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Peer Counselor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Endeavor Health Services

Peer Specialist

Rochester, NY · 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 ...

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How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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 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

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For Peer Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Peer Counselor jobs near you
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.

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, PT (Livingston County Residents Only)

Livingston County, NY

Geneseo, NY • On-site

$18.23/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary: $18.23 Hourly
Location : Murray Hill Campus (Mount Morris, New York)
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 202601256
Department: Civil Service
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
RESIDENCY- Candidates must have been legal residents of the following jurisdiction(s) for at least four months immediately preceding the date of the application:
  • Livingston County

The work involves responsibility for providing basic breastfeeding information, providing support, and encouraging prenatal and breastfeeding program participants to initiate and continue breastfeeding. This is non-technical work involving the presentation of basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to Livingston County Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) participants. An incumbent will work with program participants to help them meet their breastfeeding goals. Incumbents are placed in frequent, recurring public contact situations and must be able to function both efficiently and courteously. Incumbents must be willing and accessible to work outside clinic hours as needed. Work is performed in the office and in the field. Supervision of others is not a responsibility of this class. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the WIC Program Coordinator. A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor does related work as assigned.
Examples of Duties
  • Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to pregnant and breastfeeding program participants, including but not limited to benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers and concerns, and getting a good start with breastfeeding;
  • Is available to program participants outside of usual clinic hours and outside the clinic environment;
  • Makes routine periodic contact with all program participants assigned to caseload;
  • Counsels prenatal and postpartum program participants via email, phone, home visits, hospital visits, and in-person meetings at scheduled intervals determined by the WIC Program;
  • Maintains availability outside the WIC Clinic and the usual 8:00 am - 4:00 pm workday to new program participants who are having breastfeeding problems;
  • Refers program participants to the WIC Program Nutritionist, their medical provider, or other community resources as necessary;
  • Follows up on program participant referrals in a timely manner;
  • Respects each program participant by keeping their information strictly confidential;
  • Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with program participants;
  • Documents participant referrals;
  • Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups;
  • Attends monthly staff meetings;
  • Attends breastfeeding conferences/workshops, as assigned;
  • Reads assigned books and materials about breastfeeding that are provided by supervisor;
  • May assist in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned;
  • Meets regularly with supervisor to report activities and program participant progress; and
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: General knowledge of breastfeeding principles and practices; ability to get along with others; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to secure the cooperation of the program participants; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of program participants; ability to maintain records; ability to speak effectively in public; tact; courtesy; initiative; enthusiasm. The employee's physical and mental condition shall be commensurate with the demands of the position, either with or without reasonable accommodations.
Typical Qualifications
Applicants must meet all requirements described in the following table in order to be approved for examination and/or appointment:Qualification Option #1Training/Education
  • Possession of a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma.
General experience
  • A former, current, or eligible WIC participant; AND
  • Has breastfed at least one baby.
Supervisory experience
  • N.A.
License/Certification
  • See Special Qualifications below.
Other requirements
  • See Special Qualifications below.

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - C in all divisions
Supplemental Information
  1. Access to reliable cell phone service, which may be used to perform job duties, must be maintained throughout employment.
  2. Must be available to WIC program participants outside of clinic hours and outside the clinic environment.
  3. Appointee must attend breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor within two (2) months of employment.
  4. Appointee must complete the USDA FNS WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum training within two (2) months of employment.
  5. Appointee is required to complete six (6) hours of continuing education every year

NOTE: Minimum Qualifications mandated by mandated by 7 CFR §246.2 as interpreted by the NYS DOH in its WIC Program Manual §1460.
PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT NOTICE:
An individual who receives a provisional appointment must take the examination for the position title on the next occasion it is offered. In order to be eligible for a permanent appointment to the position, the provisional appointee must pass the exam and be ranked 1, 2, 3, or be tied in score with the individual ranked number 3 of those who are willing to accept appointment to the position. It should be understood that even if the provisional appointee is eligible for appointment, the employer may choose another candidate to fill the position on a permanent basis. Questions regarding provisional appointments should be directed to the Livingston County Human Resources Department.
Livingston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Livingston County offers certain benefits that are available to all County employees.
This includes a variety of benefits that include - but are not limited to: the option to participate in the New York State Retirement System, employee wellness offerings, access to the employee assistance plan, and more.
For full details view the benefits guide here:
01
Are you a former, current, or eligible WIC participant?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Have you breastfed at least one baby?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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