At Heartlight, counseling is more than a profession—it is a calling to walk alongside struggling teens and their families during some of the most challenging and transformational seasons of their lives.
The Master’s Level Counselor serves as a vital part of the Heartlight Treatment Team, building meaningful relationships with approximately 13 residents and their families through consistent counseling, guidance, communication, and support. This role includes weekly one-on-one counseling sessions with residents, leading three weekly group meetings, and maintaining regular communication with parents at least every two weeks, often more frequently as needs arise.
The counselor serves as a bridge between Heartlight and the family, ensuring that communication remains compassionate, clear, and effective. In addition to clinical responsibilities, the counselor participates in retreats, program activities, counselor training events, and follow-up opportunities with graduates of the Heartlight program.
This position reports directly to the Director of Counseling and plays a key role in helping fulfill:
Heartlight’s mission of restoration, hope, and healing for teens and families.
Specific Responsibilities
1. Counseling:
Provide weekly one-on-one counseling services for a designated number of Heartlight residents (11–13). Responsibilities include the timely initiation and completion of all required counseling reports and documentation in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulatory standards. Documentation includes, but is not limited to:
- Plans of Service
- Plan of Service Reviews
- Treatment Plan Reports
- Counseling Notes
All documentation must be completed within required timeframes.
Participate actively in the Treatment Team by communicating resident concerns, progress, and insights during bi-weekly meetings.
Serve as a liaison for residents requiring psychiatric services by:
- Scheduling psychiatric appointments
- Participating in appointments with counselees
- Communicating psychiatric updates to parents, including diagnoses, medications, lab work, and follow-up scheduling
Lead and/or participate in three weekly group meetings.
Act as a primary communication liaison between parents and the Heartlight program, providing updates regarding:
- Resident progress
- Retreat schedules
- Emergencies
- Level System progressions
- Psychiatric needs
- Serious incidents
- Family visitation and travel arrangements
Participate in parent and family retreats and maintain meaningful communication whenever families visit the area or interact with the program.
Communicate all relevant travel plans, retreat attendance information, and visitation schedules to the appropriate Heartlight staff to ensure smooth program operations.
Communicate immediately with the Executive Director, Director of Counseling, and Residential Director upon the first discussion of discharge, termination, or graduation for any resident.
Ensure all discharge documentation is completed according to state standards and timelines.
Communicate parental concerns, counseling concerns, and potential conflicts to the Director of Counseling in a timely and professional manner.
Support the Director of Counseling in carrying out the mission and vision of Heartlight. While the responsibilities listed provide a framework for this role, additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the effective operation of the organization.
2. Staff Meetings:
Participate in weekly meetings including:
- Monday Morning Staff Meeting
- Weekly Counselor Meeting
- Scheduled Treatment Team Meetings
- Additional meetings as needed to remain aligned with Assistant Directors and program leadership
These meetings are essential for collaboration, communication, and maintaining unity within the Heartlight team.
3. Retreats:
Heartlight retreats are a meaningful part of the healing process for both residents and families. Counselors are expected to participate in:
Family Retreats:
- Three retreats annually
- Thursday evening through Sunday noon
Parent Retreats:
- Eight retreats annually
- Participation required Friday evening and Saturday morning
Scheduling for counselor participation will be coordinated by the counseling staff.
Additional retreat responsibilities may include:
- Food preparation
- Shopping
- Equipment setup and cleanup
- Assisting with retreat logistics
- Leading parent discussion groups alongside fellow counselors
These retreats create opportunities for restoration, deeper connection, and lasting family
transformation.
4. Program Participation:
- Facilitate weekly group meetings
- Participate in Q&A sessions and the Weekly Masters Program as needed
- Support program initiatives and seasonal activities as schedules and needs develop
Counselors are encouraged to engage relationally within the Heartlight community and
contribute to the overall culture of support and encouragement.
5. Continuing Education:
Heartlight values ongoing growth and professional development.
Counselors are expected to complete 15–20 hours of annual training. Training hours used to maintain professional licensure may count toward this requirement.
Heartlight encourages counselors to pursue continued growth personally, professionally, and spiritually.
6. Financial Responsibilities:
Responsible for obtaining and forwarding receipts for petty cash and approved expenses to the Financial Secretary for proper coding and processing.
Strong stewardship and accountability are expected in all financial matters.
Necessary Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess:
- A Master’s Degree in Counseling or Social Work
- LPC, LPC-A, LSW, or LMFT credentials
- An understanding of adolescent development and family systems
- Experience in ministry and/or working with teens and families
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to integrate biblical truth into counseling relationships while supporting adolescents and families through difficult situations with compassion, wisdom, and grace.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to effectively facilitate group discussions and presentations.
This role requires a personal relationship with the Lord that is evident in daily interactions with residents, parents, staff, and coworkers.
Candidates must also possess:
- A strong understanding of Heartlight’s policies and systems
- Knowledge of confidentiality and HIPAA standards
- Professionalism and emotional maturity
- A willingness to remain teachable and committed to continual growth
Counselors are expected to meet regularly with the Director of Counseling and participate fully in collaborative counselor meetings and discussions.
Necessary Skills:
Successful counselors at Heartlight will demonstrate:
- A courteous and Christ-centered attitude
- Strong writing and editing abilities
- Clear and thoughtful communication
- Effective time management
- Conflict resolution skills
- Organizational awareness and professionalism
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Most importantly, counselors should represent Heartlight’s mission and values with integrity, compassion, humility, and consistency.
Service Commitment:
Heartlight requests a two-year commitment for this position. If this commitment is not fulfilled, funds spent by Heartlight for training and/or supervision must be reimbursed.
Job Hours & Expectations:
Heartlight is more than a workplace—it is a ministry built on relationships, presence, and investment in people’s lives.
While regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, counselors are occasionally expected to participate in additional activities, events, and unexpected situations involving residents and families.
Counselors are expected to attend:
- Weekly Monday evening event (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Additional opportunities for involvement may include:
- Fundraisers
- Concerts
- Program activities
- Community events
Those who thrive at Heartlight are individuals who embrace flexibility, value meaningful connection, and understand the importance of showing up when it matters most.
Compensation
Salary Range
$40,000 – $70,000 annually
Supervision Expenses
LPC Associates will receive two years of paid supervision through Heartlight, valued at approximately $3,500.
If the two-year employment commitment is not completed, supervision expenses must be reimbursed.
Fringe Benefits
- Health and Dental Insurance (upon qualification)
- Coverage begins on the 1st of the month following a 60-day waiting period
- Heartlight contributes the first $300 toward coverage costs
Benefit costs beyond that amount are determined by the employee’s selected plan.
Additional Opportunities
Heartlight offers several optional opportunities for counselors to expand their impact while earning additional income.
Parenting Today’s Teens Crisis Coaching
Participation in four one-hour phone sessions per month may generate:
Families in Crisis Conferences
Participation in conferences held four times per year may generate:
Transition Back Home Follow-Up Program
Counselors who participate in 12 weeks of follow-up calls with graduating families may receive:
With strong family participation rates, this opportunity may generate:
401(k) Retirement Plan:
After one year of service, counselors may participate in Heartlight’s 401(k) program.
Heartlight will match employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 8%.
Paid Time Off & Holidays
- PTO begins accruing after hire
- 10 days during the first year
- 18 days after one year of employment
- Additional 6 days off provided for Family Retreat participation
- 11 paid holidays annually
Heartlight believes healthy, rested staff are essential to caring well for teens and families.
Pay: $52,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- working with teens and families: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- LPC, LPC-A, LSW, or LMFT credentials (Required)
Work Location: In person
