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Peer Recovery Coach Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary We're looking for a mission-aligned Recovery Coach to bring the power of lived ... As a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRS), you'll support justice-involved individuals ...

Registered Peer Recovery Specialist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Peer Recovery Specialist will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to ... Recovery Planning -- facilitate (via personal coaching) the transition from a professionally ...

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Peer Recovery Coach information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$19

$24

How much do peer recovery coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer recovery coach in Virginia is $19.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Peer Recovery Coaches?

Peer Recovery Coaches are individuals with lived experience in recovery from addiction or mental health challenges who support others on their recovery journey. They provide guidance, encouragement, and resources to help peers achieve and maintain long-term recovery. Peer Recovery Coaches do not offer clinical treatment or counseling, but instead use their personal experiences to inspire hope, build trust, and empower others to set and reach their own recovery goals.

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

To thrive as a Peer Recovery Coach, you need lived experience in recovery, a strong understanding of addiction and recovery principles, and often certification such as Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or similar. Familiarity with case management software and knowledge of local support systems and resources are typically required. Exceptional listening skills, empathy, and the ability to motivate and build trust set outstanding coaches apart. These skills are crucial for effectively supporting individuals through their recovery journey and connecting them to essential resources.

Where do peer support specialists make the most money?

Peer recovery coaches tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health and addiction services. States or areas with well-funded healthcare systems and larger urban centers often offer higher compensation for these roles. Experience, certifications, and working in specialized settings can also influence earning potential.

How do I become a peer recovery coach?

To become a peer recovery coach, individuals typically need to have lived experience with recovery from substance use or mental health issues and complete specialized training or certification programs. Many states or organizations require a minimum age, background checks, and ongoing education to maintain certification. Strong communication skills and empathy are essential for success in this role.

How much do recovery coaches get paid?

Recovery coaches typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced coaches or those working in specialized environments can earn higher salaries. Many recovery coaches also receive benefits such as health insurance and flexible schedules.

What are some common challenges Peer Recovery Coaches face when supporting clients in early recovery?

Peer Recovery Coaches often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients who may be hesitant or ambivalent about recovery, navigating complex personal or social issues, and maintaining appropriate boundaries. Coaches must balance providing empathetic support while empowering clients to take responsibility for their own recovery. Additionally, they may need to collaborate closely with clinical staff and community resources to ensure clients have access to comprehensive support without overstepping their own non-clinical role.

What is the difference between Peer Recovery Coach vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectPeer Recovery CoachSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsPeer support certification, recovery experienceState licensure, certification (e.g., CADC)
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, recovery centers, peer groupsClinics, treatment centers, hospitals
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, recovery organizations, healthcareRehabilitation facilities, mental health clinics
Primary FocusProviding peer support, motivation, and guidanceAssessing, diagnosing, and treating substance use disorders

While both roles support individuals with substance use issues, Peer Recovery Coaches focus on peer-led support and motivation based on personal recovery experience, often without formal clinical training. Substance Abuse Counselors provide clinical assessment and treatment, requiring specific licensure and certifications. Both roles are vital in the recovery process but serve different functions within the treatment and support ecosystem.

Infographic showing various Peer Recovery Coach job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,203 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Lead Recovery Coach, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Master Center for Addiction Medicine

