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Peer Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peer Specialist

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site +1

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Helping to facilitate engagement by forging strong connections with participants and families ... Peer Specialists need to be able to understand, share and discuss multiple frameworks for ...

Peer Specialist

Glens Falls, NY ยท On-site

$17.51/hr

Offer support and guidance to help peers develop skills that will help identify their passions and reach their goals. * Support peers in developing social networks in their community. * Support peers ...

Peer Specialist

Glens Falls, NY ยท On-site

$17.51/hr

Offer support and guidance to help peers develop skills that will help identify their passions and reach their goals. * Support peers in developing social networks in their community. * Support peers ...

Peer Specialist

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site +1

$40K - $50K/yr

Helping to facilitate engagement by forging strong connections with participants and families ... Peer Specialists need to be able to understand, share and discuss multiple frameworks for ...

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Peer Helper information

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$10

$18

$23

How much do peer helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer helper in the United States is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 are Peer Helpers?

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.

How does a Peer Helper typically support fellow students or colleagues, and what are some common challenges faced in this role?

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.
What cities are hiring for Peer Helper jobs? Cities with the most Peer Helper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Peer jobs? The most popular types of Peer jobs are:
What states have the most Peer Helper jobs? States with the most job openings for Peer Helper jobs include:
Peer Specialist

$17.10 - $19.23/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 1 hour ago


Job description

MinUSD $17.10/Hr.MaxUSD $19.23/Hr.Position Overview

SCOPE OF ROLE:

  • Outreach/Engagement: Helping to facilitate engagement with tenants, undertake outreach activities designed to promote community awareness of S:US services, encouraging help-seeking, and at times advocate for population served to maximum their full potential.
  • Embracing Creative Narratives: Peer Specialists need to be able to understand, share and discuss multiple frameworks for understanding life experiences such as psychosis with participants and the rest of the S:US team. Peer Specialists intentionally use language in the service of listening to understand and making space for complex personal stories of recovery and resilience.ย 
  • Advocacy: Peer Specialists advocate with and for program participants both in the larger community and on the team.
  • Co-Creating Support and Wellness Tools: Collaborate with participants to clarify their personal visions and develop their wellness toolkit. Along with other team members, Peer Specialists support participants in strengthening their self-awareness, building life skills, and connecting to resources and community outside of the S:US team.
  • Influencing Team Culture: Whenever possible, positively influencing the team culture by advocating for clients, promoting a friendly approach and encouraging the use of recovery-oriented language. S:US Peer Specialists also work actively within the team itself to help build an environment that operates from a belief in the human potential to grow and an understanding of human diversity.
  • Team Communication: Peer Specialists maintain open and frequent communication with the team. This includes reporting safety and other concerns to the team. Peer Specialists will also keep notes on visits with program participants as required by the provider agency. In the spirit of peer support, co-collaborating on reporting with the program participant is encouraged.
Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

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  • High school diploma
  • It is preferable that the individual's lived experience of mental health challenges includes experience with psychosis.
  • Peer Certification preferred. If required by funder, Certified Recovery Peer Advocate
  • It is preferable that the individual's lived experience of mental health challenges includes experience with psychosis during youth
  • Ideally the Peer Specialist candidate relates well to all ages, culture, and all background
  • The Peer Specialist should understand the community in which the team is based with an awareness of available community resources
  • The Peer Specialist should also be someone who has made positive and productive progress toward his or her own recovery
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal communications skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to and effectively work with participants of mental health services
  • One-Two years of active participation in mental health self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or participant run organizations or similar experiences or programs required
  • Must possess the ability/ willingness to disclose their recovery story (where appropriate) for the purposes of empowerment
  • Excellent judgment/ ability to understand boundaries when working with participants of mental health services is required
  • Adhere to on call cell phone system to facilitate crisis intervention, emergencies and other situations that require immediate action.
  • Willing and able to complete any additional assigned duties given by Program Director, Assistant Program Director, Regional Director and or Vice Presidents.

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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Peer Certification preferred.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Basic computer skills (e.g. MS Office suite and Windows) Company Overview

S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERย 

Join a team of employees who care about the wellbeing of others. We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values: respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement.ย From health and wellness resources to generous PTO, professional development, and more, explore all that we offer on ourย Benefits Pageย and see how S:US invests in you.ย 

We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values: respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement.ย 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information and including all other statuses protected by Federal, State and Local laws. S:US is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities, including allowance of the useย of servicesย animals. To request reasonable accommodation or if you believe such a request was improperly handled or denied, contact theย Leave Teamย atย MyMedicalLeave@sus.org.ย 

ID2026-18400Work LocationIn PersonEmployment Type: FULL_TIME