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How much do lay counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 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 job?

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:
Lay Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Counselor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

SUD Counselor - Residential

McAlister Institute for Treatment & Education,Inc.

Lemon Grove, CA • On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Description:

Join McAlister Institute, a 48-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.


We are seeking a few compassionate and dedicated Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselors to join our McAlister team. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse populations in various settings such as residential facilities and/or other treatment facilities. As a SUD Counselor, you will be reporting to the site Program Manager and will be responsible for providing individual and group counseling, developing treatment plans, and supporting clients through their recovery journey.


Benefits for YOU:

  • 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
  • Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
  • EAP


Key Responsibilities:

  • Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
  • Maintain an active caseload of clients, providing individual and group counseling in adult and/or teen programs.
  • Conduct comprehensive, individualized screening and assessments, including the ASI and ASAM PCC to determine the needs of clients and develop individualized treatment plans.
  • Facilitate evidence-based, culturally competent, trauma-informed treatment programs and interventions tailored to the specific needs of the population served.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including social workers, therapists, case managers, and medical professionals.
  • Educate clients and their families about the recovery process and available resources.
  • Coordinate with community resources and provide referrals when necessary.
  • Perform other assigned duties as needed.


Shifts Needed:

Wednesday - Sunday: 2:30PM - 11PM

Monday - Friday: 12PM - 8:30PM

Requirements:
  • Certified or Registered SUD Counselor (CAADE, CADTP, or equivalent required).
  • Minimum of two years’ experience in behavioral health services.
  • Experience working with adult populations in a counseling or therapeutic setting.
  • Demonstrated success working with the unique needs of clients referred through agencies such as the Probation Department, Child Welfare Services, Dependency Drug Court, and the criminal justice system preferred.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated empathy for, and knowledge of the needs of clients with co-occurring conditions.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices in substance use treatment.
  • Understanding of trauma-informed care and the ability to apply it in counseling.
  • Proficiency in maintaining confidential client records and case documentation.
  • Maintains knowledge of legal guidelines pertaining to EMTALA/COBRA and abuse/neglect reporting.
  • Knowledgeable about harm reduction, trauma-informed care, patient-centered care, and motivational interviewing.
  • Ability to work effectively with a diverse population, including the impoverished, unhoused, and those suffering from chronic substance use and/or mental health challenges.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, adaptability, and professionalism.
  • Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as persons or families and defuse crisis or high intensity situations.
  • Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • Proficient with EHR Systems (e.g., Electronic Health Records such as Welligent or Smartcare).
  • Maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; effectively regulates emotions, especially under stress; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  • Compliance with all agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, and reporting.
  • Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English strongly preferred.
  • Must possess a valid and unrestricted California Driver's License, with a good driving record, free of any major infractions.
  • On-site position.
  • Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.


Reasonable Accommodations:

McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the jobs@mcalisterinc.org., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for.


Work Authorization Requirement:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.


Pre-Employment:
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements). A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.


General Information & Considerations:

Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.


Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions when they meet essential qualifications.


To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: We do not solicit staffing or agency contacts for our recruitment needs. Our careers site is only for individuals seeking a job at McAlister. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes. Any such submissions will be considered unsolicited and will be ignored to prioritize our own process. We are sure you do amazing work and can give us data to support your sell. We, however, are a non-profit, and are mindful agents of our resources. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to us, or email us individually. McAlister Institute is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.