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Peer Counselor Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Center for Human Development

Peer Specialist

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$20/hr

The Peer Support Specialist uses their own unique lived experience in order to support and advocate for those who have had similar life-disrupting challenges, such as psychiatric diagnoses, trauma ...

ServiceNet

MH Residential Counselor

Easthampton, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Residential Counselor Department: Mental Health Recover Services Location ... Whether you're working in residential direct care, clinical care, peer support, or other valuable ...

ServiceNet

Mental Health Outreach Counselor

Amherst, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Mental Health Outreach counselors provide and assist program participants with information and ... Whether you're working in residential direct care, clinical care, peer support, or other valuable ...

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All JobsPeer Counselor JobsPeer Counselor Jobs in Springfield, MA

Peer Counselor information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$8

$20

$28

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counselor in Springfield, MA is $20.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $22.98 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.

How much does a peer counselor make?

In Washington state, peer counselors typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, setting, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the organization and whether the role is full-time or part-time.

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. Some roles may require certification or training in counseling techniques.

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 field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually, due to advanced degrees and licensure requirements. Licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists generally earn less, with salaries typically ranging from $40,000 to $70,000. Specializations, experience, and work setting influence earning potential in the counseling field.

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.
More about Peer Counselor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Peer Counselor jobs in Springfield, MA? For Peer Counselor jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Peer Counselor jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Peer Counselor jobs in Springfield, MA are:
Peer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in Springfield, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,748 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Peer Specialist

Peer Specialist

Center for Human Development (Massachusetts)

Holyoke, MA

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Center for Human Development, (CHD) is seeking a Peer Specialist to join our team. The Peer Support Specialist uses their own unique lived experience in order to support and advocate for those who have had similar life-disrupting challenges, such as psychiatric diagnoses, trauma histories, homelessness, or problems with substance use.

Your responsibilities as a Peer Specialist: 

  • Offers support to people receiving services to find their voice and identify wants, needs, goals, and dreams.
  • Offers support to identify challenges and barriers to self-determined wants and needs, as well as open-ended exploration towards overcoming them.
  • Offers advocacy and/or support in preparation for and/or during a variety of formal or informal meetings (e.g. treatment planning, medical appointments, employment services, etc.) with a primary focus on ensuring the voice, preferences, and strengths of the individual receiving services are acknowledged and respected.
  • Partners in the exploration of community resources and/or recreational activities.
  • Offers support and/or advocacy during the start-up and conclusion of the service relationship with CHD.
  • Acts as a resource broker, connecting people they support with natural supports, community resources, and continued opportunities to access peer support at the conclusion of a respite stay.
  • Partners in researching and uncovering new information and learning opportunities.
  • Communicates, represents, and promotes the perspective of the person receiving services, serving as an advocate in collaboration with the person.
  • Facilitates mutual support and self-help groups and/or supports people receiving services in the development of their own leadership and facilitation skills.
  • Promotes the other staff’s learning and understanding of each person’s cultural identity and choices.
  • Develops activities, programs, and resources that support people in recovery to achieve their self-identified goals.
  • Works with individuals to develop or strengthen natural support networks outside of the human service or mental health systems

REQUIREMENTS: 

  •  Must have direct lived experience with psychiatric diagnoses, trauma histories, homelessness, problems with substance and/or other life-disrupting events
  • Strong interpersonal skills and empathy for others
  • Ability to work well within a team model and independently
  • Bilingual candidates (Spanish/English) are strongly encouraged to apply ($1 differential for bilingual candidates)

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The Peer Specialist supports Persons currently utilizing Respite Services to navigate emotional distress and extreme states with the core mission of transforming what is commonly referred to as a “crisis” into a learning and growth opportunity. Other core competencies include working with individuals to move towards their hopes and dreams in life, and to live in the least restrictive environment of their own choosing while offering feedback and consultation to the other respite staff related to the overall understanding and approach in how services are provided. Overarching objectives include broadening perspectives on emotional and or/mental distress, sharing information about community resources, advocacy alongside individuals receiving services, and trauma-informed mutual support.

Take advantage of a competitive compensation at $20.00/hr ($1 differential for bilingual candidates) as well as a phenomenal benefit package that includes, Dental, Health and Life insurance. Paid time off, earned vacation time and paid holidays just to name a few. 

At Center for Human Development (CHD) Care Finds a way:  

The Center for Human Development (CHD) provides a broad range of high quality, community-oriented human services dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. At CHD we are celebrating differences, inclusion is not just a policy- it is a daily practice. Multicultural, multilingual, and fluent in sign language, CHD is a reflection of those served. 

CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM TODAY!  

If this sounds like the right job for you, do not wait - apply today to join our team. We look forward to hearing from you!  

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