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Peer Counselor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Career Counselor

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $22.85/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 ...

Counselor

Batavia, NY · On-site

$49K - $58K/yr

Are you a recent or soon-to-be graduate with internship/clinical experience hoping to begin your counseling career in the Mental Health or Addictions field? Perhaps you're a seasoned professional ...

Counselor

Batavia, NY

$49K - $58K/mo

Are you a recent or soon-to-be graduate with internship/clinical experience hoping to begin your counseling career in the Mental Health or Addictions field? Perhaps you're a seasoned professional ...

Counselor

Batavia, NY

$49K - $58K/mo

Are you a recent or soon-to-be graduate with internship/clinical experience hoping to begin your counseling career in the Mental Health or Addictions field? Perhaps you're a seasoned professional ...

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Showing results 1-20

Peer Counselor information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$8

$20

$28

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 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 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as experienced consultants, surgeons, anesthesiologists, or senior corporate executives. These positions typically require advanced education, extensive experience, and often involve high levels of responsibility or expertise. Freelance or contract work in fields like software development, legal consulting, or financial advising can also sometimes command such daily rates for skilled professionals.

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.

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 jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Peer counseling roles typically do not pay $10,000 a month without significant experience or specialized skills. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, which rely on performance, networking, and business acumen rather than formal education.

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.
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Peer Counselor jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Peer Counselor job openings:

Job description

Description

We are Hiring!

Job Posting: Peer Mentor

Location: Newark, NY

Department: Restart Residential

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Tues- Sat, 12 pm-8 pm

Salary: $20.00/hr.


As a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS) has been serving our community for over 100 years. We walk with people when they are at their most vulnerable as they journey toward independence to reach their full human potential, advocate for those in need throughout all stages of life; and work in partnership with faith communities of all denominations and those who are committed to addressing local needs.

If you're looking for an opportunity to express and explore your passion for helping others, then join a team that truly makes a difference DAILY, in people's lives. Don't miss out on being a part of something special!


General Description

Provides peer support groups and education for substance use disorder clients utilizing established Peer guidelines and assists in engagement activity. Effectively supports ongoing and collaborative communication amongst all program staff and is responsible for ensuring a trauma informed care environment.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provides individual and group support for substance use disorder clients involved in treatment to develop and sustain recovery.
  • Transports clients
  • Involved in peer led educational sessions on recovery principles, spirituality, use of community resources and other relevant topics.
  • Meets individually with clients to support development of their recovery plan, assist in providing motivation and encouragement to those that are struggling with engagement in treatment.
  • Complete all necessary paperwork related to client services in compliance with Agency and regulatory standards.
  • Participates in relevant Agency meetings and/or trainings
  • Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job performance through reading, supervision, in-service training and attendance at conferences and workshops.
  • Awareness and active support of the Agency's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan. Including, but not limited to, supporting the Agency's Core Competency initiatives of being Collaborative and Community Focused, Innovative and Entrepreneurial, and Culturally Competent and Diverse
  • Other duties as assigned

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory directions and perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required

Credentials: Valid and clean NYS Driver's License. Certified Peer Recovery Advocate certification or provisional certification required.

Experience: Experience running peer or recovery support groups. Lived experience preferred.


Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to type and/or perform light lifting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Compliance: Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing and documentation standards. All duties must be performed in accordance with CCFCS's corporate compliance & ethics program. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check. CCDOR considers all background check information in accordance with applicable law.


Top Benefits and Perks:

  • Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan
  • Generous time off package and work-life balance
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Supportive and collaborative environment
  • Opportunities for growth and development
  • Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives

Join us and help make a positive impact on our community!


***Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet