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Peer Recovery Coach Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Peer Recovery Coach information

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$13

$19

$24

How much do peer recovery coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 is a peer recovery coach?

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?

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.

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.

How do you 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 background check and ongoing education to maintain certification, and strong communication and empathy skills are essential for the role.

What does a peer recovery coach make?

A peer recovery coach typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Compensation may include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, and some roles offer flexible schedules or part-time options.
Infographic showing various Peer Recovery Coach job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,203 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist SU Peer LADC Grant

Horizon Behavioral Health

Lynchburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$29K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Hours: full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Lynchburg VA, 24501

Why Become CPRS with Horizon?

  • Automatic pay raise after obtaining CPRS certification
  • Quality behavior health training with Central Virginia company in operation for 50+ years
  • Retirement plan through Virginia State Retirement System (VRS)
  • Generous paid vacation time

Position Summary

The Peer Recovery Specialist or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) with the LADC program functions as a role model and coach to those seeking personal wellness and long-term recovery by adhering to professional ethics, demonstrating competencies, using effective coping skills, serving as an advocate, using best practices and providing information and referral. This is an entry-level position and will be required to complete all required training and supervision hours to apply for certification within one year of hire date.

Services include one-on-one peer mentoring, peer-led support groups, telephone outreach, assisting clients in accessing community resources, services and affiliation with recovery-supported social activities. Some evening and weekend hours.

Required Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma / GED
  • At least one continuous year of sustained recovery for persons having lived experience with mental illness or substance use.
  • Experience in a substance use recovery program preferred. 

Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of services and systems available in the community, including primary health care, support services, and generic community resources; knowledge of the nature of the recovery process, including the use of established standardized mental health, substance use, and co-occurring processes; knowledge of basic problem-solving strategies to support individuals in self-directed recovery. Ability to identify and document an individual’s need for resources, services, and other supports; ability to develop recovery, resiliency, and wellness plans by integrating information obtained from informal assessments, evaluations, observations, and interviews; ability to promote services, supports, and strategies for the recovery process; ability to utilize personal experience to support others in recovery; ability to work as a member of a team, maintaining effective, professional working relationships with individuals within the agency as well as those in the community.

Willing and available to work modified schedules (weekends, holidays, etc.) as required. Ability to drive and must possess a valid driver’s license. May be called upon to travel to any Horizon worksite; transport clients, provide services to clients at other locations. Ability to participate in and successfully pass behavioral intervention training; includes both verbal de-escalation skills and physical skills techniques to be utilized with consumers as needed.

THE BEST BENEFITS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF THE COMMUNITY

We’re proud to offer some of the best benefits options in Central Virginia.  Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) is exclusively for public service workers in Virginia, while several options exist for life, health, dental, and vision insurance. Emphasis on work-life balance means a generous annual leave policy ensuring time for wellness with separate time allocated for sick leave and additionally for paid holidays. Stay active with Horizon’s annual wellness programs and various opportunities to interact with the community through the year. Horizon’s clinical sites are NHSC/HRSA-approved for clinical student loan repayment, and qualify for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the Behavioral Health State Loan Repayment (BHLRP) programs.  If you are interested in continuing your education, working at Horizon qualifies you to receive discounts at some local universities. 

To Apply – Please visit our online career center at https://www.horizonbh.org/careers/

Horizon Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).