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Support Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Victor

Family Support Counselor

Barstow, CA · On-site

$21.51 - $29.58/hr

Join Victor as a Family Support Counselor - Help Others Soar! Are you dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting positive change in your community? Do you excel in roles that combine empathy with ...

Merakey

Support Counselor

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$18.25/hr

We are seeking Support Counselors to join our team at our program in Philadelphia, PA . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Aacres LLC

Support Counselor

Gardena, CA

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Support and assist with client personal care, daily living skills, and self-help skills Track and implement behavioral programs Supervise recreational activities & outings including transporting ...

STAR, Inc.

In-Home Support Counselor

Norwalk, CT

$18.50/hr

Support Counselor $18.50/hour. We are looking for dedicated and caring people to work with adult aged individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities. In this role, you would assist ...

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How much do support counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for support counselor in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Support Counselors?

Support Counselors are professionals who assist individuals facing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. They work with clients to provide guidance, support, and coping strategies, often helping them navigate personal crises or difficult life transitions. Support Counselors may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, community organizations, mental health clinics, or residential facilities. Their role involves active listening, empathetic communication, and connecting clients to additional resources as needed.

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

To thrive as a Support Counselor, you typically need a background in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with experience in counseling or support services. Familiarity with case management software, crisis intervention techniques, and relevant certifications such as Mental Health First Aid are often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish outstanding counselors. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively supporting clients, managing crises, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging situations.

What is the difference between Support Counselor vs Case Manager?

AspectSupport CounselorCase Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant bachelor's degree and counseling certificationOften requires a bachelor's degree, sometimes with additional certification or licensure
Work EnvironmentSchools, mental health clinics, community centersHealthcare facilities, social service agencies, community organizations
Primary FocusProviding emotional support, counseling, and guidanceCoordinating services, developing care plans, and resource management

Support Counselors focus on offering emotional and psychological support to clients, while Case Managers coordinate services and develop plans to meet clients' needs. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

How do Support Counselors typically collaborate with other professionals to ensure comprehensive client care?

Support Counselors often work closely with case managers, therapists, social workers, and medical professionals to provide holistic support to clients. Regular team meetings, case conferences, and shared documentation are common practices to ensure everyone is informed about each client's progress and needs. This collaborative approach helps to create cohesive care plans and allows Support Counselors to advocate for their clients effectively, address challenges promptly, and facilitate access to necessary resources.
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Support Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Support Counselor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, and 96% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.
Per Diem Direct Support Counselor Woods Circle

Per Diem Direct Support Counselor Woods Circle

HART United

Waterbury, CT • On-site

$18.56 - $21.16/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for the operation of the residential facility and the implementation of the individuals' programs. The Direct Support Counselor shall provide support and guidance to the individuals and maintain a home-like atmosphere. The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for assigning, supervising, and assisting with duties for housekeeping and general duties of the house & complete cleaning tasks, as well as providing counseling and spiritual life support. Provide assistance to the individuals in developing and maintaining appropriate living skills and cooperative interaction among the individuals.
RESPONSIBILITIES WITH RESIDENTS:
The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for providing general guidance and supervision of individuals lives and activities.
    • Ensure physical safety of all individuals
    • Be aware of individuals' whereabouts when at the home and away from the house
    • Recognize and report any suspected incidents of abuse or neglect.
    • Enforce house rules with individuals
    • Interact with and provide in-house leisure activities during down-time.

The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for addressing each individuals IP goals.
    • Providing input prior to meetings.
    • Attending IP's as needed
    • Implementing programs and documenting as prescribed
    • Reviewing all 6-month review and annual reports
    • Ensures that residents are treated with respect and dignity, and they are encouraged to exercise their rights.

