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Peer Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

West Tennessee Healthcare

Peer Counselor

Dyersburg, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Obtains ongoing training in peer counseling techniques. * Provides support and appropriate referral to individual consumers. * Provides safe transportation of consumers to and from the Peer Support ...

Lifeline Connections

Peer Counselor

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$19 - $22.61/hr

Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate clients' experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to clients to take responsibility and actively ...

Lifeline Connections

Peer Counselor

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.33/hr

Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate clients' experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to clients to take responsibility and actively ...

Lifeline Connections

Peer Counselor

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$19 - $22.61/hr

Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate patients' experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to patients' to take responsibility and ...

Lifeline Connections

Peer Counselor

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$19 - $22.61/hr

Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate clients' experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to clients to take responsibility and actively ...

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How much do peer counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counseling in the United States is $20.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.36 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 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.

What skills do you need to be a peer counselor?

Peer counselors need strong communication and active listening skills to effectively support others. Empathy, confidentiality, and the ability to handle sensitive situations are essential, along with basic knowledge of mental health or counseling principles. Often, training or certification is required before providing peer support in various settings.

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 and are trained to offer empathetic assistance, facilitate coping strategies, and connect clients with additional resources. Peer counselors typically work in schools, community organizations, or health settings and may require certification or training in counseling techniques.

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 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.

What is the highest paying job in counseling?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with advanced degrees and licensure. Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors specializing in mental health, generally earn the highest among counseling-related roles due to their medical training and ability to prescribe medication.

Is it hard to become a peer support specialist?

Becoming a peer support specialist typically requires completing a training program and obtaining relevant certification, which can vary in length and complexity depending on the state or organization. Strong communication skills, lived experience with mental health or substance use issues, and the ability to relate to others are important for success in this role.
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Peer Counseling jobs near you
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (69382)

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (69382)

Northcare

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Department: Women, Infants & Children Program (WIC)
Position: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Employee Category: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Reporting Relationship: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator, WIC Clinic Manager
Character Core Qualities:
  • Availability - Willingness to change your schedule and priorities to meet a need.
  • Compassion - Helping those in need.
  • Enthusiasm - Expressing interest and excitement in what you do.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who provides basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Supports WIC mothers during a normal breastfeeding experience.
  2. Counsels new WIC mothers at certification.
  3. Promotes breastfeeding to WIC participants.
  4. Addresses specific concerns of WIC expectant/breastfeeding mothers and corrects misinformation.
  5. Shares WIC-approved breastfeeding educational materials with participants.
  6. Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers over the telephone and in person (one-on-one) at scheduled intervals.
  7. Follows up on WIC participants according to protocol.
  8. Is available to WIC clients outside usual clinic hours and outside the WIC clinic environment.
  9. Provides participants the phone number to the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline for additional breastfeeding support from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants 24 hours per day/7 days a week.
  10. Assists Certified WIC Nutrition Technician with Issuing breast pumps and maintains breast pump inventory.
  11. Documents appropriate counseling information.
  12. Completes and turns in the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Monthly Activity Report to the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Coordinator in a punctual manner.
  13. Keeps participant files in a secure environment.
  14. Participates in clinic staff meetings as part of the WIC team.
  15. Attends scheduled Breastfeeding Peer Counselor meetings and in-services.
  16. Provides appropriate referrals when needed.
  17. Supports Variety Care's accreditation as a Patient Centered Medical Home and our commitment to provide care to all Variety Care patients that is Safe, Effective, Patient Centered, Timely, Efficient, and Equitable. Provides leadership and works with all staff to achieve the goals of the "Triple Aim" of healthcare reform-to improve the experience of care, improve health outcomes, and decrease healthcare costs.
  18. Embodies the strength of personal character. Places value on being an open and honest communicator who displays high moral and ethical conduct, integrity, adaptability, and sound judgment. Must be a leader in the department and community. Result-oriented problem solver who is responsible and accountable.
  19. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements, Special Skills or Knowledge:
  1. Possesses a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Must be receiving or have received WIC services.
  3. Has successfully breastfed at least one baby.
  4. Possesses good communication skills.
  5. Ability to travel to various sites upon request as needed.
  6. Ability to make telephone calls from home to clients.
  7. Available to work three days minimum in clinic, about 20 hours per week.
  8. Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and has a desire to help other mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience.

Preferred requirements, Special Skills or Knowledge:
  1. Bilingual (English /Spanish).

Essential Functions:
  1. Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

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