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Professional Counselor Jobs in Meridian, MS (NOW HIRING)

UHS

THERAPIST (LICENSED) NL PRN

Meridian, MS · On-site

$81K - $101K/yr

Professional License required Qualified candidates must have a Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling and licensure in the state of Mississippi. EEO Statement All UHS subsidiaries are committed ...

UHS

THERAPIST (LICENSED)- ACUTE UNIT PRN

Meridian, MS · On-site

Professional License required Qualified candidates must have a Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling and licensure in the state of Mississippi. EEO Statement All UHS subsidiaries are committed ...

UHS

THERAPIST (LICENSED) Full-time

Meridian, MS · On-site

Professional License required Qualified candidates must have a Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling and licensure in the state of Mississippi. EEO Statement All UHS subsidiaries are committed ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Meridian, MS · On-site

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school ... Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Navy Chaplains can advance their education by:

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All JobsProfessional Counselor JobsProfessional Counselor Jobs in Meridian, MS

Professional Counselor information

See Meridian, MS salary details

$34.3K

$70.5K

$111.8K

How much do professional counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional counselor in Meridian, MS is $70,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $78,500.00 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 Meridian, MS?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Meridian, MS are:

What cities near Meridian, MS are hiring for Professional Counselor jobs?

Cities near Meridian, MS with the most Professional Counselor job openings:

Professional Counselor jobs near you

Family Intervention Specialist

Youth Villages, Inc

Meridian, MS

$48K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Youth Villages rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 246 rated social care providers

Job description

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.

For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org

Program Overview: 

Intercept®, developed by Youth Villages, is an evidence-based intensive, in-home program that focuses on keeping families together by preventing out-of-home placements or facilitating reunification after such placements, including foster care, residential treatment facilities, hospitalization, or juvenile detention centers. It is one of the first programs to receive the well-supported designation from  Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse developed in accordance with the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) having been shown to reduce out-of-home placements and accelerate permanency for children. 
 
This program serves youth from birth to age 18 who are facing serious emotional or behavioral challenges or have experienced trauma, such as abuse or neglect. Services are provided by highly trained Family Intervention Specialists directly in the family’s home and community–Intercept® is not an office-based program.  
 
Intercept provides intensive, strength-based support tailored to each family’s unique needs, ultimately helping them achieve lasting change through evidence-based mental health interventions, along with the development of new parenting and communication skills. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

The Family Intervention Specialist: 

  • Carries a caseload of 4 to 6 families  

  • Holds individual and family sessions with each family 3 times a week, scheduled at the convenience of the families  

  • Conducts on-going assessment of youth to determine their needs from a strength-focused, solution-based perspective  

  • Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development and quarterly booster trainings to enhance clinical skills  

  • Drives up to 60 to 80 miles to meet with families in their homes and communities (additional travel may be required) 

  • Collaborates with other providers, case workers, and courts to formulate a collaborative treatment plan  

  • Provides on-call crisis support to the youth and family (schedules vary by location) 

  • Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR) 

  • Performs other duties as assigned 

Additional Information:  

  • Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.  

  • Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance. 

  • Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage. 

Salary:

$48,000 - $55,000 / year based on education and clinical experience

Qualifications: 

  • Master’s degree in a social services discipline (preferred) 

  • Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline (required) 

    • Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review) 

  • Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families in a volunteer, internship, or paid position (preferred) 

  • Clinical experience (preferred) 

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail  

  • Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills  

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously  

  • Basic computer knowledge  

  • Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Youth Villages Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision

  • 401(k)

  • Time off:

    • 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)

    • 12 paid sick days per year

    • 11 paid holidays

  • Paid Parental Leave

  • Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

  • Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

  • Growth & development through continuous training

  • Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.

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