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Volunteer Counselor Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

onehopeunited

Intact Case Manager

Springfield, IL · On-site

$26.10/hr

Voluntary Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance Program with 6 free counseling sessions * Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities * Free LCSW and LCPC Supervision hours ...

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All JobsVolunteer Counselor JobsVolunteer Counselor Jobs in Springfield, IL

Volunteer Counselor information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$8

$18

$33

How much do volunteer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer counselor in Springfield, IL is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $20.00 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 Springfield, IL?

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

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

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

Volunteer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Counselor job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,450 per year, or $19 per hour.

Legal Services Counsel

Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

Springfield, IL • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Description:


Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) provides compassionate legal support to the clients of the CCLS program covering the counties of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Legal support includes resource guidance, direct representation as well as coordinating referrals to the CCLS volunteer Counsel panel. The objective of the program is to provide quality legal counsel to individuals with little or no ability to afford such services or representation. Catholic Charities is seeking a full-time Counsel to aid us in this mission, with the following core competencies for the position listed below.

Job Duties

  • Work collaboratively with the CCLS Director and other team members, including volunteer Counsel.
  • Serve in diverse legal practice areas including, but not limited to, adoption, creditor and debtor issues, guardianship, immigration referral, landlord-tenant issues, government benefits, wills, and probate.
  • Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in civil proceedings.
  • Represent clients in court for issues most often including, but not limited to, landlord/tenant disputes, guardianship, orders of protection, and custody disputes.
  • Assist clients with self-help legal resources and processes.
  • Refer cases to volunteer CCLS attorneys, monitor progress, and provide support.
  • Collaborate with the diocesan Catholic Bar Association, where applicable.
  • Manage all client information according to confidentiality dictates.
  • Develop competency with the Hi Q client management program utilized by CCLS.
  • Actively demonstrate compassionate and comprehensive listening skills with all clients seeking assistance.
  • Develops community and diocesan relationships to further the mission and enhance the efficacy of the CCLS program.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
  • Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
  • Prefer experience in one or more of the specific practice areas listed.
  • Prior experience with in-court representation
  • Maturity and flexibility.
  • The position requires a valid Illinois Driver’s License and a safe driving history.
  • Successful completion of agency background checks and Safe Environment training.
  • Must develop proficiency in Hi Q client data management system.

Who We Are:


Catholic Charities is proud of its 100 year history of providing vital social services in our Diocese. As the official social service are of the Catholic Church, we maintain a substantial presence in ten communities throughout our twenty-eight counties of central Illinois. Area Offices operate in the communities of Alton, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Granite City, Mattoon, Quincy, and Springfield. In addition, Catholic Charities manages facilities in Alton (Catholic Children's Home) and Beardstown (The St. Anne Residence). The agency has earned national reaccreditation through COA, the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, which certifies that all programs meet best practice social service standards.

Our vast array of "Continuum of Care" services include Professional Counseling Solutions, senior services and guardianship, health care, residential care, independent living, special education, Intact Family Services, food and clothing distribution, St. John's Breadline, Meals on Wheels in Decatur, the Crisis Assistance program, MedAssist, Mobile Food Pantry, Catholic Charities Legal Services, The St. Anne Residence and discount resale stores. Catholic Charities seeks to respond to the needs of its communities through these diverse programs. Every year, this objective is realized as literally thousands of children and families are positively impacted by our efforts.

Although being a member of the Catholic faith is not a requirement to be employed by Catholic Charities, it is expected and required of all employees to acknowledge and respect the right of Catholic Charities to develop policies, manage programs and administer benefits in accordance with the Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.