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Certified Peer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certified Peer Specialist

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$21.60 - $24/hr

Certified Peer Specialist. ( FT preferred but PT option is available) - ($21.60hr - $24hr). Location: Bethlehem. The Organization: Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children ...

Certified Peer Specialist

Joplin, MO · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

The Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for providing supportive rehabilitation and recovery support services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health issues who are learning to ...

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

The Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for providing supportive rehabilitation and recovery support services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health issues who are learning to ...

Certified Peer Specialist

Springfield, MO · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Certified Peer Specialist Location: Springfield, MO Department: Recovery Services Employment Type: Full-time Shift: Monday - Friday Job Summary: Burrell currently has openings available for Certified ...

Showing results 21-40

Certified Peer information

See salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do certified peer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified peer in the United States is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Certified Peer?

A Certified Peer, also known as a Certified Peer Specialist or Peer Support Specialist, is an individual with lived experience of mental health or substance use challenges who has received specialized training and certification to support others facing similar issues. Certified Peers use their personal experiences to provide guidance, encouragement, and support to individuals in recovery. They work in various settings, including mental health organizations, substance use treatment centers, and community programs, helping clients set goals, develop coping strategies, and connect with resources. Their unique perspective fosters hope and empowerment in those they assist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Peer?

To thrive as a Certified Peer, you need lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, completion of a peer specialist certification program, and a strong understanding of recovery principles. Familiarity with documentation software, confidentiality protocols, and relevant community resources is typically required. Effective communication, empathy, active listening, and the ability to build trust are critical soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable Certified Peers to provide meaningful support, foster hope, and empower others in their recovery journeys.

How do Certified Peers typically collaborate with clinical staff and contribute to the overall care team?

Certified Peers play a vital role in multidisciplinary care teams by sharing their lived experience, offering unique emotional support, and helping clients navigate recovery. They frequently collaborate with clinicians—such as social workers, therapists, and case managers—by participating in team meetings, providing insights into clients’ perspectives, and supporting care plans. This partnership helps bridge communication gaps and ensures that clients’ voices are represented in treatment decisions. Building trust with both clients and staff is a key part of the role, often requiring strong interpersonal and advocacy skills.

What is the difference between Certified Peer vs Certified Peer Support Specialist?

AspectCertified PeerCertified Peer Support Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires certification or training in peer supportRequires specific certification as a Peer Support Specialist
Work EnvironmentCommunity mental health, addiction recovery, hospitalsCommunity mental health, addiction recovery, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by mental health agencies, hospitals, clinicsCommonly employed in mental health and addiction services
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing peer roles in mental healthIndividuals seeking certified peer support roles

Both roles involve providing peer support in mental health and addiction recovery settings. The Certified Peer is a broader term for someone with peer support training, while the Certified Peer Support Specialist has specific certification requirements. Both work in similar environments and are used by similar employers, but the specialist designation emphasizes formal certification.

How do you become a certified peer recovery specialist?

To become a certified peer recovery specialist, individuals typically complete a state-approved training program that covers recovery skills, mental health, and substance use topics, and then pass a certification exam. Certification requirements may also include a minimum amount of lived experience with recovery and ongoing continuing education to maintain certification.

What cities are hiring for Certified Peer jobs?

Cities with the most Certified Peer job openings:

What states have the most Certified Peer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Certified Peer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Certified Peer jobs?

For Certified Peer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Certified Peer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,181 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Certified Peer Specialist

Altoona, PA • On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:The Certified Peer Specialist is responsible to the Certified Peer Specialist Program Director and Supervisor. A Certified Peer Specialist is a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who is a self-identified consumer of mental health services. CPS provide 1 on 1 person-centered, recovery-oriented services for adults 18 and over and/or youth and young adults 14-27 years old with serious mental illness and/or serious emotional disturbances to help them achieve recovery and community integration. Services are provided in the consumers' homes and communities in conjunction with existing resources. Services can include: advocacy, education, development of natural supports, support of work or other meaningful activity of the person's choosing, crisis support, wellness activities, effective utilization of the service delivery system, and service coordination and linkage to other service providers. The ability to share personal recovery experiences and to develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships is essential to effective CPS performance.Duties/ Responsibilities:Participate as a member of a recovery-treatment team.Provide recovery education to consumers, family members, and professional staff.Act as a community liaison to develop relationships with service agencies and other organizations.Provide outreach and engagement between consumers and support organizations.Assist consumers in recovery based goal development and planningFacilitate community integration & consistent use of natural resourcesFacilitate skill building activitiesPromote self-advocacy skills and opportunitiesFacilitate linkage to treatment servicesProvide long-term engagement, support, and encouragement to consumers, family, and staff perform other job duties as required.Required Skills and Abilities:A personal belief in recoveryA genuine hope and optimism that their peers will succeedA sincere interest in the welfare of their peers, including the ability to see each person as a unique individualA willingness to share their own recovery experienceAn ability to flexibly engage people based on their level of receptivity and individual needs, acknowledging that even the same person may need different types of peer-based services at different points in their recovery process.Possess effective written/ verbal communication, boundary setting, & computer skills.Required Licenses and Clearances: Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.ACT 31 certificatePossess a valid Pennsylvania driver's license with a good driving record & own reliable transportation for travel to consumer's homes/ communitiesBe willing to complete and pass the mandatory 75-hour peer specialist certification training program, which includes oral and written examinationsBe willing to complete 18 hours of approved continuing education training per year (w/ 12 hours specifically focused on peer support and/or recovery practicesPhysical Requirement:Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computerSome travel required