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Peer Listener Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peer Specialist

Brooklyn, NY ยท On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Peer Specialists intentionally use language in the service of listening to understand and making space for complex personal stories of recovery and resilience. * Advocacy: Peer Specialists advocate ...

Peer Specialist

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site +1

$40K - $45K/yr

Peer Specialists intentionally use language in the service of listening to understand and making space for complex personal stories of recovery and resilience. * Advocacy: Peer Specialists advocate ...

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Peer Listener information

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How much do peer listener jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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 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.

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 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 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.
More about Peer Listener jobs
Infographic showing various Peer Listener job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 75% 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 - Clackamas BHRN

The Peer Company

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Peer Company (TPC)

Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN)

Peer Support Specialist - Community Based - Clackamas County

Job Description

Pay: $25 Per Hour

Schedule: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Hours & Location:

Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM

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

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

Title: Peer Support Specialist

Reports to: Clackamas BHRN Program Manager

Department: Clackamas BHRN


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.


BHRN Peer Support Specialists will be providing peer support via intentional outreach, community partner referrals and/or self-referrals from anyone seeking help for their drug use/addiction issues. This position is community-based serving people in their homes, social service agencies, homeless camps or wherever their peers reside. BHRN peers must drive and schedule independently. This position requires daily local travel. The PSS will process referrals in Clackamas County BHRNs and connect the person seeking help with the resources of their choosing.

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:

  • Must have lived experience in recovery with substance use disorder (SUD). Has at least 24 months of continuous, sustained recovery with SUD before employment. Lived experience with mental health challenges and recovery is desirable and highly valued.
  • 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., health records, calendars, 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
  • Complete other relevant duties as assigned

The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of the position.

Employment with The Peer Company is "at-will." This means employees are free to resign at any time, with or without cause, and The Peer Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. As an at-will employee, it is not guaranteed, in any manner, that you will be employed with The Peer Company for any set period of time.

The Peer Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at The Peer Company are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, Veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.