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How to hire a counseling program leader

Counseling program leader hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring counseling program leaders in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a counseling program leader is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new counseling program leader to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a counseling program leader, step by step

To hire a counseling program leader, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a counseling program leader:

Here's a step-by-step counseling program leader hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a counseling program leader job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new counseling program leader
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a counseling program leader, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A counseling program leader's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, counseling program leaders from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of counseling program leader salaries for various roles:

    Type of Counseling Program LeaderDescriptionHourly rate
    Counseling Program LeaderRecreation workers design and lead recreational and leisure activities for groups in volunteer agencies or recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, parks, camps, aquatic centers, and senior centers. They may lead activities such as arts and crafts, dance, sports, adventure programs, music, and camping.$12-25
    Activities DirectorAn activities director is responsible for planning engaging events for the participants, considering individual interests and the safety of procedures and resources. Activities directors guide the activity staff on assisting the participants, ensuring that they are comfortable with joining the activities... Show more$12-35
    Activity CoordinatorAn activity coordinator is someone who creates and plans activities, outings, and events in various settings. Typically, they oversee creating programs, staffing events, and supervising the implementation of activities... Show more$13-21
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Kids
    • Developmental Disabilities
    • ADHD
    • Mental Health
    • Substance Abuse
    • Group Sessions
    • Direct Care
    • Role Model
    • Crisis Intervention
    • Children Ages
    • CPR
    • Medication Administration
    • Core Values
    • Community Services
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Conduct daily clinical documentation audits, manage consumer financial accounts, provide oversight and approval for all treatment and discharge planning.
    • Work within leadership to leverage existing ideas and experience to develop solutions to move forward in ministry initiatives.
    • Provide program management and leadership for development projects, including project alignment to business objectives, prioritization and change management.
    • Conduct daily clinical documentation audits, manage consumer financial accounts, provide oversight and approval for all treatment and discharge planning.
    • Facilitate activities including reading, basketball, and kickball
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your counseling program leader job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A counseling program leader salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, counseling program leaders' average salary in louisiana is 58% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level counseling program leaders earn 53% less than senior-level counseling program leaders.
    • Certifications. A counseling program leader with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a counseling program leader's salary.

    Average counseling program leader salary

    $36,986yearly

    $17.78 hourly rate

    Entry-level counseling program leader salary
    $25,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 16, 2026
  4. Writing a counseling program leader job description

    A counseling program leader job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a counseling program leader job description:

    Counseling program leader job description example

    Hamden, CT, USA Req #1758

    Tuesday, September 20, 2022

    Marrakech is looking for staff to work with our wonderful participants with developmental disabilities, physical, behavioral or other needs in a group home setting. We seek nurturing people who will provide care with respect and dignity as well as promote independence and community integration.

    420- Lead Program Counselor

    This home is looking for a lead program counselor to work with wonderful adults with developmental disabilities and significant physical needs. We seek nurturing people who will provide care with respect and dignity as well as promote independence and community integration.

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    + Models best practices in carrying out Program Counselor responsibilities.

    + Under direction of Manager, oversees the purchase of food for individuals, and ensures that dietary requirements are met for individuals.

    + Reviews grocery intake to be sure that the program is stocked with appropriate food according to the menu and that the purchases are delivered to the program site as listed on the receipts.

    + Demonstrates and Implements incidental teaching.

    + Assists nurse by scheduling and ensuring that medical appointments are fulfilled and have the appropriate follow up.

    + Assists with medication group by ensuring that doctor's order is complete with medications and data before the meeting and coordinating individuals' attendance.

    + Places medication orders on the first Tuesday of each month.

    + Updates and labels monthly menus, and files previous ones. Notes any substitutions to nurse.

    + Implements a daily schedule incorporating daily living skills and community experience that reflects program goals per OPS.

    + Teaches staff on duty how to implement policy, procedures, and programs, daily, during all shifts. Documents this training.

    + Relates pertinent information from group voice mails and memos to all staff. Communication by writing/typing in log book/Therap, verbal communication in person and call staff when needed.

