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Paraprofessional Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paraprofessional

Bronx, NY · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Hello from Kids First, We're growing our team and looking for passionate Paraprofessionals ... Camp counselors * Childcare providers We provide training and ongoing support to help you grow in ...

Paraprofessional

New York, NY · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Hello from Kids First, We're growing our team and looking for passionate Paraprofessionals ... Camp counselors * Childcare providers We provide training and ongoing support to help you grow in ...

Paraprofessional

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Hello from Kids First, We're growing our team and looking for passionate Paraprofessionals ... Camp counselors * Childcare providers We provide training and ongoing support to help you grow in ...

Paraprofessional

Queens, NY · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Hello from Kids First, We're growing our team and looking for passionate Paraprofessionals ... Camp counselors * Childcare providers We provide training and ongoing support to help you grow in ...

Paraprofessional

New York, NY · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Hello from Kids First, We're growing our team and looking for passionate Paraprofessionals ... Camp counselors * Childcare providers We provide training and ongoing support to help you grow in ...

Paraprofessional

New York, NY · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Hello from Kids First, We're growing our team and looking for passionate Paraprofessionals ... Camp counselors * Childcare providers We provide training and ongoing support to help you grow in ...

Paraprofessional

New York, NY · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Hello from Kids First, We're growing our team and looking for passionate Paraprofessionals ... Camp counselors * Childcare providers We provide training and ongoing support to help you grow in ...

Care Coordinator

Rochester, NY · Hybrid

$19 - $25.75/hr

Direct Support Professional, Teacher, Paraprofessional, Counselor, Social Worker, Care Coordinator, etc. * Minimum of a Bachelors degree, or a Licensed RN, is required by OPWDD in NYS * Valid driver ...

Care Coordinator

West Seneca, NY · Hybrid

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Direct Support Professional, Teacher, Paraprofessional, Counselor, Social Worker, Care Coordinator, etc. * Minimum of a Bachelors degree, or a Licensed RN, is required by OPWDD in NYS * Valid driver ...

Paraprofessional Location: Wilmington, Delaware (On-site) Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $35 ... In this role, you will work closely with Special Education teachers, counselors, and school ...

$16 - $21.50/hr

Direct Support Professional, Teacher, Paraprofessional, Counselor, Social Worker, Care Manager, etc. * Valid driver's license Additional Details * Full-time * Monday - Friday * 8 Hour Shift * No ...

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Paraprofessional Counselor information

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How much do paraprofessional counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for paraprofessional counselor in the United States is $16.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paraprofessional counselor?

A paraprofessional counselor is a trained support worker who assists licensed mental health professionals in providing counseling services. They often work under supervision, help with client support, and may have specialized training or certifications in areas like mental health or social services.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Paraprofessional Counselor?

As a Paraprofessional Counselor, your daily tasks often include assisting licensed counselors with client intake, documenting sessions, leading or co-facilitating group activities, and providing one-on-one support to clients under supervision. You may also coordinate referrals to other services, participate in team meetings, and help implement individualized care plans. Collaboration with social workers, counselors, and educators is common, requiring strong teamwork and communication. These responsibilities enable you to make a meaningful difference in clients’ lives while gaining practical experience in the counseling field.

What is a Paraprofessional Counselor job?

A Paraprofessional Counselor provides supportive counseling services under the supervision of a licensed professional. They assist clients with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges by offering guidance, resources, and coping strategies. Their duties may include conducting intake interviews, facilitating group discussions, and referring individuals to appropriate services. While they do not diagnose or provide clinical therapy, they play a crucial role in supporting clients within schools, community centers, or healthcare settings.

What is the #1 reason paraprofessionals leave their jobs?

The most common reason paraprofessional counselors leave their positions is low pay and limited career advancement opportunities, which can lead to job dissatisfaction. Many leave to pursue higher education, certifications, or better-paying roles in the education or mental health fields.

Are parapros in high demand?

Paraprofessional counselors are generally in steady demand, especially in educational and mental health settings, due to ongoing needs for support staff. Employment opportunities can vary by region and school district, with positions often requiring relevant certifications or experience in counseling or education.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding other counseling roles due to advanced degrees and licensure requirements. Paraprofessional counselors typically earn less, as they usually have less formal education and work under supervision. Specializations in areas like neuropsychology or forensic psychology can also lead to higher earnings within the counseling field.

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

Paraprofessional Counselors typically need an associate degree or relevant coursework in psychology or counseling, alongside foundational knowledge of client assessment and support strategies. Familiarity with client documentation software and adherence to confidentiality and ethical guidelines are often required, and some positions may request certification in mental health first aid or related areas. Outstanding interpersonal communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity distinguish top performers in this role. These qualifications are critical to providing effective support, maintaining legal and ethical standards, and fostering trust with clients and team members.

