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Peer Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Amity Foundation

CAL MHSA Peer Navigator - CIM

Chino, CA · On-site

$25/hr

The Peer Navigator instructs CBI Life Skills and Family Relations Programming. What You Will Do: Essential Duties: Facilitate CBI Life Skills and/or Family Relations classes using evidence based and ...

sbhg

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 ...

sbhg

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 ...

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Peer Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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$21

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How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.
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Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 66% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,755 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

CAL MHSA Peer Navigator - CIM

Amity Foundation

Chino, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Amity Foundation rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 785 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Amity Foundation, an internationally acclaimed Teaching, and Therapeutic Community is seeking compassionate and enthusiastic individuals with a desire to teach, learn and join our community as a Cal MHSA Certified Peer Navigator. This groundbreaking opportunity will allow you to work with our prison and re-entry programs helping the community and will also enhance your training and experience in the field.
 
About Amity:
 
Amity Foundation is a safe place where people can change in an environment that fosters trust; where new values can be formed; responsibility developed, and lasting relationships built. Amity is dedicated to the inclusion and habilitation of people marginalized by addiction, homelessness, trauma, criminality, incarceration, poverty, racism, sexism, and violence. Amity is committed to research, development implementation, and dissemination of information regarding community building.
 
Remembrance, Resolution, Reconciliation, Restoration, Renewal
 
About the Position:
 
The Peer Navigator instructs CBI Life Skills and Family Relations Programming.
 
What You Will Do:

Essential Duties:

Facilitate CBI Life Skills and/or Family Relations classes using evidence based and standardized curriculum to the participants.

Conduct class and facilitate individual sessions to develop action plans and/or provide make-up work; this does not include developing relapse prevention plans.

Evaluate and document progress of participants assigned to their classes.

Engage participants daily, reinforce group norms and expectations for participation and completion

Document delivery of CBI programming services in ARMS.

Work collaboratively with the CDCR/CCHCS headquarters, local institution, and CDCR contracted staff.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring:

Required:

MUST be a Cal MHSA Certified Peer Navigator to be hired. Candidates who include their Certification number on their resume will be prioritized. Or write the scheduled date of your Cal MHSA Test on your resume.

**If you do not have your Cal MHSA certification it is best you wait until you have your Cal MHSA Certification to apply or at least have a scheduled date for Cal MHSA Test. You will automatically be disqualified in system if you do not have your Cal MHSA Certification.

Skills/Abilities:

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to foster teamwork and cohesiveness.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Extensive knowledge of office management systems and procedures.

Ability to maintain confidential information.

Ability to operate general office equipment.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

What We Offer:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision.
  • Paid vacation, sick time, & holidays.
  • 401K, HSA, & Life insurance programs.
  • Organization committed to community action.
  • Community oriented workplace.
Additional Information

ADA Information:

Physical Requirements:

Faculty must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Frequently required to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.

Frequently sitting and typing for extended periods of time.

Occasionally required to reach, walk, climb, pull, push, grasp, stretch, stoop.

Frequently required talk, hear, see, and use repetitive motions.

Title: Peer Navigator ASP Reports To: Program Director

Job Number: N/A Department: Prison Projects

Position Number: N/A Location: Multiple (Regions 1,2,6)

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt Supervises: No

Position Status: Full Time, Accrual Level FT1 Revised: 3/16/2026

Frequently able to communicate verbally and in written form.

Frequently able to use all types of vision, such as close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception, to complete daily tasks

Required to wear comfortable and office appropriate clothes.

Mental Demands:

Ability to thrive in an environment that requires one to adapt to changing circumstances.

Ability to professionally work under pressure with difficult or temperamental students & faculty.

Ability to handle mental and emotional stress related to the position.

Work Conditions:

Generally, in an indoor office setting.

Environmental Conditions:

The noise level in the work environment is moderate but can be loud.

The temperature in the work environment is usually moderate to cool but can be cold or hot.

Travel:

May travel locally as needed.

$25 - $25 an hour
Full-Time
Onsite
Hourly wage: $25.00
Work performed in a state prison
Must possess Peer Support Specialist certification to be considered.
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