing, wholeness, and transformation in Christ. This role is central to fostering a discipleship-driven culture on campus, ensuring daily operations reflect our mission, and building strong support networks among residents, families, volunteers, and church partners. This includes facilitating marriages, communion, baptisms and funerals as those opportunities present themselves, serving the spiritual needs of individuals and communities through these important moments of life and faith.


Key Areas of Ministry & Responsibility


    • Discipleship & Pastoral Care
      • Provide Christ-centered counseling, both individually and in groups, helping residents grow in spiritual maturity and emotional healing.
      • Ensure all counseling aligns with the biblical and recovery principles foundational to Hope Center Ministries.
      • Actively mentor residents and facilitate meaningful connections with approved mentors and family members.
      • Oversee and support Bible study teachers, ensuring they uphold doctrinal soundness and model Christian character.
      • Ensure each resident is supported in finding a sponsor and advancing through their recovery phase.
      • Lead by example in modeling a godly, loving, and structured environment that reflects the character of Christ.
      • Support Community Leaders in maintaining the daily schedule that balances structure, rest, and spiritual enrichment.
      • Encourage community through shared meals, prayer, worship, and Christ-honoring recreation.
      • Address discipline and correction with grace, truth, and love, ensuring all actions are properly documented and rooted in redemption.

      Daily Operations & Leadership Development
      • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the campus in alignment with the mission and standards of HCM.
      • Develop and empower leaders, staff, interns, and volunteers to steward their roles effectively.
      • Ensure compliance with all counseling and program requirements, including vocational training and Scripture memorization.
      • Plan and oversee weekend activities that support spiritual and relational growth.

      Family & Community Engagement
      • Coordinate Family Support Nights to help loved ones engage in the recovery process.
      • Lead Foundation Classes and ensure support groups are invited and integrated into community life.
      • Plan and execute holiday celebrations and special events to honor and encourage families and supporters.
      • Commit to personal spiritual disciplines and ongoing development-spiritually, mentally, and physically.
      • Attend relevant workshops, conferences, or training opportunities.
      • Set and pursue ministry goals that align with the broader vision of HCM, including leadership multiplication and community engagement.
      • Participate in regular performance reviews and growth planning.


Knowledge/Skills


    • Advanced knowledge of the Bible
    • Ministry license - New hires will be begin the ministry license process immediately upon hire.
    • Working knowledge of Celebrate Recovery 12 steps and 8 Principles (Beatitudes)
    • Basic knowledge of human behavior
    • Basic knowledge of lay counseling and Drug & Alcohol rehabilitation
    • General knowledge of the 12-steps, 8-principles, HCM curriculum & for individuals and groups
    • Convey information effectively
    • Time Management
    • Ability to handle complaints, settle disputes & resolve grievances


Additional Requirement


    • Have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and must live a life according to Biblical standards
    • Agree with the Statement of Faith, Lifestyle Statement, and overall vision of Hope Center Ministries
    • Successfully pass background Screening, social media, personal & professional reference checks
    • Meet any additional requirements as may be determined by Hope Center Ministries


Qualifications & Expectations

    • A mature, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a lifestyle aligned with biblical standards.
    • Agreement with the Statement of Faith, Lifestyle Statement, and mission of Hope Center Ministries.
    • Ministry license - New hires will be begin the ministry license process immediately upon hire.
    • Advanced knowledge of the Bible and a heart for discipleship.
    • Familiarity with Celebrate Recovery's 12 Steps and 8 Principles.
    • Basic understanding of addiction, human behavior, and lay counseling.
    • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to resolve conflict biblically and compassionately.
    • Excellent time management, communication, and organizational skills.
    • Willingness to submit to background checks and reference screenings.


This is more than a job-it's a calling.
As a Recovery Pastor, you'll have the opportunity to help men encounter Christ, break the chains of addiction, and step into the life of purpose and freedom they were created for. If you are passionate about making disciples, building Christ-centered community, and seeing restoration take root, we invite you to join the mission.