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Peer Counselor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

The Overnight Peer Mentor provides awake overnight peer support and supervision to ensure the safety and security of the environment. This role is integral in supporting guests in their recovery ...

Peer Specialist

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$18/hr

You will be responsible for creating a safe and supportive environment for our clients, as well as providing peer-to-peer counseling, educational, and advocacy services. You will also be instrumental ...

Peer Mentor

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

We provide comprehensive services, including residential support, counseling, peer support and community outreach to empower individuals to overcome mental health and substance use disorders and lead ...

Peer Mentor

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

We provide comprehensive services, including residential support, counseling, peer support and community outreach to empower individuals to overcome mental health and substance use disorders and lead ...

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Peer Counselor information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$8

$20

$28

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counselor in Rochester, NY is $20.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.79 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 job categories do people searching Peer Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Peer Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Peer Counselor jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Peer Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,327 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

BREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELOR

ANTHONY L JORDAN HEALTH CORPORATION

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$15.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

The health services that became the Anthony L Jordan Health Corporation (Jordan Health) began more than 100 years ago, in 1904. As one of the first 5 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) established in the nation, its roots are steeped in service to those who face barriers to health and health care, meeting their need for comprehensive medical, dentistry, behavioral health, and community services. Starting in northeast Rochester, NY, Jordan Health has since expanded to become a network of primary care offices and health centers serving residents living in three quadrants of Rochester, NY and in Canandaigua, N.Y.ย 


Jordan Health is now seeking a WIC Peer Counselor who, under the guidance of the WIC Breastfeeding Director/WIC Peer Counselor Supervisor, is primarily responsible for improving breastfeeding support amongst WIC families. ย 


If you want to apply your specialized experience and education in an environment where you can make a difference and significantly impact patients' quality of life, please consider our WIC Peer Counselor opportunity.

Requirements

The WIC Peer Counselor will ensure to:

Improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates through breastfeeding support.ย 

Increase community breastfeeding awareness.ย 

Communicate well with a diverse community.ย 

Stay current on breastfeeding research.

Develop participate centered breastfeeding materials.ย 

Perform related task as directed by supervisor.ย 

Document BF contacts, attempts and referrals within NYWIC system.ย 

Maintain caseload of assigned prenatal and breastfeeding participants.ย 

Provide contact sheets to BF Director.ย 


Education And Experience Required:

High school diploma or equivalentย 

Must have breastfeeding experience.ย 


Licenses And Certifications Required:

Provider BLS/CPR through the American Heart Association.ย 

Infection Control certificate.ย 


Special Skills, Knowledge Required:ย 

Must have personal breastfeeding experience.ย 

Must possess clear written and verbal communication skills and be able to work well with people.ย 

Must be sensitive to the culture needs of the population served.

Spanish speaking preferred.ย 


Jordan Health offers equal opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color religion, age, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics or genetic information, or any other status protected by law. ย 


About Jordan Health:

Jordan Health is an independent FQHC, with Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) designation through the National Committee on Quality Assurance. Jordan Health receives funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Jordan Health is a network of outpatient primary care offices with providers who follow a panel of patients. While independent, Jordan Health actively collaborates with the major hospital and healthcare systems in our operating area to provide a total safety net of healthcare services.