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Peer Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Peer Counselor - Lvl II

New York, NY · On-site

$47K - $53K/yr

Provides supportive peer counseling with respect to mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation strategies, and other self-help opportunities. * Participates in an interdisciplinary treatment and ...

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Peer Counseling information

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How much do peer counseling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Peer counseling typically does not offer salaries of $10,000 a month without advanced experience or specialized skills. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve entrepreneurship, sales, real estate, or skilled trades, which may require certifications or significant experience. Most jobs with such income levels usually demand specific expertise or business ownership.

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.

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?

The highest paying roles in counseling are often clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed clinical social workers with advanced degrees and specialized certifications. Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors, typically earn the highest salaries in mental health, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require extensive education, including medical school and residency, and involve diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as experienced consultants, surgeons, corporate executives, or successful entrepreneurs. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, or significant responsibilities, and may involve freelance or contract work with high hourly rates or project-based earnings.
More about Peer Counseling jobs
What cities are hiring for Peer Counseling jobs? Cities with the most Peer Counseling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Counseling jobs? The most popular types of Peer Counseling jobs are:
What states have the most Peer Counseling jobs? States with the most job openings for Peer Counseling jobs include:
Infographic showing various Peer Counseling job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,452 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Nutritionist/lBCLC - Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Bilingual Spanish

Nutritionist/lBCLC - Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Bilingual Spanish

Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Be an early applicant


Planned Parenthood rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 117 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties has a full-time opportunity for a Nutritionist/lBCLC- Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at our WIC Center in Santa Ana, CA.

Provide nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, and education services to high/low risk participants. Conduct group classes and perform other functions as requested by the supervisor. Assist in training new staff members.

At PPOSBC, we understand the importance of a well-rounded benefits program and are dedicated to providing you with unique benefits that meet the needs of you and your family. We are proud to offer a range of plans that help protect you in the case of illness or injury including:

  • A competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents, life insurance, and long term disability. 
  • Benefits coverage starts after one full month of employment!
  • Generous vacation, sick, and holiday benefits!
  • Generous 401(k) matching contributions and more!
  • To view our detailed benefits guide, please visit our career site at www.pposbccareers.org


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to relate to diverse comm
  • Ability to work independently and as a team mem
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Strong organizational
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to read and implement written
  • Possess a warm, caring m
  • Professional appearance and

Licensure and/or Certification Requirements:

  • Current up-to-date IBCLC certification
  • Passed the CA Registered Dietitian exam.
  • Current up-to-date CDR certification.

 

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Nutrition, Public Health, or related field.

 

Minimum Work Experience:

  • Previous experience working with WIC program highly
  • Enthusiastic about breastfeeding
  • Knowledge of WIC program
  • Knowledge and experience in lactation training and mentoring

Agency Standard Requirements:

  • Strong commitment to quality healthcare and excellent customer service is required.
  • Must thrive in a fast paced, rigorous environment with changing priorities.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
  • Must demonstrate high level computer skills including; Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Electronic medical records experience may also be required.
  • This position may require travel to other sites and locations; if using a personal vehicle to meet this requirement, a valid CA driver’s license and current auto insurance in compliance with the minimum requirements of CA vehicle code are required.
  • Willing to travel within California for State-sponsored trainings.
  • Professional appearance and attitude.
  • Available to work flexible hours

Essential Functions: Essential functions encompass the required tasks, duties and responsibilities performed as part of the job and the reason the job exists.

Essential Functions:

  • Develop and maintain proficiency in all databases used in the BPC Program including WICWISE and PCDB. 
  • Assist in the training of peer counselors.
  • Provide clinical oversight for peer counselors ensuring they are providing lactation information that is evidence-based and are working within the scope of their responsibilities.
  • Monitor BPC contacts including phone, e-mail, text, in-person and group.  Also monitor BPC documentation in PC database.  Level of monitoring adjusted to skill level of peer counselor. 
  • Be available during each peer counseling group session to answer any questions from PCs and participants.
  • Accept referrals from peer counselors requiring IBCLC support. 
  • Provide technical expertise to all WIC mothers in a timely manner, including high-risk pump participants.
  • Communicate directly with local health care providers regarding high risk cases
  • Develop a breastfeeding topic each month for peer counseling group meetings.
  • Hold regular meetings (minimum 1X/month) with peer counselors to discuss and demonstrate breastfeeding topic of the month, other breastfeeding education, and other counseling issues.
  • Use standard form to audit Peer Counselor’s counseling at WIC sites and over the phone at least quarterly and provide feedback/guidance based on results.
  • Assist in completing State required quarterly and annual reports by the designated deadlines.
  • Attend WIC staff meetings and complete WIC-required trainings. 
  • Provide breastfeeding technical training to WIC staff at monthly WIC meetings as requested.
  • Participate in breastfeeding outreach activities (including World Breastfeeding Month Activities every August) and serve as a breastfeeding advocate promoting WIC as a breastfeeding friendly community. 
  • Promote Peer Counseling Program within WIC, Orange County and the greater community.
  • Perform other duties as requested by Supervisor/Program Manager.

Non-Essential Functions:

  • Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements of this position are identified below. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

CORE COMPETENCIES – WE CARE:

  • Welcoming: Anticipates customer requirements and gives high priority to customer satisfaction and service.  Handles problems quickly and efficiently.  Maintains a pleasant, positive and professional approach. Embraces opportunities to help team members, stakeholders, and other departments.
  • Equitable: Creating equitable access and opportunity for all through education, practicing inclusive behavior, elevating others’ voices, creating spaces for honest conversation, and listening without judgment.  Values and uplifts our collective diversity within in our agency.
  • Confidential: Respects the information shared by our patients, employees, and vendors and maintains appropriate confidentiality.  Follows all policies and laws that protect private & privileged information.
  • Accessible: Is available and approachable to others, open-minded, fair and non-defensive.  Appreciates constructive feedback and is a team player.  Demonstrates good listening skills.
  • Respectful:  Values diversity and treats everyone with dignity and courtesy.  Dependable and courteous of other people’s time and commitments.
  • Empathetic: Demonstrates interest and understanding in other people’s feelings, attitudes and reasoning.  Maintains an open and non-judgmental demeanor that is patient, flexible, and understanding.


Planned Parenthood/Orange and San Bernardino Counties is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, equal pay, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military, veteran status or any other federal or state protected class. We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Company Description

At Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, we believe that health care is a basic human right. We combine mission with method and adhere to the highest medical standards and protocols to provide the very best for our patients.
Our staff works with a sense of pride, knowing that every day presents opportunities to make an impact on an individuals’ life—empowering each patient to take control of their health.

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