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Volunteer Counselor Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

CRISIS SPECIALIST - MCR

Springfield, IL · On-site

$27.52 - $42.65/hr

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or closely related human service field ... Complete required administrative and legal paperwork (such as: voluntary and involuntary paperwork ...

Education: · Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or closely related human ... Complete required administrative and legal paperwork (such as: voluntary and involuntary paperwork ...

New

CRISIS SPECIALIST - MCR

Springfield, IL · On-site

$27.52 - $42.65/hr

Qualifications Education: • Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or closely ... Complete required administrative and legal paperwork (such as: voluntary and involuntary paperwork ...

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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Volunteer Counselor information

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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:

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.

Administrative Services Coordinator

Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

Springfield, IL • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Description:

Responsible for the coordination and administration of agency-wide administrative support services, including employee training, quality improvement initiatives, risk management, board governance activities, accreditation, volunteer and intern processing, and office operations. Provides supervision of front office staff, supports executive leadership with board and organizational initiatives, coordinates agency events and records management, and assists with program operations as assigned. It is the role of the Administrative Services Coordinator to support the mission of Catholic Charities by ensuring efficient administrative operations, regulatory compliance, continuous quality improvement, and effective organizational support across the agency.

Job Duties:

  • Coordinate Catholic Charities training program including tracking employee participation, scheduling and researching training resources.
  • Coordinate Catholic Charities Quality Improvement Plan including council membership and activities, data collection, internal on-site reviews, annual Agency Evaluation Report.
  • Coordination of all risk management and inventory activities, including vehicle (fleet) management and FARS.
  • Coordination of all board membership activities including tracking, processing and reporting for all Advisory Boards and Corporate Board.
  • Submit meeting minutes for all Senior Management Team and Corporate Board.
  • Supervise Front Office staff and coordinate office management activities for the administration office.
  • Assist Executive Director with assigned Corporate Board activities.
  • Assist coordination of IFS program activities under direction of Director of Operations.
  • Coordination of all COA accreditation activities.
  • Volunteer and Intern processing coordination.
  • Coordination and planning with employee events and activities.
  • Coordination of agency archival activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications:

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Knowledge of general office administration, records management, and organizational operations.
  • Knowledge of board governance processes, meeting coordination, and minute preparation.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple projects and prioritize competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
  • Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn agency databases and software applications.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers, board members, community partners, and the public.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining records, reports, and compliance documentation.

Minimum Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Services, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.

Minimum Experience

  • Five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative or office management experience.
  • Experience coordinating multiple organizational initiatives or projects.
  • Prior supervisory experience preferred.
  • Experience working in a nonprofit, healthcare, human services, or social services environment preferred.
  • Experience supporting executive leadership, governing boards, accreditation activities, or quality improvement initiatives is desirable.

Related Job Requirements: Evening/weekend work and travel as required. Driving imperative position requires meeting all criteria set forth by our auto insurance carrier.


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 includes 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.