More about Paraprofessional Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Paraprofessional Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Paraprofessional Counselor job openings:
What states have the most Paraprofessional Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Paraprofessional Counselor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Paraprofessional Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,266 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Paraprofessional Counselor (Friday-Monday, 4pm-12am)

GATEWAYS HOSPITAL & MENTAL HEALTH CENTER

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$24.15 - $25.12/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Title of Position: Paraprofessional Counselor
Location: Percy Village
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt
Union/ Non-Union: Union
Supervisor: Residential Manager
Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center, located in Los Angeles, is a non-profit organization that provides an array of comprehensive mental health services for Children, Adolescents, Transitional Aged Youth, and Adults suffering from mental illness in the Greater Los Angeles area. The organization consists of a standalone fifty-five (55) )-bed hospital and six outlying outpatient facilities that have anywhere from fourteen (14) beds to one hundred and thirty-four (134) beds. The organization has approximately four hundred (400) employees.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Paraprofessional Counselor is part of a multi-disciplinary team of staff who provide support, supervision and residential services to adults ages 18-59 who are diagnosed with chronic and persistent mental health disorders. The Paraprofessional Counselor's responsibilities include monitoring and reporting clients' behaviors and activities, monitoring and reporting any facility issues or security concerns, and providing support and supervision to ensure clients are engaging in treatment, complying with House Rules, and making progress toward their discharge goals to lower levels of care.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Maintains communication with team members throughout the shift to ensure that all tasks are covered, and offers assistance where needed.
  • Facilitates client transportation, as needed.
  • Adheres to client/visitor sign in and out procedures, contraband protocols, and rounds protocols, including accurate completion of all required documentation.
  • Responds to incoming calls on evenings and weekends.
  • Conducts random security checks of premises and buildings at least hourly throughout shift.
  • Conducts client rounds, per designated timeframes (i.e., hourly, Q30 minutes, 1:1), adheres to protocols regarding monitoring of clients, and accurately completes all rounds documentation.
  • Assists with weekly room checks for clients as directed by the Supervisor and accurately completes and submits all required documentation.
  • Reports safety hazards and maintenance and housekeeping needs to the Residential Manager.
  • Observes and records clients' behavior and activities throughout the facility. Documents these observations via the shift summary and reports them during shift exchange.
  • Participates in shift exchange, when on shift.
  • Immediately reports any unusual or concerning behaviors or activities to their supervisor, or designated supervisor.
  • Prompts clients to complete their activities of daily living (ADLs) including attending to their hygiene/grooming, laundering their clothing, and changing their linen on a regular basis.
  • Prompts clients to comply with schedule for medications, meals, groups and other scheduled appointments/activities.
  • Monitors and supports clients to take prescribed psychotropic medications, also ensures that emergency medications are accurately recorded when taken by resident.
  • Takes, records, and reports client vital signs (e.g., body temperature, blood pressure, etc.) when needed.
  • Participates and assists in the investigation of any events that require submission of regulatory agency reports (e.g., CCL, DMH, DSH), or internal agency reporting to QI/EOC/HR.
  • Responds appropriately to emergency or problematic situations (e.g., enacts on-call notification procedure or notifies immediate supervisor, staff, administration, police, fire department, ambulance, and paramedics as appropriate.
  • Provides behavioral interventions to clients when needed, including crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation techniques (e.g., CPI).
  • Collaborates with team to encourage clients to engage in treatment, to comply with House Rules, and to establish goals for discharge.
  • Conducts themselves as a good role model for clients, consistent with Gateways' rules of conduct.
  • Participates in Paraprofessional Counselor meetings, in-service trainings, and other meetings as scheduled.
  • Assists the treatment team in arranging emergency transportation for psychiatric and medical emergencies.
  • Maintains an objective, professional relationship with clients at all times.
  • Participates in all required trainings, including trainings on use of equipment (e.g., AED, vital signs monitors, panic alarm, etc.)
  • Performs other additional tasks, within the employee's scope of practice, as directed.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES
Minimum Education Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED

Desired Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences or related area

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
  • One (1) year experience, preferred but not required, in mental health, social services, customer service, or other rehabilitative/recreational/educational role
  • Ability to work and relate effectively with multidisciplinary treatment team, clients and the public
  • Ability to identify clients who are in distress and intervene in a timely, calm and appropriate manner.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work independently, use good judgment, and remain calm in crisis situations.
  • Proven ability to work with adult clients.
  • Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet computer programs.
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries, abide by policies and procedures, and reinforce compliance with facility House Rules and treatment expectations.
  • Ability to accept direction from supervisors and complete assigned tasks.
  • Ability to appropriately provide direction to clients.
  • Ability to implement crisis intervention techniques and basic counseling skills.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.
  • Valid California Driver's license.
  • TB clearance.
  • Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.
  • Fire and Safety Training*.
  • CPR/First Aid*
  • Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI)**
  • Note: If indicated certifications/licenses are lacking, they must be obtained within 180 days of hire.
  • **Training needs to be completed within 30 days from the date of hire on a designated date provided by onboarding. Staff need to be certified at a commensurate level for their role to perform their job duties (staff will be taken off the schedule if certification is not achieved).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • To perform this job you must be able to carry out all essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
  • Employee will be required to lift and/or move unassisted up to 25 pounds.