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Professional Counselor Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Sales Counselor

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

The Sales Counselor assists families with funeral selections and attends services. * Leads are ... for both personal and professional growth. As part of our ongoing commitment, we offer a ...

Sales Counselor

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

The Sales Counselor assists families with funeral selections and attends services. * Leads are ... for both personal and professional growth. As part of our ongoing commitment, we offer a ...

Sales Counselor

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

The Sales Counselor assists families with funeral selections and attends services. * Leads are ... for both personal and professional growth. As part of our ongoing commitment, we offer a ...

Responsibilities The Outside Sales Counselor's primarily responsibility is to embrace Meritage ... Present the Meritage Homes Purchase Agreement to buyers in a professional and complete manner ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Counselor information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$32.8K

$67.4K

$106.9K

How much do professional counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional counselor in Decatur, AL is $67,417.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional counselor?

Professional counselors are licensed mental health professionals who help individuals, couples, and groups address emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues. They use various therapeutic techniques to assist clients in managing stress, coping with life changes, improving relationships, and achieving personal growth. Professional counselors work in a variety of settings, including schools, private practices, hospitals, and community organizations. Their goal is to provide support and guidance to help clients lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

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

To thrive as a Professional Counselor, you need expertise in psychological assessment, therapeutic intervention, and a master's degree in counseling or a related field, along with state licensure. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), diagnostic tools like the DSM-5, and ongoing continuing education or certifications are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help counselors build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and credentials are crucial for providing effective, ethical support that fosters client well-being and positive outcomes.

What are some common challenges professional counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professional Counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients, managing emotionally intense sessions, and maintaining appropriate boundaries. Another frequent challenge is addressing resistance or reluctance from clients who may be hesitant to open up. To manage these situations, counselors use active listening skills, establish clear expectations, and practice self-care to prevent burnout. Ongoing supervision and peer support also help counselors process difficult cases and maintain their own well-being.

What is the difference between Professional Counselor vs School Counselor?

AspectProfessional CounselorSchool Counselor
CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related field, state licensureMaster's degree in school counseling, state certification/license
Work EnvironmentPrivate practices, mental health clinics, community agenciesPublic and private schools, educational settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, mental health, community servicesEducational institutions, K-12 schools

Both Professional Counselors and School Counselors require similar credentials, including a master's degree and state licensure. However, Professional Counselors typically work in clinical or community settings, while School Counselors focus on student development within educational environments. Their roles overlap in providing mental health support, but their work settings and specific responsibilities differ.

What does it mean to be a professional counselor?

A professional counselor is a trained mental health professional who provides guidance and support to individuals, couples, or groups to help them manage emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues. They typically hold relevant degrees and licensure, and use counseling techniques to assist clients in achieving personal goals and improving well-being.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Professional Counselor jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Professional Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Counselor job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,417 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

NaphCare

Harvest, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


NaphCare rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

644th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

NaphCare is seeking to hire an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCSW, LPC, LMSW, etc.) to join our team of medical professionals in the Limeston Correctional Facility in Harvest, AL.

As a Correctional Licensed Mental Health Counselor, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in residence. Working within a controlled environment, where security is top priority and the days are never dull, you will have various duties to keep you engaged. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs.

Responsibilities

The Licensed Mental Health Counselor is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients in residence with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues ensuring they receive quality care that protects their rights, dignity and health. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:

  • Collaborating with medical, mental health and correctional staff to enhance quality patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment
  • Performing and documenting mental health evaluations, progress notes, individual and group counseling notes, individual treatment plans, addressing criminogenic needs and promoting positive behavioral change to prepare residents for release
  • Participating in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff
  • Demonstrate knowledge of DSM-V / DSM-V-TR criteria
  • Documenting and managing case files, patient progress, preparing reports, and participating in hearings
  • Initiating and/or participating in patient education and treatment programs, such as developing educational materials and providing group therapy
  • Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards
Qualifications

Experience / Skills / Requirements

  • Master's prepared Mental Health Professional with active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, etc.) in AL
  • Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association preferred)
  • Must pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening
  • A minimum of 3 years' clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
  • Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
  • Correctional counselors must be able to remain calm under pressure while assess patients' situations, underlying causes of their behavior and be able to develop interventions and treatment plans
  • Effective communications skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
  • Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
  • Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
  • Must pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening

 

Physical Capabilities:

Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Why Join NaphCare?

NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.

NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:

  • Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
  • Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
  • Lowest Cost Benefits!
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
  • 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Referral bonuses
  • Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Generous paid time off & paid holidays
  • Free continuing education and CMEs

Want a better idea of what it's like to work in a prison? See what our MHPs do:

NaphCare - Life as a Mental Health Professional - YouTube 

If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I'll be in touch.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

 

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Advancing Correctional Healthcare | NaphCare

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What NaphCare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About NaphCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NaphCare partners with correctional facilities to provide proactive, patient-focused healthcare. We recognize that we serve a unique and diverse patient population, and our onsite teams take pride in bringing excellence in care to a population in great need. Be part of a world-class team of professionals who are revolutionizing correctional healthcare. NaphCare offers competitive compensation! Our full-time teammates have a top-notch benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, FREE prescriptions, flexible spending account, company-paid life and AD&D insurance with voluntary life and AD&D options, ST & LT disability, 401(k) company contribution, 20 days Paid Time Off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, employee referral bonuses, etc.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1989