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Peer Counselor Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Peer Recovery Counselor

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Paid time off * Training & development As a Peer Recovery Counselor (PRC), you will play an essential role in providing inclusive, client-centered support, contributing to a collaborative ...

Substance Abuse Counselor

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

At Loving Care Counseling Services , we're not just providing treatment-we're building ... Collaborate with a strong, mission-driven clinical and peer team * Contribute to a program focused ...

Registered Peer Supervisor

Towson, MD ยท On-site

$26.39 - $32.80/hr

Peer Support Specialist Supervisors must have Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS) in Maryland. * Builds and maintains a trusting professional ...

Peer Support Specialist Supervisors must have Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS) in Maryland. Builds and maintains a trusting professional ...

Peer Recovery Coach

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$17 - $22/hr

... Peer Recovery Coach to provide non-clinical peer-based outreach to engage individuals struggling ... These services include individual counseling, family counseling, psychiatric evaluation, social and ...

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Peer Counselor information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

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How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counselor in Baltimore, MD is $20.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $22.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a peer counselor?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer counselor?

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 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 are the duties of a peer counselor?

A peer counselor provides emotional support, guidance, and resources to individuals facing personal, social, or mental health challenges. They listen actively, offer advice based on shared experiences, and may facilitate group discussions or educational sessions. Strong communication skills and confidentiality are essential in this role.

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 social services. Often, training or certification is required before starting the role.

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Peer Counselor jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Peer Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, and 65% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,626 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Peer Recovery Counselor

BEYOND HEALTH LLC

Baltimore, MD โ€ข On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Company parties
  • Dental insurance
  • Free food & snacks
  • Free uniforms
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development

As a Peer Recovery Counselor (PRC), you will play an essential role in providing inclusive, client-centered support, contributing to a collaborative, therapeutic environment to help individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges achieve sustainable growth, healing, and long-term success. Drawing from lived experience, the PRC  builds trust, fosters hope, and helps clients engage in treatment and recovery services. This role emphasizes advocacy, mentorship, and the promotion of self-determination, while supporting clients in developing coping strategies, maintaining recovery, and accessing community resources.
 
Key Responsibilities:

  • Facilitate peer support groups and recovery-oriented workshops 
  • Offer empathy, active listening, and encouragement by sharing personal recovery experiences that inspires and motivates clients in both one on one and group settings
  • Assist clients in setting and working toward recovery goals 
  • Promote harm reduction, relapse prevention, and wellness strategies 
  • Advocate for clients’ needs by collaborating with the clinical team (counselors, supervisors, case management and interdisciplinary team) to support client care 
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while fostering supportive relationships 
  • Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training 
  • Encourage participation in scheduled groups, activities, and treatment services.
 
Qualifications:

  • Lived experience with substance use and demonstrated sustained recovery (as defined by the program) 
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in human services or related field preferred 
  • Willingness to obtain Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within a specified timeframe 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
  • Ability to engage diverse populations with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity 
  • Basic computer skills 
  • Understanding of recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction approaches 
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team 
  • Must adhere to ethical guidelines, including confidentiality and professional boundaries

Expectations:

  • Consistently demonstrate healthy coping skills, resilience, and a commitment to personal recovery, serving as a positive and credible role model for clients.
  • Engage clients with empathy, respect, and nonjudgment, fostering a safe environment that encourages openness, motivation, and sustained participation in recovery.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries, protect client confidentiality, and follow program policies and documentation requirements while working collaboratively with the treatment team.