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Peer Educator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

This includes developing and maintaining peer programs, peer lead education groups, and other peer to peer initiatives that build resiliency an develop and enhance consumer skills. Assists trainers ...

PT Peer Coach

Midland, TX · On-site

$15/hr

Education Reach for Texans is a 501© (3) organization that seeks to eliminate barriers to ... Practice utilization of a peer coaching model being piloted for the project (training will be ...

Education Reach for Texans is a 501© (3) organization that seeks to eliminate barriers to ... Practice utilization of a peer coaching model being piloted for the project (training will be ...

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Peer Educator information

See Texas salary details

$7

$18

$32

How much do peer educator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer educator in Texas is $18.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a peer educator?

Peer Educators are individuals, often students or members of a community, who are trained to provide education, support, and resources to their peers on specific topics such as health, wellness, academics, or social issues. They use their shared experiences and relatable perspectives to effectively communicate information and encourage positive behaviors within their peer group. Peer Educators can be found in schools, colleges, and community organizations, and they play a crucial role in promoting awareness and fostering supportive environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer educator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Peer Educator, you need strong communication skills, a solid understanding of the subject matter or health topics, and often a background in education or relevant training. Familiarity with educational tools, presentation software, and sometimes certifications in peer counseling or facilitation are valuable. Empathy, active listening, and the ability to build trust help Peer Educators connect effectively with their audience. These skills are crucial to foster an open learning environment, encourage positive behavior change, and support the well-being of peers.

What are some common challenges peer educators face when engaging with their peers, and how can they effectively address them?

Peer Educators often encounter challenges such as overcoming stigma, building trust, and encouraging open communication about sensitive topics. To address these, it’s important to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment and use active listening skills. Successful Peer Educators rely on empathy, cultural awareness, and confidentiality to foster meaningful dialogue and support positive behavioral change among their peers. Regular training and support from supervisors or coordinators also help in navigating difficult conversations and maintaining professional boundaries.

What is the difference between Peer Educator vs Peer Counselor?

AspectPeer EducatorPeer Counselor
CredentialsOften requires high school diploma or equivalent; certifications in health education or related fieldsTypically requires similar credentials; certifications in counseling or mental health may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, health clinicsSchools, mental health clinics, community organizations
Employer & IndustryEducational and health organizationsHealth and mental health services
Primary FocusProviding education, raising awarenessProviding emotional support, guidance, and counseling

While both roles involve working with peers, Peer Educators focus on delivering educational programs and raising awareness, whereas Peer Counselors provide emotional support and counseling. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities within health and education settings.

What are the five roles of a peer educator?

A peer educator's five key roles include providing accurate information, promoting healthy behaviors, serving as a role model, facilitating discussions, and supporting behavior change within their community. They often use communication skills, cultural competence, and confidentiality to effectively engage peers and foster trust. These roles help improve awareness and encourage positive health outcomes among their audience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Educator jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Peer Educator jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Peer Educator jobs in TX?

For Peer Educator jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Peer Educator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,563 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Peer Educator to join our team! Supports the treatment team in providing medication training and support to consumers. This includes developing and maintaining peer programs, peer lead education groups, and other peer to peer initiatives that build resiliency an develop and enhance consumer skills. Assists trainers in developing and maintaining training materials for new and existing staff.
Your role in action:
  • Develops, coordinates and implements the provision of peer group meetings and peer to peer discussion groups that will enhance consumer's ability to better manage their needs.
  • Works collaboratively with trainers and clinical staff to enhance the overall quality of the clinical care and incorporate peer groups into the clinical care of the consumers.
  • Ensures all services provided meet eligibility criteria and are authorized in accordance with agency and regulatory guidelines.
  • Provides skills training and psychosocial rehabilitation services that address the severe and persistent mental illness and symptom related problems that interfere with the individual's functioning.
  • Provides interventions in response to crisis to reduce symptoms and avoid admission to a more restrictive environment.
  • Performs activities to assist consumers in gaining and coordinating access to necessary care and services based on individual needs
  • Provides training/education on the nature of mental illness, the importance of medications, and other medication related information as outlined in the MTS/DSHS curricula.
  • Monitors consumer progress with treatment goals.
  • Provides communication to all staff on ongoing efforts to develop peer to peer programs and consumer led education groups, and coordinates access to these groups through all providers.
  • Meets divisional productivity standards as outlined in the mental health division's operational guidelines
  • Performs related work as assigned. Adapts to changing work requirements.
  • Demonstrates ethical conduct in all clinical and professional activities.
  • Complies with agency policies and procedures accrediting/regulatory bodies and performance contract documentation requirements.

What qualifications you will need:
Education:
  • Bachelor degree in human services (e.g., psychology, social work, sociology) required.
  • Advanced degree preferred.
  • Must be a Certified Peer Specialist / have equivalent certification or must take the Certified Peer Specialist training within 8 months of hiring.

Experience:
  • Lived experience of having at least 12 months treatment history from one of the severe and persistent mental/substance use diagnosis
  • Must self-identify as a user of Mental Health Services with no crisis services utilized within a year, and no hospitalization within a year. May consider one stay within a year if it was a short duration.
  • Background check is required.
  • Prefer experience of being in a mental health crisis.
  • Prefer experience with non-traditional housing.

Knowledge, Skills and abilities:
  • In good standing with the credentialing agency for Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist in the state of Texas.
  • Familiar with navigation of the Mental Health Public System.
  • Computer literate, able to learn and navigate EMR and other necessary programs and applications.
  • Strong communication, listening, and positive interpersonal skills.
  • Effective time management skills and organizational skills.
  • Able to work collaboratively with others in a teamwork environment.
  • Work well within office and field settings.
  • Self-directed.
  • Able to follow the Policy and Procedures of The Harris Center for Mental Health & IDD.
  • Group affiliations a strong plus, i.e., NAMI, DBSA, AA, NA, etc.

What we have to offer:
The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.
Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.
Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.
What else you should know:
  • The ideal candidate will be based at 3737 Dacoma St. Houston, TX 77092.
  • This posting is associated with position #2688-99702

About us:
The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provided care to over 96,000 people in fiscal year 2023!
As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.
By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.

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