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How much do peer listener jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer listener in the United States is $20.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a peer listener?

Peer Listeners are trained individuals, often students or volunteers, who provide confidential, non-judgmental support to others facing personal, academic, or emotional challenges. They are not professional counselors, but they are equipped with active listening skills and resources to help peers navigate difficult situations. Peer Listeners can offer empathy, understanding, and guidance, and may refer individuals to additional support services if needed. Their goal is to create a safe space for open conversation and emotional support.

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

To thrive as a Peer Listener, you need strong active listening skills, empathy, and a basic understanding of mental health or support frameworks, often backed by relevant training or orientation programs. Familiarity with confidentiality protocols, crisis intervention techniques, and digital communication platforms is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, nonjudgmental attitudes, and the ability to maintain boundaries help Peer Listeners build trust and provide effective support. These skills are crucial for creating a safe, supportive space where individuals feel heard and guided toward appropriate resources.

What challenges do peer listeners face and how can they manage them?

Peer Listeners often encounter emotionally charged conversations, confidentiality concerns, and situations where a peer's needs exceed their training. It's important to maintain healthy boundaries, actively listen without offering direct advice, and know when to refer someone to professional resources. Regular supervision, debriefing sessions with supervisors, and ongoing training can help Peer Listeners manage stress and continue providing effective support.

What is the difference between Peer Listener vs Peer Support Specialist?

AspectPeer ListenerPeer Support Specialist
CredentialsOften requires lived experience, certifications varyTypically requires certification or training in peer support
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, mental health facilitiesHealthcare facilities, community programs
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, mental health organizationsHospitals, clinics, mental health agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding peer roles, support servicesProfessional support roles, certification requirements

Peer Listeners and Peer Support Specialists both leverage lived experience to assist others, but Peer Support Specialists often require formal certification and work in more structured healthcare settings. Peer Listeners typically focus on providing empathetic listening in community environments, while Peer Support Specialists may have additional responsibilities and credentials. Both roles are vital in mental health support networks.

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What job categories do people searching Peer Listener jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Peer Listener jobs are:

Peer Listener jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Listener job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Full Time, 78% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,452 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist - Unity E-SUDS

The Peer Company

Portland, OR • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Peer Company (TPC)

Peer Support Specialist – Unity Emergency Substance Use Disorder (E-SUDS) Job Description


Pay: $25.00 Per Hour

Schedule: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Hours and Location: 

Thursday – Sunday, 11:00AM – 9:00PM

Home Office - Recovery Campus: 8935 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97266 

Unity Center: 1225 NE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97232

Benefits: This is a benefited position as outlined in the TPC Employee Handbook

Title: Peer Support Specialist

Reports to: Evolve Program Manager

Department: Unity Emergency Substance Use Disorder (E-SUDS)


Job Summary

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support as someone who has similar life experiences and acts as a positive role model for living in recovery. The PSS is a member of interdisciplinary teams participating in collaboratively supporting an individual’s self-defined and self-directed care. The PSS supports the individual being served by creating their own person-directed recovery plan and accomplishing goals towards their self-defined recovery journey plan. They provide a listening, nonjudgmental presence and connect individuals being served with a full range of community resources.


The PSS is a member of an multidisciplinary team and meets with the individual being served at Unity Center for Behavioral Health in the E-SUDS (Emergency Substance Use Disorder Services) unit, where they are receiving short term substance use-related medical care and stabilization services located at 1225 NE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97232.


The PSS will provide a listening, supportive presence for individuals admitted to the Unity E-SUDS. The PSS will also offer follow-up support to the individuals being served to connect with a full range of resources in the community including behavioral health and physical healthcare services, longer term SUD treatment service, harm-reduction services and recovery supports. The follow up may occur in a person’s home setting or community where the valuable work of supporting and exploring recovery takes place following discharge from the E-SUDS. 


The PSS will be a valuable member of the Unity E-SUDS team that includes peer support specialists, social workers, case managers, and medical staff. Most communication will be presented in team/individual meetings, encounter notes/documentation and emails to the individuals care team. 

