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Peer Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Peer Counselor

Perris, CA · On-site

$22.59 - $31.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Victor Community Support Services (VCSS) Peer Counselor, under the direct supervision of the Program Supervisor, assists with site start up including consultation on facilities and service design.

Peer Mentor - FT

Orange, CA

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Although not professional counselors, Peer Mentors are treatment team members and trained in basic counseling skills and are people who understand living with a disability, having "been there ...

Peer Mentor - FT

Orange, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Although not professional counselors, Peer Mentors are treatment team members and trained in basic counseling skills and are people who understand living with a disability, having "been there ...

Counselor I/II

Pomona, CA · On-site

$24 - $29.05/hr

Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources ... Counselor II Competencies and Performance Expectations All Counselor II's are expected to meet the ...

Counselor I/II

Pomona, CA · On-site

$24 - $29.05/hr

... peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources. • Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows ... Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations All Counselor I's are expected to: • ...

Counselor I/II

Pomona, CA · On-site

$24 - $29.05/hr

... peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources. • Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows ... Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations All Counselor I's are expected to: • ...

Counselor II

Pomona, CA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources ... Counselor II Competencies and Performance Expectations All Counselor II's are expected to meet the ...

Counselor II

Pomona, CA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources ... Counselor II Competencies and Performance Expectations All Counselor II's are expected to meet the ...

Peer Support Specialist

Anaheim, CA

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Peer Support Specialist Location: Anaheim, California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $23 About the Program: Opportunity Knocks is a full service partnership (FSP) treating adults struggling with ...

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Peer Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$21

$30

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counselor in Riverside, CA is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $24.09 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 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 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 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 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 refer clients to professional services. Strong communication skills and confidentiality are essential in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Peer Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Peer Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Peer Counselor jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Peer Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 63% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,755 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Peer Counselor

Victor

Perris, CA • On-site

$22.59 - $31.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
The Victor Community Support Services (VCSS) Peer Counselor, under the direct supervision of the Program Supervisor, assists with site start up including consultation on facilities and service design. This position develops Peer Support Groups as needed, provides one to one mentoring and support, and assists with the identification and engagement of potential new clients (if applicable), as well as assisting with community resource development and linking.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Assists with aspects of specialized site start up, including consultation on the physical design and layout of facilities and overall site design, if applicable to your site.
2. Develops and facilitates Peer Support Groups and skill based groups as necessary to provide a comprehensive peer support system for participating Transitional Aged Youth (TAY).
3. Provides one to one mentoring to assigned TAY.
4. Participates as a member of the TAY Service Planning Team to ensure coordination and integration of services.
5. Completes all client documentation according to Agency and regulatory standards within Scope of Practice.
6. Provides the initial orientation to the TAY program as assigned by the Site Supervisor.
7. Assists with community resource development and facilitates linkage for TAY with such resources, acting as an advocate for the TAY consumers.
8. Meets Agency service delivery standard.
9. Completes other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. Must possess a High School Diploma or general education degree (GED).
2. Must have previous work experience with transitional aged youth in school, residential, outpatient treatment or foster home setting AND/OR be a previous consumer of these systems.
3. Proficient on computer programs and databases.
4. Must have basic knowledge of the English language; dual language preferred.
POSITION/SITE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must be physically and mentally fit in accordance with the Agency's Policy: Physical Fitness Standards and Examinations. Must be willing to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test and drug screening test.
2. Must be willing to complete a personal background investigation conducted by the State of California.
3. Must be able to obtain First Aid Certification. Must obtain a CPR Certification (only when required by local county or site).
4. Must be flexible to work nights and weekends, may need to work a split-shift, varying schedule according to operational need.
5. Must be willing to work within a culturally integrated workplace and be willing to respect human differences based upon protected classes as defined by state, federal and local laws, or any other condition that distinguishes people from one another.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Have an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in a residential, office or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), alternating between standing and sitting for extended periods of time, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching balancing and occasional carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and up to 10 pounds frequently.
2. Physically able to walk up and down stairs routinely.
3. Physically able to perform CPR and First Aid as trained.
4. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time in a vehicle for traveling to recreational activities, home visits, DCFS and court locations which may be up to 100 miles driving distance.
5. Requires the ability to utilize computer and telephone systems, which includes the coordination of eye and hand and fine manipulation by the hands and fingers for typing, writing and working with files.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
2. Previous experience working with the public and/or government agencies.
3. A valid California driver's license, personal automobile insurance and driving record that meets the standards outlined in the Agency's Policy: Motor Vehicle Operating Standards.
Compensation:
  • Pay Range: $22.59/per hour - $31.05/per hour (actual salary is dependent on verification of applicable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role)
  • Additional $1.00 - $3.00 per hour for Education
  • Additional $1.92 per hour for Bilingual in Spanish

BENEFITS:
  • Low cost Medical, Dental and Vision
  • Life Insurance plan for employee and family
  • 8 Paid Holidays, PTO and Sick pay
  • Retirement Savings Plan (403B)
  • 100% Employer Funded Retirement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Mileage Reimbursement
  • Verizon Wireless Discount
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Flexible Community-Based Schedules

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.