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Pastoral Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Pastoral Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11.7K

$65K

How much do pastoral counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastoral counselor in Riverside, CA is $64,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,900.00 and $64,400.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Pastoral Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Pastoral Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pastoral Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Pastoral Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Pastoral Counselor jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Pastoral Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Pastoral Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,094 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Loma Linda University Health rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 1,064 rated hospitals


Job description

Medical Center: Chaplain (Unscheduled, On-Call) -

Job Summary: The Chaplain Assistant performs general Chaplain Assistant responsibilities in harmony with the mission of the Medical Center. Provides emotional and spiritual support for patients, families and employees. These services may be provided for all LLUH hospitals. Performs other duties as needed.
Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in Theology. Minimum two units of Clinical Pastoral Education required.
Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of theological and medical ethical issues required. Able to use computer, printer, and software programs necessary to the position. Able to speak clearly in person and over the phone. Able to write clearly and concisely. Able to listen and interact with patients and their families. Able to deliver community presentations. Able to deal effectively with family members and staff under stressful circumstances. High regard for the dignity and worth of patients and their families. Able to cope with stressful situations and able to document accurately according to standards. Must be able to work with minimum supervision and make independent decisions while interacting with other hospital staff. Able to concentrate on several assignments simultaneously. Able to edit, organize and prioritize. Able to execute duties in an efficient manner with attention to detail. Able to receive and carry out instructions. Sensitive to emotional signs of the ill and understands counseling techniques. Able to distinguish colors as necessary; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone and identify and distinguish various sounds associate with the workplace; see adequately to read computer screens and written documentation necessary to the position; discern temperature variances through touch.
Licensures and Certifications: Ecclesiastical Endorsement from an official Church Governing body preferred. Certification of Good Standing from an official Church Governing body preferred.

Our mission is to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Our core values are compassion, excellence, humility, integrity, justice, teamwork and wholeness.
Loma Linda University Health is a Seventh-day Adventist, faith and values based Christian institution. Candidates must understand and embrace the mission, purpose, and identity of Loma Linda and its affiliated entities.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of diversity. We provide equal opportunities in all aspects of the employment process to every individual, regardless of gender, race, color, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified individuals requesting an accommodation due to a disability. If you need accommodation assistance with accessing our job listings or completing an application, or during any other phase of employment with us, please contact Human Resources Management at (909) 651-4001.

Loma Linda University Shared Services is a religiously-qualified Equal Opportunity Employer under Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964. No question on this application is asked for the purpose of unlawfully limiting or excluding any applicant's consideration for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation in the hiring process, please notify Human Resource Management.

We appreciate your interest in Loma Linda and wish you success in your job search!

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About Loma Linda University Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) is an esteemed healthcare organization situated in Loma Linda, California, US. Established in 1905, it was initially known as the College of Medical Evangelists, and it operated as the official medical institution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church until the name was changed to LLUH in 1961. LLUH is very much active in the healthcare and education sectors, providing a vast range of services such as medical treatment, research, and health education. The organization’s core mission is "to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ", which underlines its binding values of compassion, integrity, excellence, freedom, and justice.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Loma Linda, CA, US