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Peer Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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

$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: • ...

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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 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.
More about Peer Counselor jobs

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

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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
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.

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Clarvida - California

Orange, CA • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at Clarvida - California
Peer Support Specialist
Location: Orange, California
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $23
Date Posted: 8/24/2026
About the Role
The Peer Support Specialist is an individual with lived experience as a recipient of mental health services and serves as a fully integrated member of the treatment team. 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 relationships that encourage growth and recovery while offering valuable insight to the treatment team to support individualized care. This is a daytime, full-time, office-based position and is not remote.
Responsibilities
• Carry out duties as a member of the team under the direction of the Lead Peer Mentor
• Provide work-related supportive services, including transportation (use of personal vehicle required)
• Perform mentoring, problem solving, and offer encouragement on and off the job site
• Support and communicate with clients in a timely manner to answer questions and strengthen relationships
• Provide practical help, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, and direct assistance to help consumers obtain daily living necessities
• Coordinate social activities and community engagement opportunities
• Facilitate groups and/or assignments as required by Lead Peer Mentor, Clinical Manager, or Program Director
• Develop effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer and family/caregiver empowerment
• Document all activities as required
• Maintain HIPAA compliance, ethical standards, and professional boundaries
• Support clients' recovery and wellness goals
• Identify and build upon the strengths of clients, coworkers, and communities served
• Utilize industry best practices to ensure positive outcomes
Required Qualifications
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
• Consumer of Mental Health Services or individual with lived experience (personal or as a family/support person)
• Peer Support Specialist Certificate required
• Valid California driver's license and proof of auto insurance
• Ability to use personal vehicle for transportation
• Basic computer skills
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required
• Prior behavioral health experience preferred
• Knowledge of community resources and experience working with peers
Compensation & Benefits
Full-time Employees:
• Paid vacation days (increase with tenure)
• Separate sick leave that rolls over annually
• Up to 10 paid holidays*
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• DailyPay - access your earnings without waiting for payday*
• Training, development, and continuing education opportunities
All Employees:
• 401(k)
• Free licensure supervision
• Pet insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Perks @ Clarvida - national discounts on shopping, travel, Verizon, and entertainment
• Mileage reimbursement
• Cellphone stipend
(*Benefits may vary by state or county)
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
If you're #readytowork we are #readytohire! Now hiring!
Not the job you're looking for?
Clarvida has a variety of positions in various locations; please go to
https://www.clarvida.com/working-at-clarvida
To Learn More About Us:
Clarvida @ http://www.clarvida.com/mission-vision-and-values/
Clarvida is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.
"We encourage job seekers to be vigilant against fraudulent recruitment activities that are on the rise across the healthcare industry. Communication about legitimate Clarvida job opportunities will only come from an authorized Clarvida.com email address, from a [email protected] email, or a personal LinkedIn account that is associated with a Clarvida.com email address."

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