Program Counselor Jobs
Program Counselor jobs are open across higher education, nonprofits, healthcare, and government agencies, from entry-level to senior and director roles, with specializations in academic advising, case management, and workforce development. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 175+ Program Counselor jobs
Organization Overview
Girls Place, Inc. is a dedicated grassroots nonprofit organization serving girls in. With over 40 years of experience, we provide a variety of year-round programs designed to empower girls to become courageous, strong, and self-sufficient. Our mission is to inspire girls to celebrate their minds, hearts, and physical well-being.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Classroom Counselor is responsible for implementing the Girls Place curriculum in an after school (part time) and summer day camp (up to full time) setting. As a trauma-informed organization, we empower girls to grow courageous, strong, and self-sufficient. A counselor takes all opportunities to nurture positive experiences for the girls and work closely with other programs and administrative staff to ensure the smooth operation of programs.
GENERAL JOB FUNCTIONS
· Maintain a safe, structured, and positive environment for both staff and participants
· Maintain structure and organization while implementing program activities and curriculum
· Follow the provided program schedule and adapt as instructed by supervisors to meet the evolving needs of the program
· Support best practices aligned with Florida Standards for Quality Afterschool Programs
· Ensure compliance with oversight bodies’ (e.g., Department of Children and Families, Early Learning Coalition) rules and regulations including staff training, ratio compliance, and health and safety standards.
· Participate and contribute to team meetings and professional development training
· Clean assigned areas in accordance with Girls Place procedures
· Other duties as assigned
RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN INTERACTING WITH CHILDREN
· Model House Rules and promote a positive environment for girls
· Manage behaviors with a trauma-informed lens and resolve conflict using restorative justice techniques
· Communicate professionally and frequently with parents regarding children
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
· Position requires a Level II FDLE Department of Children and Families Background Screening
· Position requires reference checks
· Certification Required: CPR & First Aid, or willingness to obtain upon hire
· Completion of 8 Office of Early Learning certification classes, or willingness to complete prior to entering a classroom
· DCF certification with 40 hours of training classes, current enrollment, or willingness to complete within 90 days of hire
· Willingness to complete 10 hours of in-service training per fiscal year
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Experience working with children
· Child Development Certification or youth related college level courses
· Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
· Ability to make independent decisions within set parameters
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
· Ability to sit and stand for short and/or long periods of time
· Ability to safely respond to emergency situations
· Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards
· Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 35 pounds
Join us at Girls Place, Inc., where your energy can inspire young girls to grow courageous and confident! We are committed to supporting our staff’s growth through meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of children. This paid role offers an enriching environment for those passionate about education, childcare, and youth empowerment.
Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Organization Overview
Girls Place, Inc. is a dedicated grassroots nonprofit organization serving girls in. With over 40 years of experience, we provide a variety of year-round programs designed to empower girls to become courageous, strong, and self-sufficient. Our mission is to inspire girls to celebrate their minds, hearts, and physical well-being.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Classroom Counselor is responsible for implementing the Girls Place curriculum in an after school (part time) and summer day camp (up to full time) setting. As a trauma-informed organization, we empower girls to grow courageous, strong, and self-sufficient. A counselor takes all opportunities to nurture positive experiences for the girls and work closely with other programs and administrative staff to ensure the smooth operation of programs.
GENERAL JOB FUNCTIONS
· Maintain a safe, structured, and positive environment for both staff and participants
· Maintain structure and organization while implementing program activities and curriculum
· Follow the provided program schedule and adapt as instructed by supervisors to meet the evolving needs of the program
· Support best practices aligned with Florida Standards for Quality Afterschool Programs
· Ensure compliance with oversight bodies’ (e.g., Department of Children and Families, Early Learning Coalition) rules and regulations including staff training, ratio compliance, and health and safety standards.
