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

Effective peer support should be friendly, helpful, accessible, and flexible. Peer support may be delivered in individual or group settings at the agency in family homes or in community environments.

Effective peer support should be friendly, helpful, accessible, and flexible. Peer support may be delivered in individual or group settings at the agency in family homes or in community environments.

Showing results 41-60

Peer Counselor information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$9

$22

$32

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.

What are popular job titles related to Peer Counselor jobs in San Rafael, CA?

For Peer Counselor jobs in San Rafael, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Peer Counselor jobs in San Rafael, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Peer Counselor jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Peer Counselor jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Peer Counselor job openings:

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.

Peer Advocate Part-Time - Community

hscfs

Oakland, CA

$20 - $22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY: Sycamores provides a spectrum of equitable mental health services through various programs to multicultural populations of all acuities. Although it serves a variety of consumers, the agency focuses primarily on providing care to low-income, high at- risk youth.

The purpose of this position is to provide active hands-on peer support to children, youth and young adults receiving services at the Sycamores. Effective peer support should be friendly, helpful, accessible, and flexible. Peer support may be delivered in individual or group settings at the agency in family homes or in community environments. The role of the Peer Advocate is to work collaboratively to increase consumer involvement within program areas while decreasing unintentional programmatic and institutional bias about consumers.

Starting Pay Range:

$20 - $22 per hour (starting pay will be based on previous work experience and educational background.)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must have had lived experience as a consumer of mental health services.
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Maintains all required licenses and certifications.
  • As this position requires regular and flexible travel between various client locations, driving is an essential function of this position. Candidate qualifications therefore include:
  • Personal, reliable vehicle for travel to various locations.
  • Valid California driver’s license.
  • Acceptable driving record as determined Agency policy.
  • Proof of auto insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.

 

All candidates who are presented with a conditional offer of employment must satisfy a pre-employment background check, drug, and health screen.

 

Sycamores is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

 

Further, Sycamores is a Fair Chance employer and complies with California Government Code Section 12952, Employment Discrimination: Conviction History.