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Peer Helper Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Peer Mentor

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$16.35/hr

Peer Mentors help people to: * Be independent * Learn problem-solving and self-advocacy skills * Build self-esteem and self-confidence * Set goals and make action plans * Prepare for their Person ...

Peer Mentor

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$16.35/hr

Peer Mentors help people to: * Be independent * Learn problem-solving and self-advocacy skills * Build self-esteem and self-confidence * Set goals and make action plans * Prepare for their Person ...

Peer Support Specialist

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$21.15/hr

We change lives by helping and employing people of all backgrounds. 5 Door Recovery has an immediate opening for a full time Peer Support Specialist. The Peer Support Specialist provides support ...

Peer Support Specialist

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$21.15/hr

We change lives by helping and employing people of all backgrounds. 5 Door Recovery has an immediate opening for a full time Peer Support Specialist. The Peer Support Specialist provides support ...

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Peer Helper information

See Madison, WI salary details

$10

$18

$23

How much do peer helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer helper in Madison, WI is $18.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a peer helper job?

To get a peer helper job, typically you need to be a student or community member with good communication skills and a willingness to assist others. Applications often require submitting a form or resume, and some positions may involve training or certification in areas like conflict resolution or mental health awareness. Volunteering or participating in related programs can also improve your chances of being selected.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a peer helper?

To thrive as a Peer Helper, you generally need strong interpersonal skills, active listening abilities, and a background or training in peer support or counseling. Familiarity with communication platforms, crisis intervention protocols, and sometimes basic certifications in mental health first aid or peer support are valuable. Empathy, non-judgmental attitude, and the ability to maintain confidentiality make someone stand out in this role. These skills are essential for building trust, providing effective support, and fostering a safe and supportive environment for peers.

What is the difference between Peer Helper vs Peer Counselor?

AspectPeer HelperPeer Counselor
CredentialsOften requires training or certification programs, no formal degree neededTypically requires specialized training, certification, or a degree in counseling or psychology
Work EnvironmentSchool settings, community programs, peer support groupsSchool counseling offices, mental health clinics, community centers
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, youth programs, non-profitsSchools, mental health organizations, healthcare providers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding basic peer support roles, entry-level positionsSeeking professional counseling roles, advanced peer support positions

Peer Helpers typically provide basic peer support and guidance in educational or community settings, often with minimal formal training. Peer Counselors usually have specialized training or certification and offer more in-depth emotional support or counseling. Both roles focus on peer assistance but differ in scope, training, and responsibilities.

What is a peer helper?

Peer Helpers are individuals, often students or trained volunteers, who provide support, guidance, and assistance to their peers in various settings such as schools, universities, or community organizations. They are trained to listen, offer advice, and help connect others to appropriate resources when needed. Peer Helpers play a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment and can assist with issues ranging from academic stress to personal challenges. Their goal is to promote well-being and encourage positive mental health among their peers.

What does a peer helper do?

Peer Helpers usually provide emotional support, guidance, and practical information to their peers, often acting as a bridge to professional resources when needed. They may facilitate group discussions, listen to concerns, and help create a supportive environment within schools or organizations. Common challenges include maintaining boundaries, managing confidentiality, and balancing peer helping responsibilities with personal commitments. Effective communication and empathy are crucial, and ongoing training or supervision is often provided to help Peer Helpers navigate these situations.

Peer Mentor

Aptiv

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$16.35/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
Peer Mentors support people with developmental disabilities to live, work and belong in their communities.
Peer Mentors help people to:
  • Be independent
  • Learn problem-solving and self-advocacy skills
  • Build self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Set goals and make action plans
  • Prepare for their Person-Centered Planning (PCP) meetings and provide support at the meeting, if asked
  • Connect to resources for public benefits, health and wellness, housing, employment, transportation, training and education, advocacy, and recreation

Peer Mentors are expected to:
  • Share their personal life experiences about reaching goals
  • Share how they used services and supports to reach their goals
  • Share how they became more self-directed and self-empowered
  • Build positive, trusting relationships
  • Make a safe, understanding space for people to talk about their problems and challenges

Qualifications and Requirements
  • 18 years old
  • Have an intellectual/developmental disability (IDD)
  • Willingness to share personal experiences to guide and support others
  • Experience receiving disability-related supports and services
  • Understand and explain individual rights
  • Obtain certification as a Peer Mentor by attending Peer Mentor 101 training and successfully complete a 90-hour internship
  • Ability to work in-person and virtually
  • Ability to use phone, email, computer, and virtual technology
  • Preferred experience:
  • lives or has lived independently (with or without support, not in your family home)
  • has or has had a job in the community, and
  • is actively involved in your community.

Knowledge and Abilities
  • Ability to be excited, honest, and upbeat with people
  • Ability to listen closely and work to find solutions to problems
  • Ability to support people to develop Self-Determination skills
  • Ability to find services and resources
  • Knowledge about local agencies
  • Ability to develop relationships with agencies
Duties and Responsibilities:
Duty 1 Peer Mentoring (70% of their work time)
  • Create good relationships with people they mentor
  • Get to know the people's hopes and dreams
  • Develop a list of goals and action steps with people.
  • Assist people in building their circle of support
  • Assist people to connect with community resources to meet their goals
  • Serve as an advocate with family members and friends to assist the people in having self-direction
  • Participate in the person-centered planning process, when invited
  • Spend time with people support them to reach their goals
  • Medicaid reporting: log the date of your meetings, the length of time of your meetings, what you talked about, if it was in-person or virtual meeting, next steps with the action plan. This reporting may be done using a computer.

Duty 2 Ongoing Peer Mentor Training and Networking (15% of their work time)
  • Attend trainings in person or virtually to improve skills with mentoring, person-centered planning, independent facilitation, self-determination, community inclusion, employment, health and wellness, independent living, and transportation.
  • Stay involved with the Peer Mentor group through monthly and quarterly virtual meetings and other scheduled meetings.
  • Attend an in-person Peer Mentor retreat once a year
  • Present about Peer Mentoring and self-determination at conferences, trainings and other events, when asked.
  • Provide group peer education on self-advocacy, self-determination, and rights.
Agency Requirements (10% of their work time)
  • Attend agency new employee orientation and training.
  • Complete all State, County, and agency training requirements.
  • Follow all agency policies and procedures, including code of conduct and ethics.

Educational Support (5% of their time)
  • Share information at meetings for people, staff, and funders about the role of a Peer Mentor and Peer Mentor services