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Peer Counselor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Johns Hopkins Healthcare

Peer Recovery Coach

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Addiction Counselor; annual training. * Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills; Microsoft Office proficiency. Johns Hopkins Health ...

American Oncology Network

Financial Counselor

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$20.09 - $33.48/hr

... 2-peer and appeals, seeking support from provider or pharmacy team when applicable. * Review ... aid counseling team. * Understand and comply with all Federal and State laws and regulations ...

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Peer Counselor information

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$23

$32

How much do peer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer counselor in Washington, DC is $23.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $26.11 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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The top searched job categories for Peer Counselor jobs in Washington, DC are:

Peer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Counselor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,569 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Breast Feeding Peer Counselor Full Time

Greater Baden Medical Services, Inc.

Capitol Heights, MD • On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description


JOB DESCRIPTION

                                                                                                                                

 

Title:                                       Full-Time Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

FLSA Category:                    Non-Exempt

Reports To:                            WIC Director

Supervises:                             Non supervisory Position

Date Issued:                           April 2005

Date Revised:                        February 2006, June 2019, May 2024, August 2024

 

Job Summary:

The WIC Full-Time Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) is a paraprofessional support person who will be responsible for providing individual in-person and telephone counseling, along with leading group educational classes about breastfeeding for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

Essential Functions:

1.     Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills to carry out breastfeeding support and services in the clinic in an efficient manner.

2.     Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding, proper positioning and other basic breastfeeding information either by telephone, in-person at clinical appointments, during group classes and/or support groups at scheduled intervals as per WIC policy and as determined.

3.     Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women utilizing approved WIC materials.  Provides assistance in facilitating successful breastfeeding and help in handling and preventing common breastfeeding problems.  

4.     Follows-up with both pregnant and breastfeeding women at scheduled intervals as per WIC policy and as determined.

5.     Keeps accurate records of all contacts made to WIC participants using the MD WOW computer system.

6.     Offers breast pumps to breastfeeding participants who are returning to work or school and discusses collection and storage.

7.     Accurately and appropriately, documents breast pumps and other breastfeeding aids upon issuance.

8.     Follows-up with WIC participants to retrieve loaner breast pumps and accurately and appropriately document information in the