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Pastoral Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trace Church

Church Counselor

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$57K - $62K/yr

This role exists at the intersection of professional clinical practice and pastoral ministry ... The Counselor leads Trace's counseling response, providing initial assessment and short-term care ...

Trace Church

Church Counselor

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

This role exists at the intersection of professional clinical practice and pastoral ministry ... The Counselor leads Trace's counseling response, providing initial assessment and short-term care ...

UHS

CHAPLAIN

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Board Certified Pastoral Counselor (CpastC) or Certified Clinical Pastoral Therapist (CCPT) or Licensed Pastoral Counselor (LPC) from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors preferred.

UHS

CHAPLAIN

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Board Certified Pastoral Counselor (CpastC) or Certified Clinical Pastoral Therapist (CCPT) or Licensed Pastoral Counselor (LPC) from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors preferred.

Tides Hospice LLC

Chaplain

Norwell, MA

$30 - $40/hr

Two or more years of experience as a Hospice Chaplain, Hospital Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor, Pastoral Counselor, or similar role. * Experience providing direct patient care within the past three ...

Tides Hospice LLC

Chaplain

Norwell, MA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Two or more years of experience as a Hospice Chaplain, Hospital Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor, Pastoral Counselor, or similar role. * Experience providing direct patient care within the past three ...

Ohio Health

Mgr Pastoral Care

Mansfield, OH · On-site

... pastoral care services are provided to physicians, staff, patients, and families as a member of the ... He/She counsels, offers emotional support, religious rites and sacraments, and assists in ...

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Pastoral Counselor information

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How much do pastoral counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastoral counselor in the United States is $60,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pastoral counselor?

A pastoral counselor is a professional who integrates psychological therapy and spiritual guidance to help individuals cope with personal, emotional, or spiritual challenges. They are often trained in both mental health counseling and theology, allowing them to address issues from a holistic perspective. Pastoral counselors may work in religious institutions, counseling centers, or private practice, and they typically respect the client's faith background while providing support. They help with concerns such as grief, relationship issues, anxiety, and spiritual crises, combining clinical skills with compassionate, faith-informed care.

What is a pastoral counselor?

A pastoral counselor blends traditional psychology with theological concepts. As a pastoral counselor, your job is to provide counseling that incorporates the religious beliefs of the patient. Typical duties involve meeting with patients and their families, developing treatment methods, and analyzing the results. As a pastoral counselor, you often utilize prayer in your treatment services. You work with people of all ages with emotional, mental health, and behavioral issues as well as substance abuse and marriage problems. Though you typically work in a clinical setting, you may also provide group therapy to a church congregation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pastoral counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pastoral Counselor, you need a background in counseling or psychology, theological training, and often a relevant master's degree or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, counseling techniques, and ethical guidelines is important, along with potential use of case management software. Strong active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting clients through spiritual and emotional challenges. These skills ensure that clients receive holistic care that addresses both psychological and spiritual needs in a compassionate and ethically responsible manner.

How does a pastoral counselor typically collaborate with other mental health professionals?

Pastoral Counselors often work as part of an interdisciplinary team that can include psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals. They collaborate by sharing insights—while maintaining client confidentiality—to ensure comprehensive care for clients, especially when spiritual and emotional needs intersect. Regular meetings or case conferences are common, and Pastoral Counselors may provide referrals or receive referrals for clients who need specialized support. This collaborative approach helps address the holistic well-being of individuals within a faith-based context.

What is the difference between Pastoral Counselor vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectPastoral CounselorMental Health Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a religious degree, pastoral training, and state licensureRequires a master's degree in counseling or psychology and state licensure
Work EnvironmentReligious settings, churches, faith-based organizationsClinics, hospitals, private practices, mental health facilities
Employer & IndustryReligious institutions, faith-based organizationsHealthcare, mental health services, private practices
FocusSpiritual guidance, faith-based counseling, emotional supportPsychological treatment, mental health management, behavioral therapy

While both roles provide emotional support and counseling, Pastoral Counselors focus on spiritual guidance within faith-based settings, whereas Mental Health Counselors provide clinical mental health treatment in healthcare environments. The choice depends on whether the client seeks faith-based or clinical mental health support.

Do pastoral counselors get paid?

Yes, pastoral counselors typically receive a salary or hourly wage for their work, which can vary based on experience, location, and employer. They often work in religious organizations, hospitals, or mental health settings and may need relevant certifications or training.

What is required to be a pastoral counselor?

To become a pastoral counselor, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, followed by a master's degree in divinity, theology, or pastoral counseling. Certification or licensure may be required depending on the state or organization, and strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for providing effective support and guidance. Many pastoral counselors also have training in mental health and counseling techniques.

What jobs can you get with a pastoral counselor degree?

A pastoral counselor degree prepares individuals for roles such as pastoral counselor, mental health counselor, or chaplain, often in settings like churches, hospitals, or community organizations. These roles involve providing emotional support, counseling, and spiritual guidance, sometimes requiring certification or licensing depending on the region. Skills in active listening, empathy, and understanding mental health are essential for these positions.
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Pastoral Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pastoral Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,170 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Church Counselor

Trace Church

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$57K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide professional, biblically-informed counseling for individuals, couples, and families.

  • Conduct initial intake assessments and deliver short-term, solution-focused counseling while developing care pathways.

