Licensed Professional Counselor

Heartlight Ministries

Hallsville (TX)

On-site

USD 52,000 - 70,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with company-m

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

Heartlight Ministries seeks a Master’s Level Counselor (LPC, LPC-A, LSW, LMFT) to provide weekly one-on-one counseling to residents and lead group sessions. The role acts as a liaison with families, coordinating communication and progress updates while participating in retreats and staff activities.

The position emphasizes regulatory compliance, documentation, and collaborative care within Heartlight’s mission to restore hope and healing for teens and families.

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Counseling or Social Work required.
Understanding of adolescent development and family systems.
Experience in ministry and/or working with teens and families.

Responsibilities

Provide weekly one-on-one counseling for Heartlight residents (11–13).
Lead three weekly group meetings and document counseling notes and Plans of Service within required timeframes.
Coordinate with families and parents, communicating updates and schedules regularly.
Support treatment team communications and participate in retreats and staff meetings as needed.
Maintain HIPAA-compliant, timely discharge and documentation processes.

Skills

LPC

LPC-A

LSW

LMFT

Education

Master’s Degree in Counseling or Social Work

Job description

Master’s Level Counselor (LPC, LPC-A, LSW, LMFT)

Job Description Summary

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 10-12 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
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:

Level System progressions
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
Participation required Thursday evening through Sunday noon

Parent Retreats

Eight retreats annually
Participation in the Friday and Saturday Parent Retreats (Friday and 1/2 day Saturday required on 2 of these)

Additional retreat responsibilities may include:

Leading parent discussion groups alongside fellow counselors

These retreats create opportunities for restoration, deeper connection, and lasting family transformation.

Facilitate weekly group meetings
Drop by the weekly Monday Q&A events to be seen.
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.

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:

LPC, LPC-A, LSW, or LMFT credentials
A Master’s Degree in Counseling or Social Work
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
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 an LPC-A's commitment is not fulfilled, all funds spent by Heartlight for 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 just make a showing at the Monday evening Q&A's:

Weekly Monday evening event (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

Additional opportunities (if one chooses) for involvement may include:

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 (Dependent on Experience, Credentials, Expertise)

Starting Salary Range

$52,000 – $70,000 annuallydepending on experience, effectiveness, and training. Plus, an additional $18,000* from a family’s participation in the follow up 12-week care program with one 45-minute call a week.

Supervision Expenses (if LPC-A)

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.

Health and Dental Insurance (upon qualification)
Coverage begins on the 1st of the month following a 60-day waiting period

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, chosen, in four 45-minute phone sessions per month may generate:

$270 monthly

Families in Crisis Conferences

Participation, if chosen, 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:

Up to $18,000 annually401(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