    + Daily check of program books and third shift medication audit to be sure documentation occurred for previous shifts.

    + Daily overnight voice mail audits, documentation of these audits and immediate report of breaches to the Facility Manager verbally and in writing.

    + Provides direct care to individuals including medical, dietary, hygienic, behavioral supports, medication administration and teaching programs.

    + Monthly calls to Business Office, by third day of month, to report the individual census.

    + Prepares and presents reports, regarding responsible program site, at cluster meeting.

    + Counts Cash On Hand upon arrival to shift and reports any inaccuracies immediately to the Coordinator.

    + Maintains a safe and clean work environment and assures that agency property is well maintained and home is clean, orderly and safe.

    + Provides nighttime and weekend supervision to program staff at group home and other homes in assigned cluster during scheduled hours.

    + Works at least one weekend shift as indirect hours.

    + Provides On-Call support during the 2 days per week that manager is off. May coordinate with manager for coverage at other times as needed.

    + Maintains calendar of medical appointments, cleaning schedule, menus, and recreation.

    + Coordinates and follow up to ensure that meaningful recreation and leisure activities are offered to the individuals.

    + Follows the procedures, protocols, and policies as outlined in the Personnel Policies and Program Policy and Procedures manuals.

    + Attends cluster and staff meetings and required in-service training.

    + Drives vehicles safely.

    + Reports unsafe situations to the Program Manager in a timely manner, and follows up with appropriate corrective measure.

    + Lifts and transfers individuals as required. Lifts, transfers, and positions individuals when required as stipulated in service plans.

    + Gathers items for monthly packet and submits to the manager in a timely fashion.

    + Ensures that the home is compliance with all licensing requirements, by correcting and immediately reporting non-compliance and documenting this process.

    + Implements and documents behavioral and activity of daily living skills programming daily.

    + Documents programs, incident reports, abuse and neglect reports, safety reports, fire drills, and other items. Uses communication logs, nursing logs, voice mail, Therap and other communication methods appropriately.

    + Implements Physical/Psychological Management Training as required

    Shift Details: Tuesday- Friday 10a-6pm, Saturday 8a-4pm

    Benefits:

    + Paid time off (PTO) and Dedicated Sick Time

    + Paid Holidays

    + New Year's Day

    + Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

    + Memorial Day

    + Juneteenth

    + Independence Day

    + Labor Day

    + Thanksgiving

    + Christmas

    + Paid and Unpaid Leave for:

    + Bereavement

    + Jury Duty

    + Disaster Relief Volunteer

    + Family and Non-FMLA Medical Leave

    + Military Leave

    + Employer- Sponsored Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance (for full time employees)

    + External Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (for full time employees)

    + 401K and Profit Sharing Plan

    + Educational Benefits, Including:

    + DSP Credentialing through the NADSP

    + Tuition Reimbursement

    + Tuition discounts at local colleges and universities

    + Access to Various Voluntary Insurances and Benefits

    + Staff Recognition Program

    + Other Financial Benefits, Including but not limited to:

    + Dayforce Wallet (On-Demand Pay)

    + Marrakech's Homeownership Program

    + Perfect Attendance Bonus Program

    + Recruitment Referral Bonus

    + Other Corporate Discount Programs

    Marrakech is an equal opportunity employer. Marrakech, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status of veteran, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.

    Other details

    + Pay Type Hourly

    + Hiring Rate $18.65

    + Required Education High School

    Apply Now

    + Hamden, CT, USA
  5. Post your job

    To find counseling program leaders for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any counseling program leaders they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level counseling program leaders with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your counseling program leader job on Zippia to find and recruit counseling program leader candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting counseling program leaders requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new counseling program leader

    Once you've decided on a perfect counseling program leader candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new counseling program leader first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a counseling program leader?

Before you start to hire counseling program leaders, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire counseling program leaders pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $36,986 per year for a counseling program leader, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for counseling program leaders in the US typically range between $12 and $25 an hour.

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