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Peer Recovery Coach Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$25.02 - $37.53/hr

Facilitates non-clinical peer to peer recovery education and wellness coaching through group activities in topics such as health leisure activities, community involvement strategies, etc. Mentors ...

Peer Health Coach

Reston, VA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The Peer Health Coach provides wellness training and support to clients in the Primary Care ... Provide education on the recovery process and promote opportunities to enhance the ability of ...

Peer Health Coach

Reston, VA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The Peer Health Coach provides wellness training and support to clients in the Primary Care ... Provide education on the recovery process and promote opportunities to enhance the ability of ...

Showing results 21-40

Peer Recovery Coach information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$19

$24

How much do peer recovery coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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.

What qualifications do I need to be a peer recovery coach?

To become a peer recovery coach, individuals typically need lived experience with recovery from substance use or mental health issues and must complete relevant training or certification programs. Many states or organizations also require background checks and strong interpersonal skills to support clients effectively.

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 and ensure effective support for clients.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Peer Recovery Specialist - Full Time Second Shift

Valley Health

$25.02 - $37.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

DepartmentBEHAVIORAL HEALTH SOP - 206163Worker Sub TypeRegularWork ShiftSecond Shift (United States of America)

Pay Range

$25.02 - $37.53Job Description

The Registered Peer Recovery Specialist is responsible for providing peer-to-peer support services to individuals enrolled in the Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs. The Registered Peer Recovery Specialist performs a variety of paraprofessional duties in support of wellness and recovery by utilizing their lived experiences of recovery and mental health disorders. Peer Support Specialists offer emotional support, share knowledge, teach skills, provide practical assistance and connect individuals with resources, opportunities, communities of support and other people. Services are non-clinical, person centered, strengths based, wellness focused, and trauma informed. Peer support services help to ensure the individual's wellness-recovery plan reveals the needs and preferences of the individuals being served to complete their measurable and personalized goals. All services are provided as part of a comprehensive treatment team, and the incumbent will be a vital member of this team.

This position involves weekday daytime and evening program coverage for the Outpatient Behavioral Health programs, as well as assists in the development, implementation, and maintenance of these mental health services. Participates in interagency planning and service coordination activities as directed to improve and enhance service continuity and effectiveness for patients. Provides face to face interactions that support an individual achieving their self-identified level of recovery, wellness, independence or personal strengths. Serves as a role model of recovery and wellness and self-advocacy. Assists an individual or family receiving services with writing and communicating their personal recovery-wellness plans and to identify ways to reach those goals using a person-centered, individual recovery-wellness plan.

Provides trained peer-to-peer support in groups encouraging and supporting participation and self-directed participation, such as WRAP, Dual Recovery, etc. Facilitates non-clinical peer to peer recovery education and wellness coaching through group activities in topics such as health leisure activities, community involvement strategies, etc. Mentors community integration activities by providing community networking and linkage with social, recreational, spiritual, volunteer, educational or vocational resources. Assists the person in identifying community-based supports that sustain a healthy lifestyle. Supports, encourages, and enhances the development of natural support systems. Provide emotional support during the acquisition, exploration and sustaining of employment and/or educational services. Attends treatment team and program development meetings. Participates in regular group supervision and individual supervision as a means of enhancing professional growth, reviewing the provision of clinical services, and addressing administrative issues. Documents all service contacts within 24 hours of contact including face-to-face, collateral and networking contacts. Demonstrate appropriate & complete documentation of treatment - related information including treatment plans and reviews, progress notes, correspondence, releases of information, etc., in compliance with agency standards and in accordance with all application regulations. Actively communicates findings, progress and other needs with the rest of the Outpatient Behavioral Health team. Maintains collaborative relationships and communication with community referring agencies to formulate appropriate collaborative intervention strategies.

Attends mandatory trainings as required by the management team. Shares their unique perspective on recovery from mental illness with non-peer staff. Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with community resources, treatment providers, mental health providers, health care providers, shelter providers, landlords, detox centers and other community programs which may support participants. Acts in a collaborative and respectively manner while carry out functions of the program.

Education

High School Diploma or GED required

Certification & Licensure

Registered as a Peer Recovery Specialist in Virginia is required

BLS and First Aide are required with providing services offsite.

Qualifications

Ability to positively interact with persons with mental illness, substance use disorders and developmental disabilities, their family members, agency staff and community members required.

Ability to provide active listening, education and assistive supports to consumers and family members required. Good personal management skills - time management, organization, dependability and independence required.

Ability to work as a team member with agency staff and others on behalf of Recovery initiatives required General knowledge and understanding of mental illness, substance use, and developmental disabilities required.

Knowledge and understanding of the principles and components of recovery required.

Knowledge of support counseling practices and techniques required.

Knowledge of the local mental health/substance use disorder local systems as well as various services available in the community including public, private, and volunteer organizations required.

Ability to adapt to changes following implementation, if evaluation of the program indicates a need for change.

Benefits

At Valley Health, we believe everyone is a caregiver, and our goal is to create an environment where our caregivers thrive physically, financially, and emotionally. In addition to a competitive salary, our most popular benefits for full-time employees include:

  • A Zero-Deductible Health Plan
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Retirement Savings Match
  • A Robust Employee Assistance Program to help with many aspects of emotional wellbeing
  • Membership to Healthy U: An Incentive-Based Wellness Program

Valley Health also offers a health savings account & flexible spending account for childcare, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and professional development. In addition, several perks come with working for the largest employer in the region, such as discounts to on-campus dining, and more.

To see the full scale of what we offer, visit valleyhealthbenefits.com.


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About Valley Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Valley Health System is a not-for-profit network of hospitals, urgent cares, physician practices, and services. Expanding across Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, we are devoted to the health of all who call our 18-county area home. A vital resource for healthcare, we are the region's largest employer, a dependable community partner, and are at the leading edge of clinical innovations.x

Industry

Health and personal care stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Winchester, VA, US

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