ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Peer Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

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 ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

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: • ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

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: • ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

Counselor II

Pomona, CA

$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 ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

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 ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

Counselor I

Pomona, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

... peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources. • Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Ability to readily adapt to the Caminar information system. Counselor ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

Counselor I

Pomona, CA

$20 - $23/hr

... peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources. • Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Ability to readily adapt to the Caminar information system. Counselor ...

Clarvida - California

Peer Support Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$23/hr

Peer Support Specialist Location: Orange, California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $23 Date Posted:6/9/2026 About the Role The Peer Support Specialist is an individual with lived experience as a ...

Banning Unified School District

Peer Tutor

Banning, CA · On-site

$17.35/hr

BANNING UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Peer Tutors - Indian Education Program Reports to: Roxanne Roosevelt, Indian Education Program DEFINITION: Under general supervision, to tutor students individually or ...

Clarvida

Peer Support Specialist

Orange, CA

$23/hr

Description Peer Support Specialist Location: Orange, California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $23 Date Posted:6/9/2026 About the Role The Peer Support Specialist is an individual with lived ...

Clarvida - California

Peer Support Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$23/hr

Peer Support Specialists provide highly individualized services in the community and promote consumer self-determination and decision-making. As peers to the consumers they serve, they build trusting ...

Direct Counsel

Healthcare Counsel Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$175K - $230K/yr

Advise hospital medical staffs, healthcare executives, and institutional stakeholders on governance, credentialing, peer review, and bylaws compliance matters * Counsel clients on healthcare ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

Counselor I

Pomona, CA

$23 - $24.50/hr

Job Purpose: - The Counselor I at Behavioral Health Services Inc is responsible for providing direct counseling services to clients, supporting their mental health and well-being. The role involves ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPeer Counselor JobsPeer Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Peer Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$21

$30

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 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.

How much does a peer counselor make?

In Washington state, peer counselors typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, setting, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the organization and whether the role is full-time or part-time.

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. Some roles may require certification or training in counseling techniques.

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 field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually, due to advanced degrees and licensure requirements. Licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists generally earn less, with salaries typically ranging from $40,000 to $70,000. Specializations, experience, and work setting influence earning potential in the counseling field.

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 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.
More about Peer Counselor jobs
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 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:
Peer Counselor jobs near you
Counselor II

Counselor II

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC

Pomona, CA • On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Statement of Purpose
The Counselor II fulfills assigned role as a part of the treatment team, maintaining the well being of clients and integrity of the program.
Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities
  • Knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12-Step/recovery resources in the community.
  • Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training, and other occasions as appropriate.
  • Ability to write clear statements, summarizing client's feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives. Includes letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.
  • Ability to confront behavioral changes, identify a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
  • Ability to recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients.
  • Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
  • Ability to convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
  • Ability to prepare for, and facilitate related educational groups.
  • Basic knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
  • May carry a caseload as needed.
  • Working knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).
  • Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources.

  • Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Ability to readily adapt to the Caminar information system.

Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations
  • Document client intake and treatment progress
  • Identify a crisis
  • Facilitate an educational group
  • Liaison with and refer to treatment team, inside and outside agencies
  • Assess and report client behavioral changes
  • Identify personal boundaries and be able to work as part of the treatment team
  • Adhere to professional standards
  • Recognize personal biases working within diverse populations

Prerequisite Qualifications
Following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Bilingual abilities may be required within certain BHS programs.
High school diploma or equivalency. Registered and enrolled in a state-recognized chemical dependency counselor certification program or progress towards AOD, with six months' substance abuse experience or Bachelor's and registered with state or nationwide approved credentialing body (i.e. CCAPP, CAADE. Maintain registration thereafter, and to complete certification within the specified time subsequent to registration, will result in loss of employment.
Must have valid California driver's license and liability insurance if driving personal vehicle on BHS business.
Vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties. Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties. Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff.
Specific qualifications may vary based on assignment. The supervisor will initial those items on the following list, which apply and write N/A to indicate those qualifications, which are not applicable:
_____ Class "B" California Driver's License.
_____ Class "C" California Driver's License
_____ Personal vehicle with liability insurance for reimbursable mileage, generally short distances.
_____ First Aid certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.
_____ CPR certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current
thereafter.
_____ Medication training required within 30 days of employment.
_____ Bi-lingual (specify: ___________________)
______Obtain NPI number
_____ Develop computer skills adequate to perform Caminar/word processing duties within 90 days of employment.
The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements which may be inherent in the position.

Apply