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Peer Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Peer Support Specialist I provides support and recovery training to individuals receiving ... Counselor (AAC) Misc. Requirement Recovery Innovations is committed to providing equal employment ...

Position: Peer Support Specialist II Job Type: Full-Time / Non-Exempt Shift Details: Monday ... Counselor (AAC) Misc. Requirement Recovery Innovations is committed to providing equal employment ...

Peer Support Professional

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$17.33 - $22.25/hr

About the Role We are seeking a full-time Peer Support Specialist to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. In this role, you will provide essential expertise and consultation to promote ...

About the Role We are seeking a full-time Peer Support Specialist to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. In this role, you will provide essential expertise and consultation to promote ...

Counselor

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$45K - $73K/yr

Counselor Position in Duke Wilmington Office Re: Housing Information Specialist Candidate will be ... peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. Your ...

Showing results 21-40

Peer Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$20

$28

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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.

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

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

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 I

RI International

Durham, NC โ€ข On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Change Lives With Recovery Innovations! Our Mission is to empower people on their journey to recovery, helping them achieve their goals, rediscover meaning and purpose in life, and reconnect with themselves and their communities. Our Vision is to revolutionize healthcare by pioneering innovative solutions that go beyond behavioral health, empowering people to thrive in the communities where they live, work, and play. Join a groundbreaking team at the forefront of Peer-Powered Support, empowering individuals on their journey through mental health and substance use challenges! Be part of something bigger-together, we can change lives and create lasting hope!
Position: Peer Support Specialist I
Job Type: Full-Time / Non-Exempt
Shift Details: 7:00am - 7:30pm (Rotating days)
Work Location: NC - Durham 309 Crutchfield Street
Salary/Hourly Wage: $18.00/hour
Specialties / Licenses or Certifications:
-Successful completion of Peer Employment Training thus obtaining Certification as a Peer Support Specialist required.
Summary of Job: The Peer Support Specialist I provides support and recovery training to individuals receiving services. The Peer Support Specialist I also assists in implementing/creating a recovery environment and acts as an advocate for the needs and rights of every individual.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Guest Care & Advocacy:
    • Provides peer support to engage individuals in a recovery partnership and assists in identifying participant's hopes and dreams and the solutions they are seeking.
    • Teaches recovery and life skills using recovery tools.
    • Models hope, personal responsibility and self-advocacy to demonstrate how recovery goals can be respectfully met and how a belief in self is maintained.
    • Assists in developing natural supports and community living.
    • Cultivates connectedness in the person's life (self, others, the environment, and to meaning and purpose).
  2. Compliance & Risk Management:
    • Completes clinical documentation as required.
    • Keeps abreast of all federal and state regulations and laws and all Recovery Innovations policies and procedures as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
    • Understands and adheres to Recovery Innovations compliance standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policies.
  3. Cross Functional Collaboration:
    • Coordinates with the individual's clinical team and other supports to arrange services or resources to help the individual achieve their goals.
  4. Additional Duties:
    • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Your well-being and success are our priority at RI-explore our benefits and discover how we invest in YOU every step of the way! As an innovative leader in behavioral health care, we are committed to supporting our teams through a comprehensive benefits package. This includes competitive health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as access to mental health resources and wellness programs. We offer a strong retirement plan with company matching and generous paid time off to support work-life balance. In addition, we provide ongoing opportunities for professional development and training to help you advance in your career. We value the contributions of our team members and are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
Job Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
  1. Education/Licenses:
    • Successful completion of Peer Employment Training thus obtaining Certification as a Peer Support Specialist required.
    • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  2. Experience:
    • Lived experience requiring mental health and/or substance use services.
  3. Skills:
    • Basic computer skills.
    • Ability to teach/train recovery information and recovery tools.
    • Effective communication skills.
    • Must be able to pass de-escalation training, as defined by state requirements.
  4. Driving Requirements:
    • If driving is required for this position, must meet all requirements outlined in Recovery Innovations driving policy.
    • If not qualified to drive per driving policy, a Non-Driver Attestation form must be signed.
  5. Miscellaneous Requirement(s):
    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old unless residing in a state where funder or government regulations set a different minimum age requirement.
    • Travel required based on business need.
    • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality (HIPAA guidelines and regulations) and professionalism.
    • We are a Second-Chance Employer
      • Must be able to pass a seven-year background check.
      • Must be able to pass substance abuse testing and/or tuberculous testing (if applicable).
      • Must be able to obtain designated fingerprinting clearance in applicable states.
      • Must be able to pass education verification check.
      • Must be able to pass three-year motor vehicle report and meet minimum eligibility requirements criteria of insurance carrier (if driving is required for this position).

A Direct Service Competency Checklist must be completed as part of the new hire onboarding process.
Physical Demands:
May include work close to the eyes and substantial motions of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, handling, finger dexterity; eye-hand-foot coordination, use of corrected vision; color vision; use of auditory senses. May be required to lift up to twenty (20) pounds.
Work Environment
May work in an office environment or behavioral health facility. May have contact with individuals who are agitated and/or confused.
Warmline over-the-phone Peer Support Specialist will work in a remotely and not be in an office or behavioral health facility.
ADDENDUM - Arizona
Education
Licensure
Certification
Misc. Requirement
Must be 21 years or older.
Required to attend court hearings when listed as a witness on a petition.
ADDENDUM - California
Education
Licensure
Certification
Must obtain Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (CMPSS) within thirty (30) days of hire.
Misc. Requirement
Art-related experience is required to support the Art Works program, which incorporates creative expression as part of behavioral health services.
ADDENDUM - Louisiana
Education
Licensure
Certification
Misc. Requirement
Must be 24 years or older.
ADDENDUM - North Carolina - Peer Navigator
Education Licensure Proof of valid and unrestricted Driver's License Certification Misc. Requirement
Proof of up to date vaccination records, must also include childhood vaccinations. If vaccination records are not accessible, must be willing to complete and provide proof prior to hire.
Must be able to clear the authorized driving component for Recovery Innovations and provide proof of own personal auto insurance with a minimum level of coverage:$100,000 in bodily injury -OR- $100,000 in property damage -OR- both ($100,000 in bodily injury AND $100,000 in property damage)
ADDENDUM - Washington
Education
Licensure
Certification
Additional specified state registration for Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC)
Misc. Requirement
Recovery Innovations is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. Our hiring practices are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strive to create a workplace where every employee feels valued and respected.
Recovery Innovations is a second chance employer and we evaluate all qualified applicants fairly, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with legal and funder requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.
Benefits/perks listed above may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Recovery Innovations.
The wage range for this role considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Recovery Innovations compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.
Pay Range: $18 per hour

RI International logo

About RI International

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RI International, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, US, is a global leader in mental health services committed to providing crisis, health, recovery, and consulting solutions. These robust services are available in more than 20 locations across the U.S., and beyond. Founded in 1990, the company has established itself as a trusted and innovative service provider in the mental healthcare industry. RI International's core mission is to eliminate suicide and offer help during mental health crises by using a recovery-driven approach, strongly advocating that 'Recovery is Possible'. A notable achievement of the company includes its receipt of the Crisis Now Summit Innovations Award.

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1990

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