  • Build and maintain a network of licensed professionals, connect individuals to support groups and care ministries, and follow up on referrals.

Job description

Position Description - Church Counselor
Vision
At Trace, we believe our mission and vision should be fully embraced by everyone-especially those in leadership. Our staff are called to lead by example and help shape the culture of our church. We hold the conviction that we're not paid for performance, but for preparation. This means we work diligently throughout the week to ensure our hearts and minds are fully devoted to worship on Sundays. Trace staff are expected to be self-driven and committed to personal and spiritual growth, so that the ministry we lead never outpaces our ability to sustain it.
Job Overview: Church Counselor
The Church Counselor serves as a primary point of care for individuals and families navigating emotional, relational, and mental health challenges. This role exists at the intersection of professional clinical practice and pastoral ministry - bringing both licensed competence and biblical grounding to bear on the full spectrum of human need. The Counselor leads Trace's counseling response, providing initial assessment and short-term care while building and maintaining a robust referral network of outside professionals, support groups, and internal ministries. This role helps ensure that no one who reaches out for help falls through the cracks, and that every person is connected to the right level of care at the right time.
Core Responsibilities
Clinical Counseling & Assessment
  • Provide professional, biblically-informed counseling for individuals, couples, and families presenting with a wide range of needs including trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, marriage and family conflict, and crisis intervention.
  • Conduct initial intake assessments to determine the nature and severity of presenting needs and identify the appropriate level of care.
  • Deliver short-term, solution-focused counseling (typically 2-5 sessions) while developing a clear care pathway for each person.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential clinical records in compliance with HIPAA and applicable state licensure requirements.
  • Provide crisis support and safety planning for acute mental health situations, coordinating with emergency services when necessary.

Referral & Care Coordination
  • Build and maintain a curated network of licensed Christian and licensed secular counselors, psychiatrists, and specialists for long-term or specialized referrals.
  • Connect individuals to appropriate internal and external support groups, recovery programs, and care ministries based on their specific needs.
  • Serve as the bridge between pastoral care, small groups, and professional services - ensuring holistic, coordinated support for each person.
  • Follow up with individuals after referrals to ensure connection was made and care is continuing.
  • Partner with the pastoral team to identify congregants who may need proactive outreach or care.

Counseling Ministry Development
  • Develop and oversee a comprehensive counseling ministry infrastructure including intake processes, referral systems, care pathways, and volunteer lay counseling support.
  • Recruit, train, and resource a team of lay care volunteers or Stephen Ministers to extend the reach of pastoral care throughout the congregation.
  • Identify gaps in available care resources and propose new support group offerings, classes, or partnerships to meet those needs.
  • Collaborate with ministry leaders to ensure care ministry is integrated into the life of the church rather than siloed.

Support Groups
  • Launching and overseeing groups for recovery, grief, divorce, anxiety, trauma, and more
  • Recruiting and training facilitators (lay and licensed)
  • Evaluating curricula like Celebrate Recovery, GriefShare, and DivorceCare
  • Integrating groups into the broader care pathway
  • Assessing group health and outcomes over time

Pastoral Integration
  • Operate from a biblically grounded, theologically informed approach to counseling that honors both clinical best practices and the authority of Scripture.
  • Collaborate closely with the pastoral team, participating in staff prayer, care team meetings, and spiritual formation rhythms of the church.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while functioning as a minister - praying with those in care, offering spiritual encouragement, and pointing people toward the local church community.

Systems, Administration & Compliance
  • Manage counseling scheduling, intake forms, consent documentation, and case notes through an appropriate practice management or church management system.
  • Ensure all counseling practices comply with state licensure requirements, ethical codes (ACA, AACC, or equivalent), and applicable law.
  • Track referral outcomes and care connections to evaluate effectiveness and identify gaps.
  • Manage a counseling ministry budget with fiscal responsibility and good stewardship.

General Staff Expectations
  • Attend annual team retreats and informal team gatherings for relational health.
  • Live out and champion Trace's Cultural Distinctives.
  • Participate in a Small Group and actively tithe to Trace Church.

Qualifications, some required some preferred
  • Deep, personal faith in Jesus Christ and full alignment with Trace's mission, values, and statement of faith.
  • Active state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent.
  • Master's or doctoral degree in counseling, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, or a related field from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical experience, including work with trauma, crisis, grief, and family systems.
  • Demonstrated integration of biblical and theological foundations within clinical counseling practice.
  • Experience in a church, faith-based nonprofit, or ministry context strongly preferred.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to create a warm, safe, and confidential environment for those seeking care.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple cases, systems, and relationships simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of community mental health resources, support groups, and referral networks.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with pastoral staff, ministry leaders, and outside professionals.
  • Flexibility to work some evenings for counseling appointments as needed.

Employment Details
  • Position Title: Church Counselor
  • Reports To: Executive Pastor of Ministries
  • Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt, Salaried
  • Compensation: $57,800 - $62,500 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
  • Working Hours: 40+ hours/week
  • Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday (Fridays and Saturdays off except for special events)
  • Vacation: 15 days/year
  • Sick Leave: Unlimited (tracked)
  • Housing Allowance: TBD based on qualifications
  • Ministry Week: 1 week per year serving in an area outside your primary ministry
  • Insurance: $2,000 per person in family under 26 years old per year

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