ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Peer Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Trilogy

Peer Recovery Counselor (ACT Cedar)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.89 - $26.32/hr

The Recovery Counselor - Peer will be an advocate for clients and link them to community services as needed. They will provide client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed services to ...

Trilogy

Peer Recovery Counselor (CST Steel)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.89 - $26.32/hr

The Peer Support will be an advocate for clients and link them to community services as needed ... FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees * PAID ...

Trilogy

Peer Recovery Counselor (CST Onyx)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.89 - $26.32/hr

The Peer Support will be an advocate for clients and link them to community services as needed ... FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees * PAID ...

Trilogy

Peer Recovery Counselor (CST Carbon)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.89 - $26.32/hr

Chicago IL 60619 The Peer Support will assess the client's personal, medical, emotional, social ... FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees * PAID ...

Trilogy

Peer Recovery Counselor (CST Quartz)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.89 - $26.32/hr

The Peer Support will be an advocate for clients and link them to community services as needed ... FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees * PAID ...

Trilogy

Peer Recovery Counselor (CST Neon)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.89 - $26.32/hr

Chicago IL 60626 The Peer Support will assess the client's personal, medical, emotional, social ... FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees * PAID ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPeer Counselor JobsPeer Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Peer Counselor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$21

$29

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counselor in Chicago, IL is $21.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $23.80 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.
More about Peer Counselor jobs

What are popular job titles related to Peer Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Peer Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Peer Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Peer Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Peer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,227 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

DuPage County Health Department

Wheaton, IL

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Dupage County Health Department rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description The DuPage County Health Department is looking for someone to join our team as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in an on-call role, working up to 19 hours per week. As a Peer Counselor, you will be providing basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to breastfeeding mothers enrolled in the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program at our Lombard location and in community settings. Responsibilities Advises pregnant and breastfeeding mothers during WIC clinics.

Is responsible for a caseload of clients and makes routine contact by telephone, texting, home visits, and/or hospital visits. Talks with clients individually or in groups about feeding decisions and answers routine breastfeeding questions; provides guidance on topics including initiation of breastfeeding, prevention of and relief of common problems, maintaining milk supply and weaning. Provides information on the effect of foods, medications, and home remedies on lactation within clinical guidelines.

Keeps accurate records of client contacts; identifies breastfeeding situations which require assistance and makes appropriate referrals. Attends and assists with prenatal classes/breastfeeding support groups; assists with providing breast pumps. May assist staff in promoting peer counseling through special projects as assigned.

Participates in monthly staff meetings, in-services, or other agency meetings/events; participates in quarterly State Breastfeeding Peer Counselor calls. Maintains required training, licensure, and/or certification. Participates in emergency response activities as required; maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to patient privacy laws.

Demonstrates sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures; adheres to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality. Comprehends, processes, and applies both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job responsibilities. Develops and maintains positive, respectful, and professional relationships with internal and external customers.

Supports, adapts, or delivers services in a manner which ensures understanding and inclusion of diverse client populations. Requirements Must have breastfed in the past 5 years; Be a woman of the community, with similar characteristics of WIC participants and/or a WIC participant; Bilingual, Spanish speaking preferred. Upon hire the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor must complete the Department's competency-based training over a period up to six months; required to attend paid New Hire Orientation; required to attend Peer Counselor training; complete the USDA Breastfeeding Curriculum training; complete department trainings for the role and responsibilities.

They also must complete referrals to the Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE) for complex breastfeeding problems. Supplemental Information DuPage County Health Department is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination or 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.

What Dupage County Health Department employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply