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Peer Listener Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peer Specialist

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$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

Brooklyn, NY · On-site +1

$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 · 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 ...

Peer Specialist

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

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 Jul 21, 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 are some common challenges Peer Listeners face when supporting peers, and how can they effectively manage these situations?

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

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 are Peer Listeners?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,452 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Peer Specialist

$45K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Services for the UnderServed rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Min
USD $45,000.00/Yr.
Max
USD $50,000.00/Yr.
Position Overview
NYCPS/NYCPS-P REQUIRED
SCOPE OF ROLE:
The Peer Specialist facilitates engagement with teams by forging strong connections with participants and families, undertaking outreach activities designed to promote community awareness of S:US services, encouraging help-seeking, and at times serving as a bridge between team members and participants when they experience ambivalence about treatment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Relationship Building: Developing authentic, meaningful relationships with individuals and families through empathy, sharing experiences, listening and collaborating with genuine curiosity and interest.

  • 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.

  • 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 youth 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
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • NYCPS Peer Certification or Provisional Certification required: Recovery Coach, Peer Specialist or Family Peer Advocate.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Significant travel to visit clients in their home and other settings is required; 50%.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
  • Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Company Overview
S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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. From health and wellness resources to generous PTO, professional development, and more, explore all that we offer on ourBenefits Page and see how S:US invests in you.
We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values: respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement.
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 use of services animals. To request reasonable accommodation or if you believe such a request was improperly handled or denied, contact the Leave Team at MyMedicalLeave@sus.org.
ID
2024-16041
Work Location
In Person

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