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Entry Level Peer Support Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Peer Support Specialist Location: Anaheim, California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $23 About the Program: Opportunity Knocks is a full service partnership (FSP) treating adults struggling with ...

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Entry Level Peer Support Specialist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$20

$30

How much do entry level peer support specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level peer support specialist in Riverside, CA is $20.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Peer Support Specialist vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectEntry Level Peer Support SpecialistMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; peer support certification often preferredHigh school diploma; mental health technician certification or training
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, mental health clinics, hospitalsHospitals, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment centers
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral health organizations, non-profitsHealthcare facilities, mental health agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPeer support roles, entry-level mental health jobsBehavioral health technician, mental health aide

The Entry Level Peer Support Specialist and Mental Health Technician roles share similarities in work environment and required certifications, often working in mental health settings. However, Peer Support Specialists focus on providing peer-based support and advocacy, while Mental Health Technicians assist with patient care and safety. Both roles serve vital functions in mental health care but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level peer support specialist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Peer Support Specialist, you need lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, a high school diploma or equivalent, and completion of a peer support training program. Familiarity with documentation software and basic computer literacy are typically required, and some states mandate certification in peer support. Outstanding active listening, empathy, and the ability to build trust are essential soft skills for supporting individuals on their recovery journey. These skills and qualifications are crucial because they enable effective peer support, foster hope, and help clients navigate recovery resources.

What is an entry level peer support specialist?

An Entry Level Peer Support Specialist is a person who uses their own lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges to support and assist others who are going through similar issues. They provide emotional support, share coping strategies, and help connect people to community resources. Entry level means they are new to the profession and often work under supervision while receiving training. Their main goal is to foster hope and empower individuals on their recovery journeys.

What are some common challenges entry level peer support specialists face when starting in this role, and how can they effectively address them?

Entry Level Peer Support Specialists often encounter challenges such as setting healthy boundaries with peers, managing emotional triggers from shared experiences, and navigating collaboration with clinical staff. It's important to receive proper training in boundary-setting and self-care techniques, as well as to seek regular supervision or peer consultation. Open communication and a willingness to learn from more experienced team members can also help new specialists build confidence and navigate the complexities of the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Support Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Peer Support Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Peer Support Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Peer Support Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Peer Support Specialist jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Peer Support Specialist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Peer Support Specialist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,798 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

Clarvida - California

Anaheim, CA โ€ข On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Peer Support Specialist
Location: Anaheim, California
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $23
About the Program:
Opportunity Knocks is a full service partnership (FSP) treating adults struggling with severe mental health disorders along with a current/recent legal history and are at risk of being homeless or currently homeless.
About Your Role:
As a Peer Support Specialist, you are fully integrated team members who provide highly individualized services in the community and promote consumer self-determination and decision-making. Peer Support Specialists are also peers to the consumers and they have the innate ability to build trust and relationships with consumers. The insight resulting from this relationship is extremely useful in encouraging continued consumer growth and recovery, as well as a valuable tool that can be brought to the treatment team in gaining insight for the treatment of each individual consumer.
Does the following apply to you?
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required with computer or business courses
    • Bachelor's degree preferred but not required
  • Consumer of Mental Health Services; Persons with a history of being consumers of mental health service or individuals with lived experience (i.e. living with a relative, significant other, or other support person who is a consumer of mental health services)
  • Active Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification
  • Proof of: valid California driver's license and auto insurance
Preferred Qualifications:
  • At least one or more year(s) of experience equivalent as a Peer Specialist/Peer Mentor
  • Understand the concepts of self-help, peer support and recovery model
  • Understand the principles of the mental health system and effectively work within the system
  • Knowledge of community resources and connections and experience working with peers
What we offer:
Full Time Employees:
  • Paid vacation days that increase with tenure
  • Separate sick leave that rolls over each year*
  • up to 10 Paid holidays*
  • Medical, Dental, Vision benefit plan options
  • DailyPay- Access to your daily earnings without waiting for payday*
  • Training, Development and Continuing Education Credits for licensure requirements
All Employees:
  • 401K
  • Free licensure supervision
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance program
  • Perks @Clarvida - national discounts on shopping, travel, Verizon, and entertainment
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Cellphone stipend
Application Deadline:Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
If you're#readytoworkwe are#readytohire! Now hiring!
Not the job you're looking for?
Clarvidahas a variety of positions in various locations; please go to
https://www.clarvida.com/working-at-clarvida
To Learn More About Us:
Clarvida@http://www.clarvida.com/mission-vision-and-values/
Clarvida is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.
"We encourage job seekers to be vigilant against fraudulent recruitment activities that are on the rise across the healthcare industry. Communication about legitimate Clarvida job opportunities will only come from an authorized Clarvida.com email address, from anotifications@jobvite.comemail, or a personal LinkedIn account that is associated with a Clarvida.com email address."
Keywords
Peer Support Specialist, Peer Mentor, Recovery Support, Mental Health Services, Behavioral Health, Community-Based Services, California Behavioral Health Jobs, Clarvida Careers
Employment Type: Full-Time