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Volunteer Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... counselors, teachers, social workers, and others involved in the case Submit thorough, independently written reports for the Court to the Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer Coordinator prior to court ...

Volunteer Coordinator

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$44K - $50K/yr

In addition, through our case managers, guests have access to general counseling, substance abuse ... VOLUNTEERS This role is vital to the success of the organization and is responsible for filling the ...

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Volunteer Counseling information

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How much do volunteer counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer counseling in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer counselor?

To thrive as a Volunteer Counselor, you generally need active listening skills, empathy, and a foundational understanding of counseling principles, often supported by relevant training or coursework. Familiarity with case management systems, confidentiality protocols, and sometimes basic mental health support tools is important. Strong interpersonal communication, reliability, and emotional resilience are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities enable Volunteer Counselors to provide effective support, build trust, and maintain ethical standards while assisting individuals in need.

What is the difference between Volunteer Counseling vs Mental Health Counseling?

AspectVolunteer CounselingMental Health Counseling
Required CredentialsOften no formal credentials; some volunteer roles may require trainingRequires a master's degree in counseling or related field, state licensure
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, nonprofits, crisis hotlines, schoolsClinics, private practices, hospitals, mental health facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, community organizations, volunteer programsHealthcare providers, mental health clinics, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonVolunteer Counseling vs Mental Health Counseling

Volunteer Counseling involves providing emotional support and guidance without requiring formal licensure, often in community or nonprofit settings. Mental Health Counseling requires advanced degrees and licensure, typically working in clinical environments. Both roles aim to support mental well-being but differ in credentials, work settings, and professional scope.

What are some common challenges faced by volunteer counselors, and how can they be managed?

Volunteer counselors often encounter emotionally intense situations and may feel challenged by balancing their helping role with other commitments. Managing boundaries, practicing self-care, and utilizing regular supervision or peer support are key strategies for maintaining well-being and effectiveness in the role. Many organizations also provide training and ongoing mentoring to help volunteers navigate complex cases and develop their counseling skills. Open communication with the team and seeking guidance when needed are essential to overcoming these common challenges.
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Counseling jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Counseling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs? The most popular types of Counseling jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Counseling jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Counseling jobs include:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Counseling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Intake Counselor - Volunteer

ACLU of Northern California

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

This is a volunteer opportunity available in the ACLU Foundation of Northern California's Legal-Policy Department.
About the organization and the department
The mission of the ACLU Foundation of Northern California (ACLU NorCal) is to be an enduring guardian of justice, fairness, equality, and freedom, working to protect and advance civil liberties for all Californians. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the heart of the Legal-Policy team which pursues cutting edge impact litigation and promotes policy change in order to defend and expand the civil liberties and civil rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the California Constitution.
The position
Intake Counselors support the Civil Liberties Intake Program by processing requests for legal assistance, distributing know-your-rights materials, etc. The Intake Counselor position is supervised by the Intake Program Manager.
Responsibilities can include:
  • Answering phone calls received through our Civil Liberties Hotline;
  • Conducting initial interview questions with the callers, writing clear and complete notes during the call, and documenting relevant matters in a concise manner;
  • Reviewing, evaluating, and responding to written requests for assistance, including mail and online complaints; and
  • Working with a web-based database to enter and update information from the intake, as well as catalog that data within the system.

Qualifications
The ACLU NorCal values equity and inclusion and encourages a diversity of candidates from various backgrounds to apply.
Individuals joining the Legal-Policy Department team as a Volunteer Civil Liberties Intake Counselor must have the following skills and qualifications:
  • Strong commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission of the ACLU of Northern California (for examples of our work, see the ACLU NorCal's online legal docket: https://www.aclunc.org/our-work/legal-docket);
  • Ability to adhere to a strict code of confidentiality;
  • A dedication to ongoing learning on how to best perform intake volunteer duties;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Proficiency with or willingness to learn Outlook;
  • Proficiency with or willingness to learn a web-based database; and
  • Highly organized and careful attention to detail.

Helpful but not required skills and qualifications include
  • Advanced or higher proficiency in Spanish (reading, writing, listening, and speaking);
  • Experience with a web-based database.

Time commitment & benefits
We require a minimum 4-month commitment of at 6 least hours during the workweek (Monday - Friday). This is an unpaid position.
To apply
The cover letter should include why you are interested in this volunteer position and what your availability will be for the coming months.
The ACLU of Northern California advances equity and inclusion in the workplace by providing equal employment opportunity to support a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (over 40), sexual orientation, military and veteran status, and any other basis prohibited by law. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. This equal employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, advancement, training, problem resolution, and separation from employment. Through this policy, the ACLU NorCal strives to establish and maintain an equitable and accessible work environment that is free from discrimination and supportive of a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our communities and the people we serve. ACLU NorCal will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).