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Peer Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Acadia Healthcare

Peer Support Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Our clinical team provides compassionate, high-quality counseling and therapy to patients that are seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder. Your Job as a Peer Support Specialist: The Peer Support ...

Acadia Healthcare

Peer Support Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Our clinical team provides compassionate, high-quality counseling and therapy to patients that are seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder. Your Job as a Peer Support Specialist: The Peer Support ...

The Exploris School

School Counselor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The School Counselor will, as a member of the Student Support Team, plan, implement, and evaluate a ... Support students in building positive connections with their peers, crew leaders, grade-level ...

The Exploris School

School Counselor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The School Counselor will, as a member of the Student Support Team, plan, implement, and evaluate a ... Support students in building positive connections with their peers, crew leaders, grade-level ...

Durham Technical Community College

Peer Tutor

Durham, NC · On-site

$18.30/hr

Durham Technical Community College is hiring a Peer Tutor in the Center for Academic Excellence Department. Examples of Duties Tutor Durham Tech students referred from curriculum classes; Meet with ...

Durham Technical Community College

Peer Tutor

Durham, NC · On-site

$18.30/hr

Durham Technical Community College is hiring a Peer Tutor in the Center for Academic Excellence Department. Examples of Duties * Tutor Durham Tech students referred from curriculum classes; * Meet ...

True Team Medical

Peer Support Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

About the Role We are seeking a full-time Peer Support Professional to join our Community Support ... counseling; providing activities-of-daily-living, social, interpersonal relationship, and leisure ...

True Team Medical

Peer Support Professional

Smithfield, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

About the Role We are seeking a full-time Peer Support Professional to join our Community Support ... counseling; providing activities-of-daily-living, social, interpersonal relationship, and leisure ...

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Peer Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

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$28

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counselor in Raleigh, NC is $20.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.45 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 Raleigh, NC?

For Peer Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Peer Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Peer Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Peer Counselor jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Peer Counselor job openings:

Peer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,701 per year, or $20 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

Acadia Healthcare

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Acadia Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 191 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

699th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
Seeking: Certified Peer Support Specialist
  • Active CPSS certification in North Carolina is required

Full Time Schedule:
  • Monday: 5:15 AM - 1:45 PM
  • Tuesday - Friday: 5:15 AM - 12:45 PM
  • Rotating Saturdays: 6:45 AM - 8:30 AM

Our Benefits:
  • Semi-Annual Bonus Program
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Competitive 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
  • Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry

Our Team:
Raleigh Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Raleigh, NC, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, the leading provider of medication-assisted treatment in the nation. Our clinical team provides compassionate, high-quality counseling and therapy to patients that are seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.
Your Job as a Peer Support Specialist:
The Peer Support Specialist supports and assists patients in their recovery from Opioid Use Disorder to break down barriers to treatment and bridge together the varying entities that help an individual maintain productive, long-term recovery. Additionally, the Peer Support Specialist will assist the patient in developing skills and enhancing strengths to avoid relapse and successfully navigate the full continuum of care and the road to long-term recovery.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Provides peer support to clinically complex patients, drawing on common experiences as a peer; validates each individual's experiences and provides guidance and encouragement to these individuals to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery
  • Engages patients referred to treatment at the initial point of contact, clinic or other community provider, to expedite screening for the appropriate level of care.
  • Acts as advocate and mentor to patients in recovery to promote decision making, empowerment and engagement
  • Acts as a role model for patients by sharing effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to promote personal growth and development in handling internal and external stressors, positive health, wellness and lifestyle choices
  • Provides peer support knowledge related to treatment including methadone, buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone injection maintenance treatment.
  • Acts as a liaison between patients, clinical team and community resources including but not limited to:
    • Assisting patients in seeking and receiving services to meet their individual social needs and provides support to facilitate patient success to maintain recovery
    • Assisting in the process of acquiring housing, necessities and skills needed to maintain daily and monthly household responsibilities and independent living
    • Assisting patients in establishing a relationship with a primary care provider or additional medical care in a coordinated/team approach
    • Serving as linkage between patients and employers in the area to assist patients in obtaining and maintaining gainful employment
    • Assisting patients with acquiring and developing life and social skills, education and other needs identified by the individual to promote quality of life after recovery
  • Serves as consultants and subject matter experts in MAT and patient participation in community support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery.
  • Updates healthcare team on a regular basis as to the patient's status, including, but not limited to changes in mood or functioning, medical issues and all crisis and health and safety issues
  • Documents all "no shows," and communicates all difficulties contacting patients with appropriate office staff
  • Documents services provided regularly, concisely, and completely in accordance with clinical standards and policy guidelines
  • Attends all office trainings as well as regular clinical supervision sessions with assigned supervisor
  • Preforms other duties as assigned

Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibility here: HRSA Eligibility
Qualifications
Required Education & Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred
  • No previous work experience in the field is required, although highly preferred.
  • Prefer direct experience in substance use disorder (SUD) through personal life experiences, instruction/internships, or similar practicum through education or certification process.

Ideal Experience:
  • Personal or professional experience in addiction recovery, ideally with lived experience and a demonstrated commitment to supporting others in their recovery journey.
  • Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) approaches, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, and the ability to support individuals engaged in MAT services.
  • Experience facilitating peer-led support groups or one-on-one recovery coaching, focusing on empowerment, motivation, and goal setting.
  • Understanding of recovery-oriented and evidence-informed practices, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), wellness planning, and relapse prevention support (note: not expected to provide clinical therapy).
  • Basic documentation skills, including progress notes and recovery plan updates, in accordance with organizational guidelines and peer support best practices.
  • Awareness of confidentiality and privacy standards, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, as they relate to peer support and behavioral health settings.
  • Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary care team, collaborating with counselors, nurses, case managers, and medical staff to support holistic recovery.

Certifications:
  • NCCPSS Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) certification is required

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.
#LI-CTC

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About Acadia Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider in the healthcare and hospital industry, based in Franklin, Tennessee, United States. The company is recognised for its commitment to creating a behavioural health network that provides accessible, high-quality treatment options for individuals suffering from mental health issues, addiction, eating disorders, and PTSD. Acadia Healthcare was founded in 2005, with the mission to create a world-class organization that sets the standard of excellence in the treatment of specialty behavioural health and addiction disorders.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2005

Social media

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