The PSS/CRM will learn and be willing to practice all infection control training as it pertains to interacting with people in a medical setting. Unity E-SUDS staff may provide this training electronically, and they are expected to be completed during onboarding.

 

Qualifications

 

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.


Background Check: A criminal background check will be conducted by The Peer Company in accordance with The Peer Company background check policy. A criminal record does not necessarily exclude an individual from employment with The Peer Company.

 

Pre-Hire Drug Screen: As part of The Peer Company's commitment to fostering a safe, productive, and professional workplace, we require pre-hire drug screenings for all potential employees. The screening will be conducted in accordance with The Peer Company's drug screening policy, as well as applicable state and federal laws.


Motor Vehicle Records Search: For positions that require driving, The Peer Company conducts a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) search in accordance with company policy, insurance requirements, and applicable state and federal laws. 


To be eligible for a driving-required position, candidates must meet the following minimum driving standards: 

  • No major driving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - DUII, careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, etc.) 
  • No more than 3 moving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - speeding, failing to yield, running red light, etc.) 


Experience: 

  • Identifies as having lived experience in recovery with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health challenges. Has at least 24 months of continuous, sustained recovery with SUD and/or mental health challenges before employment
  • Understands the principles of trauma-informed care, recovery, consumer-involvement


Maintaining Continuous Recovery:

Employees serving in recovery-focused roles who have lived experience with substance use disorder (SUD) must maintain continuous recovery and remain abstinent by not engaging in substance or alcohol use (illegal, legal, and recreational) during their employment with TPC.

 

Licensure/Certification: 

  • Peer Support Specialist (OHA Traditional Health Worker certification) or MHACBO CRM certification required or able to be obtained within 90 days of hire
  • Valid Oregon Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance required. Access to reliable personal vehicle required

 

Skills:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
  • Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
  • Typing and general technology skills to easily and efficiently navigate electronic systems (e.g., email, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
  • Ability to push/pull/lift/carry items up to 25 pounds

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provides 1:1 peer support to diverse individuals being served in accordance with The Peer Company’s values alignment and principles of peer support 
  • Collaborates with individuals to create Person Directed Plans (PDPs) to support their individualized recovery journey
  • Participates in regular peer support supervision sessions
  • Collaborate with other service providers and interdisciplinary teams to support participant PDPs and recovery journeys
  • Attend meetings, as applicable, to gain knowledge, communicate program objectives, and advocate for the needs of the participants being served
  • Implements the regulations, policies, and procedures which pertain to peer-delivered service, The Peer Company, and community partners
  • Following the direction of the participants served, assist participants in exploring strategies that increase satisfaction with the eight dimensions of wellness
  • Travels to visit community partners and participants, occasionally transporting participants to relevant community partners
  • Support participants in crisis by helping them to deescalate and identify next steps in their recovery journey
  • Assist participants in identifying and engaging various community resources and supports
  • Documents support services in a program database in a manner that assures compliance with policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by program deliverables
  • Meets TPC’s metric-based performance expectations based on organizational standards and contract deliverables
  • Acts as a positive role model for individuals being served and exploring their own path to wellness and recovery
  • Respects and honors a person’s rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics
  • Adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements
  • Actively collaborates with Unity E-SUDS team
  • Implement the regulations, policies, and procedures which pertain to peer-delivered service as well as be mindful of Unity E-SUDS policies and procedures
  • Meet with individuals being served in the community and/or their homes to establish and maintain a positive peer support relationship as determined applicable by the individual being served and the E-SUDS team
  • Offers individuals being served educational opportunities to explore new resources, information, and alternatives to utilizing the emergency department for non-emergent needs
  • Offers support in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the E-SUDS team with interventions which support a trauma informed environment for people being served and staff
  • Practices and is competent in de-escalation techniques from a peer support lens to reduce instances of physical and mechanical restraint techniques, avoiding crisis situations or neutralizing crises in progress