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Peer Counselor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Peer Mentor

Rochester, NY · 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 ...

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 · 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 ...

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

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $21.50/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Peer Mentor

East House

Rochester, NY • On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
East House is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. 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 fulfilling lives. Our mission is to foster a supportive environment that promotes healing and long-term recovery, while upholding our humanistic, optimistic, progressive, and collaborative values rooted in integrity.
The Peer Mentor provides peer support, advocacy, and recovery education to individuals in residential and supported living environments. This role promotes empowerment, fosters hope, and supports individuals in achieving their recovery and community integration goals.
In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. East House considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources.
Responsibilities
  • Assists clients in articulating goals for recovery and determining steps and resources needed to achieve them.
  • Identifies barriers to community integration and provides appropriate interventions aligned with client recovery goals.
  • Maintains communication with program staff regarding client concerns and progress.
  • Coordinates and schedules recovery-based activities, trainings, and groups.
  • Collaborates with community agencies to gather and maintain relevant resources.
  • Provides outreach and support to clients in the community.
  • Promotes client use of community resources through modeling and education.
  • Assists clients in developing self-advocacy and empowerment skills.
  • Maintains documentation per East House policies and funder standards.
  • Occasional transportation of clients in a vehicle as large as a 15-passenger van is also required of the position.

Other Duties
  • Follows all applicable policies, federal and state laws, and East House compliance standards.
  • Collaborates with the Office of Ethics, Compliance & Quality to address non-compliance, and document corrective actions.

Note: This job description may not cover all job duties and is subject to change without notice. Job duties, responsibilities, and/or activities may change at any time with or without notice.
COMPETENCIES
Alignment with East House Values
  • Humanistic, Collaborative, Optimistic, Progressive, Integrity.
  • Represents the organization professionally and aligns with its mission.
  • Performs work with integrity and in compliance with established processes, procedures, and regulations.

Accountability
  • Takes responsibility for all work activities and personal actions.
  • Follows through on commitments; implements decisions that have been agreed upon.
  • Maintains confidentiality with sensitive information.
  • Acknowledges and learns from mistakes without blaming others.
  • Recognizes the impact of one's behavior on others.

Commitment to Belonging, Respect, and Building a Supportive Community
  • Values and appreciates the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of every individual.
  • Actively includes others in conversations and decision-making, fostering connections by learning about others' interests, and celebrating achievements to make individuals feel valued.
  • Listening without judgment, communicating and interacting politely and civilly, and acknowledging others' contributions to show appreciation and build trust.
  • Offering help, encouraging collaboration, and creating safe spaces where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.

Working Conditions/Work Environment
Traditional office and/or residential environment. Occasionally subjected to pressure due to time demands. May have to travel to various program locations which may not be accessible for individuals with reduced mobility.
Physical/Mental Demands
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, ability to reach above or below shoulders, use hands to type and/or perform light lifting (up to 25 lbs.), and occasional stair-climbing.
Reasonable Accommodation
East House provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-238-4800 or email your request to HRTeam@easthouse.org. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Requirements
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
  • Must be a past or present consumer of mental health and/or substance use services
  • Minimum of 50 hours of relevant peer training from community agency.
  • High school diploma or GED required with 2-4 years' previous experience in a Peer role preferred.

Licensure/Certifications
  • Peer Certification preferred (provisional and/or permanent).
  • If not currently certified, must obtain Peer certification within 18 months of hire.
  • For HCBS Peer a provisional and/or permanent peer certification is required.
  • NYS motor vehicle license, safe driving record and availability of personal vehicle required.

Other Skills/Knowledge/Experience
  • Ability to appropriately share personal experiences to support client recovery and wellness.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and with diverse populations.
  • Basic computer literacy including email, internet use, and document editing.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and ability to create documents, tables, and charts.
  • Knowledge of person-centered practices.

Salary Description
$16.50 - $19.00