Counselor Jobs in Charlotte, NC
Counselor jobs in Charlotte are concentrated in the Uptown core, South End, and University City corridor, with demand across behavioral health, school systems, and workforce development. Employers actively hiring include Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Anuvia Prevention & Recovery Center, and Alexander Youth Network. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Under the direction of the program director, or center-specific designate, and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Licensed Afterschool Counselor will be directly responsible for the safety, supervision, programming, and involvement with program participants at the assigned YMCA. In addition, the Licensed Afterschool Counselor will be responsible for knowing and meeting all programmatic
requirements for childcare licensure.
Culture Statement:
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose. We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater
purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.
We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
- Provide leadership and supervision to a team of licensed afterschool counselors, ensuring
- Train, mentor, and support counselors, ensuring they are well-equipped to implement high-quality programming and maintain licensing requirements.
- Oversee daily program operations, ensuring structured activities, smooth transitions, and
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians, addressing concerns, sharing progress
- Manage and resolve conflicts among children and staff using state-approved behavior
- Ensure full compliance with licensing regulations, including documentation, check-in/check-out procedures, emergency preparedness, and health and safety protocols.
- Assist in planning and leading structured, developmentally appropriate activities, including arts, sports, STEM, and enrichment programs.
- Monitor staff performance, providing feedback, coaching, and ensuring all required training and certifications remain current.
- Foster an inclusive and nurturing environment, ensuring children and staff feel safe, supported, and engaged in learning and social development.
- Participate in licensing inspections, staff meetings, and professional development to ensure program effectiveness and continuous growth.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
- Minimum 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum of 1 year previous child care experience.
- Completion of 20 hours of training in early childhood education and curriculum best practices annually.
- Completion of Basic Safety Series and Child Abuse Prevention trainings upon hire.
- Interest in working with children and youth, exercising sound emotional maturity, moral character, judgement, integrity and leadership capability.
- Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
- Desire to learn and apply experiences as necessary.
- Strong interpersonal skills to be able to communicate in a positive manner with participants, families, and staff.
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
- Basic School Age Care Certificate (can be obtained after hire)
- Previous experience and training related to working with youth and diverse populations
- Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
- Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
- Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
- Requires bending, pulling, crouching, leaning, kneeling, and walking, pushing, climbing, and jumping.
- Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in such a way as to be easily understood by children, staff and parents.
- Visual and auditory ability to supervise and respond to critical situations with children.
- Must be able to move freely and quickly through the facility and alternate program locations including outdoors and field trips.
Competencies:
1 EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
2 CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION MAKING: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment
3 DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers,
members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
4 INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
Requires availability to work on out of school days. This is for the 2026-2027 School Year.
Work hours: Monday-Friday 6:15 AM - 9:00 AM
Under the direction of the program director, or center-specific designate, and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Licensed Afterschool Counselor will be directly responsible for the safety, supervision, programming, and involvement with program participants at the assigned YMCA. In addition, the Licensed Afterschool Counselor will be responsible for knowing and meeting all programmatic
requirements for childcare licensure.
Culture Statement:
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose. We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater
purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.
We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
- Provide leadership and supervision to a team of licensed afterschool counselors, ensuring
- Train, mentor, and support counselors, ensuring they are well-equipped to implement high-quality programming and maintain licensing requirements.
- Oversee daily program operations, ensuring structured activities, smooth transitions, and
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians, addressing concerns, sharing progress
- Manage and resolve conflicts among children and staff using state-approved behavior
- Ensure full compliance with licensing regulations, including documentation, check-in/check-out procedures, emergency preparedness, and health and safety protocols.
- Assist in planning and leading structured, developmentally appropriate activities, including arts, sports, STEM, and enrichment programs.
- Monitor staff performance, providing feedback, coaching, and ensuring all required training and certifications remain current.
- Foster an inclusive and nurturing environment, ensuring children and staff feel safe, supported, and engaged in learning and social development.
- Participate in licensing inspections, staff meetings, and professional development to ensure program effectiveness and continuous growth.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
- Minimum 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum of 1 year previous child care experience.
- Completion of 20 hours of training in early childhood education and curriculum best practices annually.
- Completion of Basic Safety Series and Child Abuse Prevention trainings upon hire.
- Interest in working with children and youth, exercising sound emotional maturity, moral character, judgement, integrity and leadership capability.
- Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
- Desire to learn and apply experiences as necessary.
- Strong interpersonal skills to be able to communicate in a positive manner with participants, families, and staff.
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
- Basic School Age Care Certificate (can be obtained after hire)
- Previous experience and training related to working with youth and diverse populations
- Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
- Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
- Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
- Requires bending, pulling, crouching, leaning, kneeling, and walking, pushing, climbing, and jumping.
- Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in such a way as to be easily understood by children, staff and parents.
- Visual and auditory ability to supervise and respond to critical situations with children.
- Must be able to move freely and quickly through the facility and alternate program locations including outdoors and field trips.
Competencies:
1 EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
2 CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION MAKING: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment
3 DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers,
members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
4 INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
Requires availability to work on out of school days. This is for the 2026-2027 School Year.
Work hours: Monday-Friday 6:15 AM - 9:00 AM
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Find Counselor JobsCounselor Job Market in Charlotte
Who's Hiring
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools43
- Anuvia Prevention & Recovery Center32
- Alexander Youth Network22
- YMCA11
- The Grove CLT11
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
Counselor Jobs in Charlotte: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a counselor job in Charlotte?
Target Charlotte's strongest hiring sectors: the Carolinas healthcare network, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and the city's growing network of community mental health centers in neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood and Eastland. Candidates with a master's degree in counseling or social work and any clinical hours from a North Carolina-based practicum site stand out. Applying to roles tied to Charlotte's workforce development and reentry programs also opens doors faster than national searches.
Which companies hire counselors in Charlotte?
Companies currently hiring counselors in Charlotte include Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Anuvia Prevention & Recovery Center, and Alexander Youth Network, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Charlotte's hiring mix leans heavily toward large hospital systems, public school districts, and nonprofit behavioral health agencies serving Mecklenburg County and surrounding communities.
Are there remote counselor jobs in Charlotte?
Yes, though remote work is limited for hands-on clinical roles and more available for roles like career counseling, EAP counseling, and case coordination. About 14% of counselor openings tied to Charlotte are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. Telehealth-based outpatient counseling positions and employee assistance roles tend to offer the most flexibility for Charlotte-area candidates.
How can I get a counselor job in Charlotte with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Charlotte is through supervised internship or practicum placements at community mental health centers in Mecklenburg County or through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, which regularly brings on counseling interns and paraprofessionals. Charlotte nonprofits focused on substance use recovery, youth services, and housing stability also hire entry-level case managers and counselor assistants who can grow into licensed roles. Completing a local placement strengthens your candidacy faster than out-of-state experience.
Which industries hire the most counselors in Charlotte?
Most counselor openings in Charlotte sit in Education, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Charlotte's role as a regional healthcare hub and one of the largest school districts in the Southeast drives consistent demand across those sectors throughout the year.
Related Jobs in North Carolina
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