· Participate and contribute to team meetings and professional development training
· Clean assigned areas in accordance with Girls Place procedures
· Other duties as assigned
RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN INTERACTING WITH CHILDREN
· Model House Rules and promote a positive environment for girls
· Manage behaviors with a trauma-informed lens and resolve conflict using restorative justice techniques
· Communicate professionally and frequently with parents regarding children
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
· Position requires a Level II FDLE Department of Children and Families Background Screening
· Position requires reference checks
· Certification Required: CPR & First Aid, or willingness to obtain upon hire
· Completion of 8 Office of Early Learning certification classes, or willingness to complete prior to entering a classroom
· DCF certification with 40 hours of training classes, current enrollment, or willingness to complete within 90 days of hire
· Willingness to complete 10 hours of in-service training per fiscal year
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Experience working with children
· Child Development Certification or youth related college level courses
· Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
· Ability to make independent decisions within set parameters
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
· Ability to sit and stand for short and/or long periods of time
· Ability to safely respond to emergency situations
· Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards
· Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 35 pounds
Join us at Girls Place, Inc., where your energy can inspire young girls to grow courageous and confident! We are committed to supporting our staff’s growth through meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of children. This paid role offers an enriching environment for those passionate about education, childcare, and youth empowerment.
Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Program Counselor Jobs by Experience Level
See All 175+ Program Counselor Jobs
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Find Program Counselor JobsProgram Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- YMCA25
- Marrakech6
- US Department of Veterans Affairs5
- Pyramid Healthcare3
- YMCA of Greater Richmond3
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program counselor jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related human services field
- Experience managing a caseload and documenting client or participant progress
- Knowledge of community resources, referral networks, and social services systems
- Proficiency with case management software or client tracking platforms
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and participant interaction
- Relevant licensure or certification such as CADC, LSW, or CPCS depending on program type
Tips for Your Program Counselor Job Search
Tailor your resume to program type
Program counselor roles in workforce development, academic advising, and behavioral health each expect different language. Mirror the terminology in each posting, 'caseload management' lands differently than 'student support' depending on the program type you're targeting.
Highlight measurable outcomes in applications
Employers want to see what your programs actually produced. Quantify participant retention, completion rates, or placement outcomes wherever you can. Even rough numbers from internal reports carry more weight than descriptions of your day-to-day responsibilities.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists program counselor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Get licensed or certified before you apply
Many program counselor postings in mental health and substance use settings require a state license or a credential like CADC or CPCS. Research the specific requirement for your target state early, licensing timelines can delay your start date if you wait until after the offer.
Prepare scenario answers around difficult cases
Interviewers for program counselor roles consistently ask how you handle participants who disengage, miss milestones, or face compounding barriers. Prepare two or three real scenarios in advance with a clear explanation of what you did and what changed as a result.
Negotiate scope, not just compensation
Program counselors often have room to negotiate caseload size, documentation expectations, or professional development funding even when base pay is fixed. Ask about those terms before you sign, they affect burnout and advancement more than the starting salary in many settings.
Program Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most program counselors?
YMCA, Marrakech, and US Department of Veterans Affairs are hiring the most program counselors right now, with openings concentrated in Florida, New York, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is strongest in organizations running federally funded workforce, reentry, and community health programs.
How many program counselor jobs are remote?
About 21% of program counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote roles most common in virtual academic advising and telephone-based case management. Direct service roles in behavioral health, reentry programs, and in-person workforce development remain largely on-site due to participant contact requirements.
How do you become a program counselor?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related human services field. Build direct service experience through internships, AmeriCorps, or entry-level case aide roles. Pursue licensure or certification relevant to your specialty area, such as a state social work license or a substance use counselor credential. Apply to program counselor roles that match your population focus and program type.
Can you get a program counselor job with little experience?
Yes, many organizations hire program counselors at the entry level if you have a relevant degree and any direct service exposure. Volunteer work, field placements, and community health internships all count. Smaller nonprofits and government-funded workforce programs tend to offer the most entry-level openings, and several provide on-the-job supervision hours toward licensure requirements.
What does the program counselor interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen focused on your background and familiarity with the program population. A panel interview typically follows, with behavioral questions about handling difficult cases, managing competing priorities, and working within a multidisciplinary team. Some organizations ask you to complete a written case scenario or demonstrate documentation skills before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to program counselor jobs?
You can find and apply to program counselor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your specialty, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 175+ Program Counselor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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