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Volunteer Counselor Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lake County

Flex Counselor II - CCP

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$24.65/hr

General Description The Flex Counselor II is a valuable member of our Crisis Care/Respite Program ... Since 1983, the Crisis Care Program has provided a 24/7 crisis line and an 8-bed, voluntary ...

Clune Construction Company, L.P.

Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $215/hr

Job Purpose The Counsel role supports the Head of Legal by providing legal advice and hands‑on ... Company‑paid and Voluntary Life Insurance Plans. * Company‑paid Short Term and Long Term ...

D. R. Horton

Division Counsel

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

- Division Counsel (2603269) Division Counsel - 2603269 Description D.R. Horton, Inc., the largest ... Multiple Voluntary and Company provided Benefits Salary Range: $150,000 - $250,000 Build YOUR ...

Lake County, IL

Flex Counselor II - CCP

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$24.65/hr

Ungraded General Description The Flex Counselor II is a valuable member of our Crisis Care/Respite ... Since 1983, the Crisis Care Program has provided a 24/7 crisis line and an 8-bed, voluntary ...

DR Horton, Inc.

Division Counsel

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

Horton, Inc. is currently looking for a Division Counsel . The right candidate will oversee and ... Multiple Voluntary and Company provided Benefits Salary Range: $150,000 - $250,000 Build YOUR ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsVolunteer Counselor JobsVolunteer Counselor Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Volunteer Counselor information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$8

$18

$33

How much do volunteer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer counselor in Park Ridge, IL is $18.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer counselor?

Volunteer Counselors are individuals who offer their time and skills to provide guidance, support, and counseling services without receiving monetary compensation. They typically work with organizations such as schools, nonprofits, crisis centers, or community outreach programs to help people facing emotional, social, or mental health challenges. Volunteer Counselors may assist with active listening, offering advice, facilitating support groups, and connecting clients with additional resources. Their work is important in expanding access to mental health and support services for those who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, basic counseling training, and a strong understanding of ethical guidelines. Familiarity with case management systems and completion of relevant certifications, such as crisis intervention or mental health first aid, are typically expected. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and nonjudgmental communication set outstanding counselors apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for building trust, supporting individuals in distress, and ensuring responsible, effective assistance.

What are some common challenges volunteer counselors face when supporting clients, and how can they effectively navigate these situations?

Volunteer Counselors often work with individuals experiencing intense emotions, trauma, or crisis situations, which can be emotionally demanding and challenging. Navigating boundaries, managing personal stress, and ensuring appropriate referrals when issues exceed their training are critical aspects of the role. Effective Volunteer Counselors regularly participate in supervision, debrief with experienced colleagues, and utilize organizational training and resources to maintain their own well-being while providing quality support. Building strong communication skills and practicing self-care are essential for long-term success in this field.

What is the difference between Volunteer Counselor vs Professional Counselor?

AspectVolunteer CounselorProfessional Counselor
CredentialsOften no formal certification; may have basic trainingRequires state licensure and advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or Doctorate)
Work EnvironmentNon-profit organizations, community centers, crisis hotlinesHospitals, private practices, mental health clinics
Employer & IndustryNon-profit, community service, mental health supportHealthcare, mental health, private practice
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles vs paid professionalsCareer development, licensing, qualifications

Volunteer Counselors provide support and guidance without formal licensure, often in community or non-profit settings. Professional Counselors hold advanced degrees and licensure, working in clinical environments. The main difference lies in credentials, scope of practice, and employment settings.

How to be a volunteer counselor?

To become a volunteer counselor, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification in counseling or mental health, demonstrate strong communication and empathy skills, and often undergo background checks. Many organizations require a commitment of a certain number of hours and may provide ongoing supervision or support. Volunteering in this role involves providing emotional support, guidance, and resources to individuals in need within a structured environment.

What is volunteer counseling?

Volunteer counseling involves providing emotional support, guidance, or advice to individuals or groups without monetary compensation. It often requires active listening, empathy, and communication skills, and may involve training or certification depending on the setting. Volunteers typically work in community organizations, mental health programs, or crisis centers to assist those in need.

What qualifications do you need to be a volunteer counselor?

To be a volunteer counselor, individuals typically need relevant training or certification in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Some organizations may require background checks and a minimum age or commitment period. Specific qualifications vary depending on the organization and the type of counseling provided.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Park Ridge, IL?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Volunteer Counselor jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Volunteer Counselor job openings:

Volunteer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Counselor job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,168 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

NON-MEDICAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR (SPIRIC)

CNIC Careers

Great Lakes, IL • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Provide direct services in the form of non-medical clinical counseling, with an emphasis on supporting individuals affected by suicide-related behaviors, as well as those experiencing grief and loss, including loss by suicide; 2) Counseling individuals, couples, families, and groups on matters pertaining to family dynamics, couples' communication, adjustment to commonly occurring personal and family issues/circumstances, adjustment to military life, and psycho-educational training programs; 3) Develop and execute short-term, solution-focused non-medical clinical counseling treatment plans for those individuals with commonly occurring life circumstance issues or adjustment disorders; and 4) Provide immediate and ongoing support to individuals, couples, families, and groups impacted by suicide-related events, and facilitate group and individual interventions to promote coping, resilience, and recovery. (NOTE: Your answer must be supported by information in your resume.)
The incumbent must meet the qualification requirements for Tier II clinical providers described in SECNAVINST 1754.8, "Credentials Review and Clinical Privileging of Clinical Providers within Department of the Navy Family Readiness Program." Tier II in the SECNAVIST 1754.8 is designated as someone with at least a Master's Degree in a clinical field, and a clinical license from a state board to provide clinical services independently.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/social-science-series-0101/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/psychology-series-0180/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/social-work-series-0185/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants for the 0101 Social Science Series must meet the following basic education requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:

Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR

Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.


Applicants for the 0180 Psychology Series must meet the following basic education requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:

Degree: major or equivalent in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and counseling psychology. These two specializations have additional educational requirements, as stated below:

  • Clinical psychology: For positions at grades GS-11 and above, satisfactory completion of all the requirements for the doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required.
  • Counseling psychology: For positions at grades GS-9 and above, satisfactory completion of 2 full academic years of graduate study directly related to professional work in counseling psychology, or satisfactory completion in an accredited educational institution of all the requirements for a master's degree directly related to counseling psychology is required.

Applicants for the 0185 Social Work Series must meet the following basic education requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:

Degree: social work. Must fulfill all of the requirements for the master's degree in social work in a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Master's degree with practicum: Applicants who complete all of the requirements for a master's degree in social work that included a practicum are eligible for GS-9.

Positions that have basic education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or an itemized list of college courses which includes equivalent information from the transcript (course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned). See OPM's General Policies for information on crediting education.Employment Type: OTHER

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