The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for overseeing house operations.
    • To supervise and provide instruction and assist or complete as needed with individuals daily and weekly chores.
    • To be aware of the condition of individuals rooms and to prompt them when extra cleaning, sorting, etc. needs to be done and to assist or complete.
    • To supervise and help prepare meals according to doctors' orders.
    • To supervise and instruct each individual in the use of laundry equipment and proper procedures for caring for clothes. You may have to assist or complete as needed.
    • Shopping for groceries, household items, and individual needs.
    • Hygiene Provide counseling and/or hands on assistance for toileting, bathing, etc.

The Direct Support Counselor will have the following medical responsibilities:
    • To provide medical attention to and care for minor illnesses (headache, cold, virus, minor injuries).
    • To be able to judge seriousness and urgency of the individual's complaint and to decide if the situation warrants emergency room treatment or diagnosis; physician appointment; nurse consultation; or home treatment. The Direct Support Counselor should contact administrative staff or medical consultants as appropriate.
    • Administration of medications per DDS regulations.
    • Ensure appropriate use of adaptive equipment and to ensure that said equipment is in proper working condition.
    • Order medications as needed

Medical appointments:
    • Ensure individuals receive needed emergency medical care
    • Schedule routine medical appointments as needed.
    • Transport and accompany individuals to appointments as needed.
    • Complete follow up recommendations/orders

The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for providing counseling for individuals as requested and as needed.
    • Recognize and address potentially dangerous situations in a timely manner (such as behavioral emergencies, physical hazards, etc.)

The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for providing guidance and reinforcement to individuals regarding their vocational responsibilities and future.
    • To discuss the importance of attending work regularly, being on time, taking only authorized breaks, work attitudes, appropriate appearance, etc.
    • To discuss vocational options and preparation needed to reach an individual's vocational goals as appropriate.
    • Assist, as needed, with self-transporting skills to and from work.
    • Transportation to and from work as needed

The Direct Support Counselor will implement all recreational activities planned.
STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES:
    • The Direct Support Counselor will attend and participate in required monthly staff meetings.
    • The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for communicating relevant information regarding individual/staff/facility needs to their Residential Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO HOUSE ADMINISTRATION:
The Direct Support Counselor will have responsibility for maintaining individual resident files and maintaining appropriate level of confidentiality.
The Direct Support Counselor will also maintain daily documentation in:
    • At beginning of shift read T-Log/Communication Log/S.Comms
    • Communication log or house T-Log to be completed before end of shift
    • Individuals' daily logs or individual T-Logs to be completed before end of shift
    • Individuals program books (as needed) or ISPs to be completed before end of shift
    • Nursing log/nursing health T-Log to be completed before end of shift
    • Kardex
    • The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for reporting concerns and problems from parents and family in a timely fashion to the Residential Supervisor. Will respond to parent and family concerns if and when appropriate or call to the Residential Supervisor if issue is of more sensitive nature or if situation is escalating.
    • Arrive to shift promptly and find coverage for shift(s) when requesting time off.

SUPERVISION:
    • Have an interest in the welfare of the residents
    • Have the ability to work well with others.
    • The Direct Support Counselor is to report to, and be directly responsible to, the Residential Supervisor.
    • The Direct Support Counselor will perform other related duties as requested by the Residential Supervisor, the Residential Director, or the Executive Director. This includes, but is not limited to, covering another house in case of emergency.

Requirements
Job Requirements
    • Maintain medication administration certification as required by State of Connecticut DDS.
    • Renew medication administration certification 90 days before expiration.
    • Must have a valid CT driver's license and be able to drive the company vehicles, to include wheelchair vans, as long as you are an employee of HART.
    • Some programs require staff to use their own vehicle and provide proof of insurance and registration.
    • Attend all mandatory in-services provided by HART before their expiration date.
    • Maintain necessary certifications as per DDS regulations.
    • Will be responsible for maintaining individuals' medications in accordance with DDS and Dpt. of Health regulations.
    • Ability to do daily standing, bending and lifting.
    • Must be able to lift 10 pounds.
    • To attend special meetings when specifically requested.

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