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Peer Counseling Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Peer counseling * Mentorship * Community lectures/volunteer * Orientation of new staff to area of specialty * In-services * Resource notebook in area of specialty * Selects at least one student per ...

Peer counseling * Mentorship * Community lectures/volunteer * Orientation of new staff to area of specialty * In-services * Resource notebook in area of specialty * Selects at least one student per ...

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Morristown, TN ยท On-site

$1.4K - $1.9K/wk

Peer counseling * Students * Community lectures/volunteer * Orientation of new staff * In-services * Assists with on-the-job training, orientation and supervision of support staff. * Assumes ...

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Morristown, TN ยท On-site

$1.4K - $1.9K/wk

Peer counseling * Students * Community lectures/volunteer * Orientation of new staff * In-services * Assists with on-the-job training, orientation and supervision of support staff. * Assumes ...

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Morristown, TN ยท On-site

$1.4K - $1.8K/wk

Peer counseling * Students * Community lectures/volunteer * Orientation of new staff * In-services * Assists with on-the-job training, orientation and supervision of support staff. * Assumes ...

Peer counseling/Mentorship * Community lectures/Volunteer * In-services/Case studies * Participates in development, implementation and evaluation of standards of care and evidence based This includes:

Peer counseling/Mentorship * Community lectures/Volunteer * In-services/Case studies * Participates in development, implementation and evaluation of standards of care and evidence based This includes:

Clin Spec-PT

Harriman, TN ยท On-site

$1.4K - $1.9K/wk

Peer counseling /Mentorship * Community lectures/Volunteer * Orientation of new staff in area of specialty * In-services/Case Studies * Lunch and Learns * Development, implementation and evaluation ...

Peer counseling/Mentorship * Community lectures/Volunteer * In-services/Case studies * Participates in development, implementation and evaluation of standards of care and evidence based practice.

Clin Spec-PT

Sevierville, TN ยท On-site

$1.4K - $1.8K/wk

Peer counseling /Mentorship * Community lectures/Volunteer * Orientation of new staff in area of specialty * In-services/Case Studies * Lunch and Learns * Development, implementation and evaluation ...

Clin Spec-PT

Harriman, TN

$1.4K - $1.9K/wk

Peer counseling /Mentorship * Community lectures/Volunteer * Orientation of new staff in area of specialty * In-services/Case Studies * Lunch and Learns * Development, implementation and evaluation ...

Peer counseling/Mentorship * Community lectures/Volunteer * In-services/Case studies * Participates in development, implementation and evaluation of standards of care and evidence based practice.

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Peer Counseling information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do peer counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counseling in Tennessee is $18.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is peer counseling?

Peer counseling is a form of support where individuals help others who are facing similar life challenges, such as mental health issues, academic stress, or personal problems. Peer counselors are usually trained students or community members who offer guidance, listen empathetically, and provide resources, but they are not licensed therapists. The goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for sharing experiences and promoting well-being. Peer counseling can complement professional counseling by offering relatable support and fostering a sense of community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Peer Counselor, you need strong interpersonal skills, active listening abilities, and lived experience with the issues clients face, often supported by peer support training or certification. Familiarity with documentation tools, mental health first aid, and crisis intervention systems is typically required. Empathy, confidentiality, and nonjudgmental communication are crucial soft skills for building trust and rapport. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively support and empower peers while maintaining professional boundaries and promoting well-being.

How do peer counselors typically balance supporting others with managing their own emotional well-being?

Peer counselors often encounter emotionally charged situations, so maintaining personal well-being is crucial. Most organizations provide regular supervision, access to mental health resources, and peer support groups to help counselors process their experiences. It's common for peer counselors to set boundaries around their availability and practice self-care strategies, such as debriefing with colleagues or supervisors after challenging sessions. This supportive structure not only protects the counselor's mental health but also ensures they can provide the best care to those they support.

What is the difference between Peer Counseling vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectPeer CounselingMental Health Counselor
Required CredentialsTraining programs, certifications, peer support experienceMaster's degree in counseling or psychology, state licensure
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, support groupsClinics, hospitals, private practices
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, educational institutions, peer-led programsHealthcare facilities, mental health agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPeer CounselingMental Health Counselor

Peer Counseling involves providing support based on shared experiences, often with specialized training but without formal licensure. Mental Health Counselors hold advanced degrees and licensure, offering clinical therapy. Both roles aim to support mental well-being but differ in credentials, settings, and scope of practice.

