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Pastoral Counselor Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Provides pastoral counseling and spiritual support to patients, family members/significant others and staff throughout the hospital. Usually this involves development of a "parish" within the ...

Facilitate or coordinate support for diverse faith groups Pastoral Care & Counseling * Offer confidential counseling to service members and families * Provide support during stress, grief, crisis ...

CPE Intern

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... Counselors and Pastoral Educators and the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education's Code of Professional Ethics for ACPE Members. 9. Also complies with the policies and best practices of CHRIS 180.

CPE Resident

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

... Counselors and Pastoral Educators and the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education's Code of Professional Ethics for ACPE Members. Qualifications/Competencies 1. Graduate theological degree from ...

515 Care Coordinator

Atlanta, GA

$18.50 - $25/hr

Provide all official care-related updates to pastoral staff * Maintain our Care Network database of professionals and organizations to ensure accurate records, counselor availability, contact ...

515 Care Coordinator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Provide all official care-related updates to pastoral staff * Maintain our Care Network database of professionals and organizations to ensure accurate records, counselor availability, contact ...

515 Care Coordinator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Provide all official care-related updates to pastoral staff * Maintain our Care Network database of professionals and organizations to ensure accurate records, counselor availability, contact ...

Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors ... pastoral care; facilitate for the religious needs of personnel from other faith groups; advise ...

Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors ... pastoral care; facilitate for the religious needs of personnel from other faith groups; advise ...

Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors ... pastoral care; facilitate for the religious needs of personnel from other faith groups; advise ...

Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors ... pastoral care; facilitate for the religious needs of personnel from other faith groups; advise ...

Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors ... pastoral care; facilitate for the religious needs of personnel from other faith groups; advise ...

Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors ... pastoral care; facilitate for the religious needs of personnel from other faith groups; advise ...

Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors ... pastoral care; facilitate for the religious needs of personnel from other faith groups; advise ...

Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors ... pastoral care; facilitate for the religious needs of personnel from other faith groups; advise ...

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Showing results 1-20

Pastoral Counselor information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$10.9K

$60.5K

How much do pastoral counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastoral counselor in Decatur, GA is $59,686.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a pastoral?

To become a pastoral counselor, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or theology, followed by a master's degree in pastoral counseling or a related field. Certification or licensure may be required depending on the region, and strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for providing effective support and guidance.

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 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.

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 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.

What can I do with a pastoral counseling degree?

A pastoral counseling degree prepares individuals to provide mental health support and spiritual guidance in settings such as churches, community organizations, or private practice. Graduates often work as pastoral counselors, chaplains, or in related roles that combine counseling skills with spiritual care, sometimes requiring certification or licensure depending on the region.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries, often due to advanced degrees and licensure requirements. While pastoral counselors provide valuable support, they generally earn less than licensed mental health professionals working in private practice or healthcare settings.

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 popular job titles related to Pastoral Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA? For Pastoral Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pastoral Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Pastoral Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Pastoral Counselor jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Pastoral Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Pastoral Counselor job openings in Decatur, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,686 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • To support the vision, mission and guiding principles of The Summit Counseling Center.
  • Locations: Buford, Dunwoody, Johns Creek
  • While performing any procedure, all associates and contract personnel must observe applicable Safety, Health, and Environmental rules and guidelines. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
  • Attend and participate in training opportunities and seminars relevant to this position.
  • Adhere to appropriate Center operating procedures, benefit rules, employment, and safety policies/practices.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Professional Services – providing number of agreed upon clinical hours; maintaining clinical records in accordance with center policies & procedures and professional standards of practice; working with the administrative staff to set and collect appropriate fees; representing the standards and practices of their primary professional fields.
  • Clinical Staff Participation – work cooperatively with staff colleagues, consultants and referring professionals; participate actively in clinical staff and case consultations; attend administrative staff meetings, staff retreats and other team building activities.
  • Center Administration and Development – participate in the development of the Center’s referral network; initiate and engage in ongoing marketing planning and activities; participate in the Center’s program of education, consultation and community relations.
  • Willingness to develop and cultivate his/her own caseload by representing the Center in the community and relating to referral sources


ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Any other duties as assigned.


JOB SCOPE

  • Job has recurring work situations involving high degrees of discretion. The need for accuracy and effective utilization of available resources is high. Errors in judgment could cause disruptions to the Center’s mission and adversely impact attainment of the Center’s goals. Incumbent operates independently but results are monitored by the Center’s Executive Director and the Board of Directors. Content of work priorities are largely self-determined.


COMMUNICATIONS/CUSTOMER CONTACT

  • Contacts are across the entire Church, geographical, and professional community and in a leadership capacity. Community contact is a critical component of success in developing good will and interest in the mission of the Center.


COMPETENCIES/SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE OR TRAINING PREFERRED:

  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with Master’s or Ph. D. in Pastoral Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Counseling or equivalent
  • Clinical training and experience, validated by certification or licensure by the groups corresponding to their fields (i.e. American Association of Pastoral Counselors, American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy, Academy of Clinical Social Workers, American Psychological Association, National Board of Certified Counselors and/or full state licensure in psychology, marriage & family therapy, social work, professional counseling or medicine. Applicants may be accepted while under supervision if in the process of seeking licensure.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Mastery of a coherent theory and practice of therapy
  • Ability to use the language and methodology of differential diagnosis and familiarity with the contributions of various diagnostic tests.
  • Ability to assess a client’s therapeutic needs, to establish a therapeutic relationship, and to conduct, complete, terminate and evaluate that therapy
  • Ability to relate the contributions of various disciplines to the therapeutic task and to make appropriate use of inter-professional collaboration
  • Ability to integrate spirituality into the therapeutic relationship
  • Ability to work effectively with faith community leaders, congregations and other community sponsors and resource personnel
  • Ability to help clients deal with theological issues utilizing religious resources within their own belief system
  • Understand the dynamics of religious experience and the implications for pastoral psychotherapy
  • A willingness to think theologically about the therapeutic task and the relation of therapy to the total task of the Christian faith community
  • Ability to establish and maintain appropriate personal and professional relationships and boundaries both within and outside the Center


Equipment and Applications

  • Computers and peripheral equipment
  • Designated software applications
  • Telephones, copiers and other office equipment


JOB CONDITIONS: (SEE EXAMPLES BELOW)

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the associate is:

  • Frequently required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear
  • Occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
  • While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually low


Summary of Company Benefits:

•Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

•Health Savings Account (HSA)

•Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

•403(b) with Company Match

•Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D

•Employer Paid Long-Term Disability

•10 Company Paid Holidays & 1 Floating Paid Holiday

•Paid Time Off (PTO)


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enableindividuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


It should be noted that this position has a Bona-Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) in the area of religion in compliance with U.S. Code Title 29, Chapter 14, Section 623. Since the mission of the Center is to integrate faith and therapy within the counseling process from the point of view of an adherent of Christian faith, the position requires the willingness to perform this service for clients and to demonstrate adherence to Christian faith by evidence of regular participation in and/or leadership within a Christian community of faith.