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Professional Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

EAP Counselor

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$33.05 - $49.60/hr

Current professional licensure in the state of the counselor's practice required to practice counseling. 3 years experience in EAP related service preferred. CEAP certification preferred. Our ...

Student Career and Professional Training * Provide individual career counseling and coaching to current CALS students and alumni within 12 months of graduation. * Present career and professional ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Durham, NC · On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

As a Licensed Clinician, you'll supervise and coach a team of Substance Abuse Counselors who are eager to learn and grow professionally. You'll work with a collaborative treatment team consisting of ...

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 ...

Mental Health Counselor

Smithfield, NC · On-site

$49K - $53K/yr

Through ongoing support, professional development, and the implementation of proven treatment ... Counselors will work as part of a team to provide intensive home based services to children and ...

The Lead CARE Counselor helps provide a safe, engaging, and positive environment for school-age ... Communicate professionally with participants, families, staff, and school personnel. Drive program ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$33.05 - $49.60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 781 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Department:
12606 Enterprise Corporate - Employee Assistance
Status:
Full time
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Hours Per Week:
40
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
M-F
Some evenings
Some Call
Pay Range:
$33.05 - $49.60
Essential Functions
  • Conducts assessments with EAP clients, formulates appropriate counseling goals, and performs counseling or a referral to meet the client's needs.
  • Provides short-term counseling for clients not needing extensive treatment from an outside source.
  • Provides follow-up with clients to evaluate continuity and effectiveness of the outside services, if referred.
  • Serves as liaison between the client and their employer, HR department, and/or outside referrals for mandatory referrals or clients referred for drug positives as outlined in the specific company's policy.
  • Provides a broad range of presentations to assist employees in coping with problems or issues which have been identified by EAP experience, staff and management requests, or Advocate Health requests.
  • Provides orientations to employees and management for both internal and external clients.
  • Offers consultation services to management/leadership.
  • If full-time or part-time, is an account manager for external contracts (PRN counselors are not responsible for these items).
  • If full-time or part-time, participates in the on-call rotation for after-hours emergency coverage; PRN counselors do not cover call.
  • Recognizes and responds to emergency situations and handling them effectively as outlined in the EAP protocols, which may require coverage outside of normal working hours.
  • Assists EAP Director/Program Coordinators with marketing, sales, data collection, and record keeping, development of protocols, and program development.
  • Assists with the functions necessary to run an office, including answering phones, filing, general office duties, and other tasks as determined necessary by the EAP Director.
  • Participates in EAP, Departmental, Hospital, and Advocate committees, task forces, and other assignments as requested by the EAP Director or Hospital Administration.

Physical Requirements
Adequate vision is required for behavioral observations of clients to be alert for emergency and/o unsafe conditions. Adequate hearing is required for providing counseling services. Proper speaking and language skills are required to provide counseling. Stretching and bending may be required. Lifting ten pounds may be required. Capacity to sit for long periods of time.
Education, Experience and Certifications.
Master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work or related field required. Current professional licensure in the state of the counselor's practice required to practice counseling. 3 years experience in EAP related service preferred. CEAP certification preferred.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more
  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

What Advocate Aurora Health employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US