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Peer Counselor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Peer Recovery Coach - Eyerly Ball

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Peer Recover Coach is responsible for providing support services and serving as a client advocate, for patients with substance misuse. The RC has the opportunity to positively impact clients ...

Peer Recovery Coach - Eyerly Ball

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Overview The Peer Recover Coach is responsible for providing support services and serving as a client advocate, for patients with substance misuse. The RC has the opportunity to positively impact ...

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Peer Counselor information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$19

$27

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counselor in Iowa is $19.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Peer Counselor?

A peer counselor is a person in recovery, usually from addiction or mental illness, who is trained in counseling and conducting support programs for peers in similar situations. As a peer counselor, your responsibilities include helping people deal with their emotions and experiences, and meeting their support needs during the recovery process. You use your own experience and training to give them the tools to continue to heal. Your job is different from a mental health professional, as it is more about community and support, not diagnosis and treatment.

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 a solid understanding of counseling techniques, active listening, and lived experience relevant to the population served, often supported by specific peer counseling training or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, documentation protocols, and crisis intervention tools is beneficial. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to maintain boundaries make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for building trust, providing effective support, and fostering recovery in individuals facing similar challenges.

What are some common challenges Peer Counselors face when supporting clients, and how can they effectively manage these situations?

Peer Counselors often encounter challenges such as maintaining professional boundaries, managing emotional stress from clients' experiences, and handling situations where clients require resources beyond their expertise. To navigate these challenges, Peer Counselors receive training in active listening, crisis intervention, and self-care strategies. Regular supervision, team debriefings, and access to mental health resources also support Peer Counselors in maintaining their own well-being while ensuring clients receive appropriate guidance and referrals when necessary.

What are peer counselors?

Peer counselors are individuals who provide support, guidance, and encouragement to others based on shared experiences, often related to mental health, recovery, or academic challenges. They are typically not licensed therapists but are trained to listen, offer emotional support, and help connect people with additional resources. Peer counselors use their own experiences to help others navigate similar situations, promoting empathy and understanding. Their role can be found in schools, colleges, community organizations, and health care settings.

What is the difference between Peer Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectPeer CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; peer support trainingState certification; bachelor's or master's degree in counseling or related field; certification in substance abuse counseling
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, healthcare facilities, support groupsRehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals, outpatient programs
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, mental health agencies, schoolsHealthcare providers, addiction treatment centers, mental health clinics
Common Search & ComparisonPeer Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor

Peer Counselors provide support based on shared experiences and typically require less formal education. Substance Abuse Counselors have specialized training and certifications to diagnose and treat addiction. Both roles work in related environments but differ in credentials and scope of practice.

What job categories do people searching Peer Counselor jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Peer Counselor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Peer Counselor jobs in IA? For Peer Counselor jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 17% Full Time, 80% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,293 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Peer Tutor- Student Worker

Peer Tutor- Student Worker

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

$12/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary: $12.00 Hourly
Location : Council Bluffs, IA
Job Type: Student
Division: Student & FWS
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Closing Date: 5/7/2027 11:59 PM Central
Description
As a regular service of the IWCC Tutoring and Writing Center, peer tutors support student learning by providing individualized and small group study sessions for a variety of classes. Tutoring sessions are designed to promote both the understanding of class-specific content and the acquisition of positive study habits and general academic skills. Outside of tutoring sessions, peer tutors may assist with promotional activities, prepare learning materials, or perform additional duties as assigned by the Coordinator of Academic Support Services.
Job Duties
In-person peer tutoring in math (Algebra, Statistics, Calculus, Business Math, Technical Math), science (Biology, Human A&P, Vet Tech A&P, Nutrition, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics), and English and Communication (Composition, Public Speaking),
Qualifications
  • Have earned an A or B in the class(es) the candidate wishes to tutor
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • A reference from a faculty member (we will send this directly to them)
  • Strong academic skills such as time management, note taking, and active listening
  • The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • A strong desire to help fellow IWCC students
  • Comfort working with a culturally diverse population and students with different needs
  • Ability to follow established procedures, particularly those related to academic integrity and confidentiality within the tutoring relationship
  • A schedule that allows for consistent attendance at tutoring sessions and training activities
  • Current IWCC student

Physical Demands
  • Minimal physical activity is required of this position outside of basic cleaning and housekeeping tasks

Free access to our brand-new Wellness Center and fitness classes, our employee assistance program & free parking.