Is peer counseling a good career path for me?

Peer counseling is a career that involves providing support and guidance to individuals facing personal challenges, often requiring strong communication skills and empathy. It typically requires relevant training or certification and can be found in settings like schools, community organizations, or healthcare facilities. Success in this field depends on interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in helping others.

What does a peer counselor do?

A peer counselor provides emotional support, guidance, and active listening to individuals facing personal, social, or mental health challenges. They often share similar experiences to build trust and may facilitate group discussions or refer clients to professional resources. Strong communication skills and confidentiality are essential in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Counseling jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Peer Counseling jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Peer Counseling job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,531 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Counselor (HS/Equivalent or Bachelor's) Knox, Blount, & Anderson

Helen Ross McNabb Center

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

$17.21 - $20.68/hr

Full-time, Per diem

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Counselor (HS/Equivalent or Bachelor's) Knox, Blount, & Anderson

Now Hiring: Counselors, Advocates, Peer Support Specialists, and Residential Counselors
Location: Knox, Blount, & Anderson Counties, Tennessee

Start Your Career with Purpose โ€“ Join the McNabb Center Today!
Are you ready to make a real difference? The McNabb Center is actively hiring passionate and dedicated professionals to join our mission of "Improving the lives of the people we serve." With multiple positions available across East Tennessee, now is the perfect time to begin or grow your career in mental health and social services.

We are currently accepting applications for high school equivalent and bachelor's level positions in the following areas:

Non-Residential Positions
Counselors & Advocates
Counselors and Advocates work in community-based roles providing individualized services such as home visits, referrals, education, family support, and advocacy. These professionals help clients access needed resources and make progress toward personal goals in areas like child development, abuse prevention, and recovery.

Examples include:
โ€ข Healthy Families Support Worker
โ€ข Victim Advocate

Starting Pay: $17.21 / hour (based on education, experience, and program focus)

Peer Support Specialist Positions
Peer Support Specialists are individuals with lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery who offer mentorship and hope to others. Working in clinical or community settings, Peer Support Specialists facilitate recovery groups, provide emotional support, and model wellness strategies.

Examples include:
โ€ข CSU Peer Support Specialist
โ€ข Hope United Peer Support Specialist (Overdose Response)

Starting Pay: $17.21 - $20.68 / hour (based on experience, education, and certification status)
Increased pay available for Certified Peer Recovery Specialists.

Residential Counselor Positions
Residential Counselors work in 24/7 treatment and stabilization facilities, offering supervision, safety monitoring, psychoeducational groups, and intake assessments. These roles support clients in crisis, recovery, or long-term care environments. Evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required. Shift differentials are available for 2nd and 3rd shifts.

Examples of Residential Facilities:
โ€ข Katie Miller & Gateway (Adolescent Residential Treatment)
โ€ข ILS (Long-Term Mental Health Housing)
โ€ข CenterPointe Detox & Residential Treatment
โ€ข Crisis Stabilization Units (Knox, Hamblen, and Children's Hospital)

Starting Pay:
โ€ข $17.21 - $17.57 / hour (high school level)
โ€ข$19.35 - $19.72 / hour (bachelor's level)

General Requirements & Additional Information
โ€ข Driver's license and reliable personal vehicle required for most roles.
โ€ข On-call responsibilities and travel requirements vary by position.
โ€ข PRN (as-needed) opportunities available.
โ€ข Salary is based on position, education, experience, licensure, and client population.
โ€ข If selected for further consideration, you may be contacted via phone, text, or email by a McNabb Center hiring manager.

EOE McNabb Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Job Description This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; and employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. Moreover, management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Background Checks McNabb Center conducts background checks, driver's license record, degree verification, and drug screens at hire. Employment is contingent upon clean drug screen, background check, and driving record. Additionally, certain programs are subject to TB Screening and/or testing.

Compensation details: 16.71-20.68 Hourly Wage


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