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Peer Counselor Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Hanna Boys Center

Peer Specialist

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Peer Specialist FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Department: MHH Reports to: Program Manager Time: O.5 FTE Updated: 06.01.26 Job Summary The Peer Specialist will serve as a peer to the participants ...

Hanna Boys Center

Peer Specialist

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Peer Specialist FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Department: MHH Reports to: Program Manager Time: O.5 FTE Updated: 06.01.26 Job Summary The Peer Specialist will serve as a peer to the participants ...

BUCKELEW PROGRAMS

PEER SPECIALIST

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$25.50/hr

We are hiring multiple Peer Specialists to join Buckelew Programs' new Rising Recovery Center, a new short-term residential treatment center providing support to individuals experiencing co-occurring ...

Buckelew

PEER SPECIALIST

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$25.50/hr

We are hiring multiple Peer Specialists to join Buckelew Programs' new Rising Recovery Center, a new short-term residential treatment center providing support to individuals experiencing co-occurring ...

Abode Services

Peer Specialist

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$25 - $27.50/hr

The Peer Specialist provides outreach, case management, or rehabilitative services. This position, along with team members will provide outreach, engage, house, and wrap around clinical services to ...

Center Point, Inc

SUD Counselor

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

Current Peer Support Specialist Certification from a granting institution endorsed by the ... Counselor III - AOD Certified Counselor: * Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug ...

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Peer Counselor information

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How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counselor in San Rafael, CA is $22.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $25.72 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.
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Peer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,819 per year, or $23 per hour.

Certified Peer Navigator - Hummingbird Potrero

PRC Baker Places

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$22.17 - $24.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

PRC Baker Places is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the San Francisco community through legal advocacy, workforce development, financial services, and residential treatment programs. We support formerly homeless adults living with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders by providing a continuum of integrated direct care services. All of our programs are grounded in a social rehabilitation philosophy that integrates harm reduction and daily living skills within a safe and supportive environment.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to help people affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, or mental health issues better realize opportunities by providing integrated legal, social and health services that address the broad range of social risk factors that impact wellness and limit potential.

Values that Guide Us: Accountability, Honesty, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, Respect

If you’re passionate about making a real impact in your community, working in a dynamic, inclusive environment, and helping people rebuild their lives, PRC Baker Places is the place for you.



Title: Peer Navigator (Certified)

Locations: Hummingbird- Potrero & Valencia

Facility Type: Non-Licensed, DOJ/FBI Background Clearance Required 



POSITION OVERVIEW: Certified Peer Navigators use their experience of recovery from mental health disorders to support others in the early or later stages of their recovery process. Combined with skills learned in a formal certification training, their experience and knowledge of community resources puts them in a unique position to offer support.


PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Engage adults receiving services at ZSFGH-Psychiatric Emergency Services and introduce availability of residential and day guest services at Hummingbird Place Psychiatric Respite Program.
  • Provide culturally competent and consumer driven social support to reduce emotional health stressors and stigma.
  • Participate in the discharge plan from PES and admission plan to Hummingbird Place.
  • Provide warm hand off escort from PES to Hummingbird Place.
  • Document any necessary information into Hummingbird Place chart.
  • Provide ongoing peer support to clients at Hummingbird Place and work as part of the treatment team in coordinating linkage to community resources if necessary, including healthcare and housing services.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Must be able to navigate several flights of stairs many times daily.
  • Must be able to do extensive charting and documentation.
  • Must be able to lift 20 pounds
  • Responsible to physically respond to client needs in the event of a crisis.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • High School or GED
  • Completion of a mental health, peer counselor certificate program.
  • At least 3-5 years of direct personal lived experience with the SF behavioral health system
  • Two years of peer counseling, particularly working with diverse populations and individuals in psychiatric crisis
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively, function independently, and interact professionally with a diverse, multi-cultural, and interdisciplinary staff of all levels.


Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. PRC Baker Places offers a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their eligible spouse/children, as well as short/long-term disability, life insurance, employer-matching contributions to 403(b) retirement, generous paid time-off, and professional development.