Glen Allen, VA • On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Become a member of our collaborative team of caring and compassionate professionals at Master Center for Addiction Medicine and you will be joining the field of comprehensive outpatient addiction medicine treatment, one of the fastest growing fields of medicine today.
Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a private, outpatient addiction medicine treatment center based in Richmond, Virginia. We are growing and opening new locations and we are looking for talented individuals to grow our team, as well! Our approach to addiction is comprehensive, evidence-based and individualized drawing on every tool that has been proven effective: medical treatment, education, psychiatry, professional counseling, testing/monitoring and peer support services. Our aim is not just to treat patients but to heal them - by helping each one find his or her way to lifelong recovery.
The Lead Recovery Coach operates under the direction of the Peer Services Manager and the Chief Clinical Officer. This role involves close collaboration with the Peer Services Manager and is responsible for overseeing the organization's team of peer recovery coaches. Key responsibilities include recruiting, training, supervising, and providing leadership to the recovery coaching team.
In addition to these leadership duties, the Lead Recovery Coach actively engages with patients, offers peer support, educates clients about available programs, and ensures accurate documentation within the electronic medical records system. This role also includes care coordination and assistance with referrals as needed. The position requires participation in on-call services.
Qualifications:
  • A minimum of two years of experience with the organization or equivalent experience.
  • Consistently positive performance evaluations.
  • Proven ability to mentor and guide new peer recovery coaches effectively.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Recruitment and Training:
  • Assists in evaluating job candidates and facilitates recruitment efforts with community partners.
  • Serves as the primary trainer for all new peer recovery coaches, providing comprehensive onboarding and documentation of department practices.
  • Conducts 30-, 60-, and 90-day assessments of new peer recovery coaches, ensuring timely completion and feedback.
Performance Management:
  • Facilitates performance management activities, meeting organizational deadlines.
  • Conducts monthly audits of documentation in the electronic medical records system (eCW) for all peer coaches.
  • Completes and documents monthly individual supervisions, annual reviews, and competency evaluations (initial and annual) for all coaches in a timely manner.
Policy and Procedure Development:
  • Assists in creating new policies and procedures, promotes their adoption, and identifies opportunities for improvement and innovation.
  • Develops and updates department Standards of Practice in alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Documentation and Compliance:
  • Creates and updates coaching documentation to meet DBHDS and company requirements.
  • Conducts regular reviews and ensures accuracy and compliance with standards.
Coach Support and Guidance:
  • Provides support to peer coaches in maintaining professional boundaries and addressing challenging situations effectively.
  • Offers guidance and redirection to coaches when necessary to meet program expectations, documenting interventions.
Scheduling and Resource Management:
  • Monitors and approves peer coaches' hours, manages PTO requests, and ensures efficient utilization of staff resources.
  • Plans to accommodate staff absences and PTO, ensuring continuity of services.
Community Engagement:
  • Actively participates in community engagement activities to promote program goals and foster partnerships.
Direct Service Provision:
  • Fills in for absent peer coaches across multiple service locations, delivering peer services as needed, including:
    • Conducting coaching interviews during appointments.
    • Reviewing patient stories and addressing the crisis that led them to seek treatment.
    • Exploring recovery history, readiness for change, and openness to treatment.
    • Identifying obstacles to recovery and setting treatment and recovery goals with patients.
    • Supporting patients in adhering to their treatment plans.
    • Explaining the coach's role and communication methods.
    • Providing reports to medical providers and supporting them in maintaining schedules.
Collaboration and Other Duties:
  • Assists the Recovery Coach Manager and Chief Clinical Officer as needed.
  • Completes other projects and duties as assigned.

Performance Standards1. Competence and Collaboration. The employee consistently demonstrates a positive work ethic, commitment to the organization, compassionate, and teamwork. The employee provides goal-directed peer counseling and support services to patients. The employee demonstrates the ability to develop and sustain a therapeutic relationship. The employee actively participates in clinical and administrative meetings. The employee keeps their supervisor informed of important issues related to the delivery of services.2.Credentials. The employee takes full responsibility for initiating and maintaining all credentials with state licensing and certification boards and all related insurance panels, when applicable. While Master Center may provide general coordination of credentials, it is the employee's responsibility to apply and stay active (paneled) with health insurance providers and managed care organizations. All coaches must be certified by the Virginia Certification Board and registered with the Board of Counseling at the Virginia Department of Health Professions. 3. Knowledge. The employee consistently demonstrates knowledge of policies, procedures, operating guidelines, and evidence-based best practices and approaches to behavioral health and addictions services. The employee understands how to follow regulations and stay in compliance with accreditation standards. The employee completes orientation and initial and ongoing competency-based trainings.4. Supervision. Employee trains new Recovery Coaches, assists the Lead Recovery Coach and leads by example.5. Direct Services. The employee will provide person-centered individual, group and family peer support and peer counseling, working at least 32 hours per week (if full-time employee), and completes all documentation in a timely manner.Required Skills:
  • Ability to share recovery experience.
  • Strong listening skills.
  • Ability to convey empathy and support while also holding patients accountable to expectations of treatment plan.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, high attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to communicate with patients and coworkers professionally.
  • Computer literacy and ability to type.
  • Leadership capabilities.
Salary: $50,000+
At Master Center for Addiction Medicine, we transform the lives of our patients. We transform the model of care for the addiction treatment industry. And we are transforming the landscape of addiction treatment through innovation and growth. Join us in our mission and make a true impact on people, families and your community!