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Peer Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Counselor III

Pomona, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

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

Counselor III

Pomona, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

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

Counselor II, Part-time

Chino, CA · On-site

$35.43 - $43.06/hr

If so, join our team as a part-time Counselor II. The City of Chino offers a competitive salary ... Provide individual, group, family, behavioral challenges, and family or peer-related issues.

Counselor II

Pomona, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources ... Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations * Document client intake and treatment ...

Counselor II

Pomona, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources ... Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations * Document client intake and treatment ...

... 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 ...

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Peer Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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$30

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 are peer counselors?

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 a Peer Counselor?

A peer counselor is a person in recovery, usually from addiction or mental illness, who is trained in counseling and conducting support programs for peers in similar situations. As a peer counselor, your responsibilities include helping people deal with their emotions and experiences, and meeting their support needs during the recovery process. You use your own experience and training to give them the tools to continue to heal. Your job is different from a mental health professional, as it is more about community and support, not diagnosis and treatment.

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, and why are they important?

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 job categories do people searching Peer Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Peer Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,755 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Nutritionist/lBCLC - Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Bilingual Spanish

Nutritionist/lBCLC - Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Bilingual Spanish

Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Planned Parenthood rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 117 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties has a full-time opportunity for a Nutritionist/lBCLC- Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at our WIC Center in Santa Ana, CA.

Provide nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, and education services to high/low risk participants. Conduct group classes and perform other functions as requested by the supervisor. Assist in training new staff members.

At PPOSBC, we understand the importance of a well-rounded benefits program and are dedicated to providing you with unique benefits that meet the needs of you and your family. We are proud to offer a range of plans that help protect you in the case of illness or injury including:

  • A competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents, life insurance, and long term disability. 
  • Benefits coverage starts after one full month of employment!
  • Generous vacation, sick, and holiday benefits!
  • Generous 401(k) matching contributions and more!
  • To view our detailed benefits guide, please visit our career site at www.pposbccareers.org


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to relate to diverse comm
  • Ability to work independently and as a team mem
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Strong organizational
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to read and implement written
  • Possess a warm, caring m
  • Professional appearance and

Licensure and/or Certification Requirements:

  • Current up-to-date IBCLC certification
  • Passed the CA Registered Dietitian exam.
  • Current up-to-date CDR certification.

 

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Nutrition, Public Health, or related field.

 

Minimum Work Experience:

  • Previous experience working with WIC program highly
  • Enthusiastic about breastfeeding
  • Knowledge of WIC program
  • Knowledge and experience in lactation training and mentoring

Agency Standard Requirements:

  • Strong commitment to quality healthcare and excellent customer service is required.
  • Must thrive in a fast paced, rigorous environment with changing priorities.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
  • Must demonstrate high level computer skills including; Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Electronic medical records experience may also be required.
  • This position may require travel to other sites and locations; if using a personal vehicle to meet this requirement, a valid CA driver’s license and current auto insurance in compliance with the minimum requirements of CA vehicle code are required.
  • Willing to travel within California for State-sponsored trainings.
  • Professional appearance and attitude.
  • Available to work flexible hours

Essential Functions: Essential functions encompass the required tasks, duties and responsibilities performed as part of the job and the reason the job exists.

Essential Functions:

  • Develop and maintain proficiency in all databases used in the BPC Program including WICWISE and PCDB. 
  • Assist in the training of peer counselors.
  • Provide clinical oversight for peer counselors ensuring they are providing lactation information that is evidence-based and are working within the scope of their responsibilities.
  • Monitor BPC contacts including phone, e-mail, text, in-person and group.  Also monitor BPC documentation in PC database.  Level of monitoring adjusted to skill level of peer counselor. 
  • Be available during each peer counseling group session to answer any questions from PCs and participants.
  • Accept referrals from peer counselors requiring IBCLC support. 
  • Provide technical expertise to all WIC mothers in a timely manner, including high-risk pump participants.
  • Communicate directly with local health care providers regarding high risk cases
  • Develop a breastfeeding topic each month for peer counseling group meetings.
  • Hold regular meetings (minimum 1X/month) with peer counselors to discuss and demonstrate breastfeeding topic of the month, other breastfeeding education, and other counseling issues.
  • Use standard form to audit Peer Counselor’s counseling at WIC sites and over the phone at least quarterly and provide feedback/guidance based on results.
  • Assist in completing State required quarterly and annual reports by the designated deadlines.
  • Attend WIC staff meetings and complete WIC-required trainings. 
  • Provide breastfeeding technical training to WIC staff at monthly WIC meetings as requested.
  • Participate in breastfeeding outreach activities (including World Breastfeeding Month Activities every August) and serve as a breastfeeding advocate promoting WIC as a breastfeeding friendly community. 
  • Promote Peer Counseling Program within WIC, Orange County and the greater community.
  • Perform other duties as requested by Supervisor/Program Manager.

Non-Essential Functions:

  • Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements of this position are identified below. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

CORE COMPETENCIES – WE CARE:

  • Welcoming: Anticipates customer requirements and gives high priority to customer satisfaction and service.  Handles problems quickly and efficiently.  Maintains a pleasant, positive and professional approach. Embraces opportunities to help team members, stakeholders, and other departments.
  • Equitable: Creating equitable access and opportunity for all through education, practicing inclusive behavior, elevating others’ voices, creating spaces for honest conversation, and listening without judgment.  Values and uplifts our collective diversity within in our agency.
  • Confidential: Respects the information shared by our patients, employees, and vendors and maintains appropriate confidentiality.  Follows all policies and laws that protect private & privileged information.
  • Accessible: Is available and approachable to others, open-minded, fair and non-defensive.  Appreciates constructive feedback and is a team player.  Demonstrates good listening skills.
  • Respectful:  Values diversity and treats everyone with dignity and courtesy.  Dependable and courteous of other people’s time and commitments.
  • Empathetic: Demonstrates interest and understanding in other people’s feelings, attitudes and reasoning.  Maintains an open and non-judgmental demeanor that is patient, flexible, and understanding.


Planned Parenthood/Orange and San Bernardino Counties is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, equal pay, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military, veteran status or any other federal or state protected class. We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Company Description

At Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, we believe that health care is a basic human right. We combine mission with method and adhere to the highest medical standards and protocols to provide the very best for our patients.
Our staff works with a sense of pride, knowing that every day presents opportunities to make an impact on an individuals’ life—empowering each patient to take control of their health.

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