1

Professional Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Must hold or be eligible for a North Carolina professional educator's license with licensure in School Counseling; * Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the ...

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Must hold or be eligible for a North Carolina professional educator's license with licensure in School Counseling; Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle ...

Must hold or be eligible for a North Carolina professional educator's license with licensure in School Counseling; * Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the ...

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Must hold or be eligible for a North Carolina professional educator's license with licensure in School Counseling; Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle ...

Must hold or be eligible for a North Carolina professional educator's license with licensure in School Counseling; * Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the ...

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Must hold or be eligible for a North Carolina professional educator's license with licensure in School Counseling; Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle ...

Psychologist-LCSW-LMHC & LPC

Durham, NC · On-site

$400 - $800/day

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) * Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Thank You So Much! Company Description Supportive Care is a behavioral health care company with an extraordinary ...

Upper School Counselor new grads accepted Location: Oxford, NC Job Type: Full-Time Schedule: Monday ... Annual staff retreat for professional development and employee/family entertainment. Employer ...

Certified Instructional Support Staff/Professional School Counselor Date Posted: 7/16/2026 Location: Shepard Middle School Date Available: 08/17/2026 Position Number: Assignment Type: Position Term ...

Certified Instructional Support Staff/Professional School Counselor Date Posted: 8/10/2026 Location: Lucas Middle School Date Available: 08/17/2026 Position Number: Assignment Type: Position Term ...

Career Counselor

Durham, NC · On-site

$37K - $48K/yr

In the context of the UNH Wildcat Way to Professional Success Model, counsel students and alumni in exploring educational, personal or career goals; identifying interests, skills, and possible majors ...

Counselor

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

We are seeking a dynamic, dependable professional to join our team as a Nutrition Coach/Counselor. This role is ideal for a "people person" who is passionate about helping others and building ...

Bilingual Family Therapist

Durham, NC · Hybrid

$48K - $63K/yr

Master of Social Work (MSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Marriage and Family Counseling Either Provisionally or fully licensed (LCSW(A)) Certified or willing to become certified in the ...

Mental Health Counselor (Fully Licensed & Associate-Level) Job Summary: We are seeking ... Stay updated on best practices and participate in ongoing professional development. Qualifications:

Bilingual Family Therapist

Durham, NC · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

Master of Social Work (MSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Marriage and Family Counseling · Either Provisionally or fully licensed (LCSW(A)) · Certified or willing to become certified ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$34K

$69.9K

$110.8K

How much do professional counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional counselor in Raleigh, NC is $69,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,900.00 and $77,800.00 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Professional Counselor jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Professional Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Counselor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,904 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Wake County Public School System rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 640 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Overview

POSITION PURPOSE: 

Works collaboratively with teachers to support student social-emotional learning skills. Promotes student success, provides preventive services, and responds to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and personal/social development for all students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

  • Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local policies and procedures regarding counseling;
  • Considerable knowledge of social-emotional learning best practices;
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Google Apps;
  • Excellent organizational skills;
  • Effective time management skills;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, and the public.

 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

  • Master's degree in School Counseling;
  • Five years of counseling experience in a public-school environment.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Must hold or be eligible for a North Carolina professional educator's license with licensure in School Counseling;
  • Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Familiarity with Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 social-emotional learning curriculums, programs, and practices. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Collaborates with school staff to promote a positive school climate and build relationships.
  • Connects with families to bridge home-school communication regarding attendance, outside resources, and other needs of the family.
  • Collaborates with teachers to support social-emotional learning in the classroom.
  • Works with students individually or in small groups on topics related to study skills, organization, work habits, etc.
  • Responds to crises, as needed.
  • Performs other related duties, as assigned.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS:

    PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT  

    Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. Must be able to communicate effectively. At times requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to ten pounds. The position requires driving an automobile. Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking, physical requirements are consistent with those for sedentary work.

    WORK ENVIRONMENT

    Must be able to work in an office environment and come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community.

    EFFECTIVE DATE:  4/2023

    DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

    What Wake County Public School System employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom


    Wake County Public Schools logo

    About Wake County Public Schools

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

    Industry

    Education

    Company size

    201 - 500 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Cary, NC, US

    Year founded

    1976