1

Volunteer Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Volunteer Counselor information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$8

$19

$34

How much do volunteer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer counselor in Silver Spring, MD is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What qualifications do you need to be a volunteer counselor?

To be a volunteer counselor, individuals typically need relevant training or certification in counseling, mental health, or a related field, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Many programs also require background checks and a commitment to a specific schedule or hours. Requirements can vary depending on the organization and the type of counseling provided.

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.

How to be a volunteer counselor?

To become a volunteer counselor, you typically need relevant training or certification in counseling or a related field, such as a mental health or social work degree. Many organizations require background checks and offer training programs to develop counseling skills, and volunteers often commit to a specific schedule or hours based on the organization's needs.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Volunteer Counselor jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Volunteer Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Counselor job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,149 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Company Secretary

Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID)

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$49K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE.
The Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID), formerly Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI), is an international volunteers-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change.
We are looking for a passionate VOLUNTEER company secretary.
Responsibilities
  • Ensuring that the BCI's corporate entities are administered correctly (including making all necessary corporate filings);
  • Liaising with the Director General & General Counsel to plan meetings;
  • Receiving agenda items from Executive Committee members;
  • Drafting and circulating agendas, discussion papers, and reports;
  • Taking minutes at Executive Committee meetings;
  • Circulating approved minutes;
  • Checking that agreed actions are carried out;
  • Keeping up-to-date contact details (i.e., names, addresses, and telephone numbers) of the Executive Committee and BCI Fellows;
  • Filing minutes and reports;
  • Maintaining a diary of future meetings;
  • Producing research briefings for distribution within BCI and (possibly) externally; and
  • Assisting in the management of projects on blockchain and various climate change policy areas

Core Competencies
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication; able to synthesise complex discussions into concise, accurate minutes and reports;
  • Meticulous attention to detail, strong organisational discipline, and the ability to balance competing demands and deadlines;
  • Professional, respectful stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-moving volunteer environment;
  • Resilience under pressure and commitment to working to established policies and procedures.

Requirements
Skills & Abilities
  • Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels;
  • Excellent English writing;
  • The highest levels of attention to detail;
  • Excellent organisational skills and ability to balance competing work demands;
  • Respectful and effective interpersonal relations;
  • Ability to analyze and synthesize complex topics of discussion and write them up in concise minutes;
  • Ability to work under pressure and keep deadlines for the preparation of documentation for the Executive Committee;
  • Ability to work according to policies and procedures;

General & Specialist Knowledge
  • Advanced Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive;
  • Basic knowledge of Airtable and/or Trello;
  • Some knowledge on topics central to the BCI, such as climate change, climate finance, and blockchain technology, is preferred

Education & Training
  • Qualified Company Secretary and/or Solicitor with extensive company law knowledge or similar;
  • Experience with project administration or management.

Relevant Experience
  • 2+ years of experience as a company secretary;
  • Experience in working independently and with teams to meet deadlines on time

Benefits
Blockchain and other emerging technologies. Climate change and sustainability. These are two hot topic groups that have been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. BCI is here as an expert platform to help governments, inter-governmental and regional organizations as well as relevant corporates to negotiate the complex landscape of emerging technologies for environmental good. We cement our expertise by putting in the hard work in researching, identifying, and analyzing the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by the stakeholders in the climate change and action network.
Benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI are enormous and some include:
  • You will hone or learn new skills including research, presentation, writing, professional etiquette,
  • Your mind will be mentally stimulated, hence providing you with a sense of purpose;
  • You will advance and boost your professional career by helping you to make professional connections and giving you real-world experience at the intersection between climate and emerging technologies; and
  • Help you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others. People who come together to make the world a better place forge a close connection.

Selection Process
As a voluntary organization, we are pleased to open the door for candidates who may not have the prior experience they need to start, progress, or switch their careers. To recruit the most suitable, talented, or potential new members out of the volume of applications received, it is the BCI's policy to also consider inexperienced candidates to fill our voluntary unpaid roles as long as they can demonstrate the skills required in the written assessment. In the selection process, most candidates will be invited to complete the following assessment.
Section A: Verbal and Numerical Reasoning (20 multiple-choice questions)
Section B: Situation Judgement Test (20 multiple-choice questions)
Section C: In-Tray Exercise (An open-ended assessment relevant to the duties of the role)
Candidates who pass all three sections will be invited to attend a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.