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Peer Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peer Specialist

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Peer Specialist The Peer Specialist is an active member of the Residential Services Team and works closely with each member of the team and the Program Supervisor and Director. The Peer Specialist ...

Peer Support Specialists are people who have been successful in their own recovery process from substance use and/or mental illness who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared ...

Peer Specialist

Miami, FL · On-site

$18/hr

The Peer Specialist is an active member of the Treatment Program/Team and provides peer support services to clients with serious mental illness, substance abuse, co-occurrent disorder in a ...

Peer Specialist

Miami, FL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

The Peer Specialist is an active member of the Treatment Program/Team and provides peer support services to clients with serious mental illness, substance abuse, co-occurrent disorder in a ...

Peer Specialist

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Peer Specialists will be certified to train and distribute Naloxone kits to individuals and their family members. • Relationship Building: Developing authentic, meaningful relationships with ...

Peer Specialist

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $50K/yr

Peer Specialists will be certified to train and distribute Naloxone kits to individuals and their family members. • Relationship Building: Developing authentic, meaningful relationships with ...

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Peer Specialist information

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How much do peer specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer specialist 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.

Where do peer support specialists make the most money?

Peer support specialists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services, such as urban areas or states with expanded mental health funding. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in specialized or clinical settings. Overall, geographic location and level of experience significantly influence earning potential for peer support specialists.

What skills do you need to be a peer specialist?

A peer specialist needs strong communication and active listening skills to effectively support others. They should have lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, along with empathy, boundaries, and the ability to motivate and empower clients. Certification or training in peer support is often required or preferred.

What is the role of a peer specialist?

A peer specialist is a trained mental health professional who has lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges. They provide support, encouragement, and guidance to clients, helping them navigate recovery and connect with resources. Peer specialists often work in mental health, addiction treatment, or community programs and may hold certifications to perform their duties effectively.

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

To thrive as a Peer Specialist, you need lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, strong interpersonal skills, and usually a Peer Specialist certification or relevant training. Familiarity with documentation systems, recovery-oriented care tools, and confidentiality protocols is common in this role. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and the ability to inspire hope set successful Peer Specialists apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for empowering clients, modeling recovery, and building trust within behavioral health settings.

How do Peer Specialists typically collaborate with clinical teams in mental health settings?

Peer Specialists work closely with clinical teams by sharing their lived experience to support clients, while also helping to bridge communication between clients and providers. They often attend team meetings, contribute to care planning, and provide unique insights into client engagement and recovery. This collaboration helps ensure care is holistic and person-centered, while maintaining professional boundaries and respecting the expertise of all team members.

How hard is it to become a peer support specialist?

Becoming a peer support specialist typically requires completing a training program and obtaining certification, which can take several weeks to months depending on the state or organization. Candidates often need lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery and must demonstrate strong communication and empathy skills.

What are Peer Specialists?

Peer Specialists are individuals who have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and are trained to support others facing similar situations. They use their personal experiences to offer guidance, empathy, and support to clients, helping them navigate recovery and access resources. Peer Specialists work in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, and community organizations, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their unique perspective helps foster hope and empowerment in those they serve.

What is the difference between Peer Specialist vs Peer Support Worker?

AspectPeer SpecialistPeer Support Worker
CredentialsOften requires certification or training in peer supportSimilar certification or training, depending on state or organization
Work EnvironmentCommunity mental health centers, hospitals, recovery programsCommunity agencies, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Employer & IndustryBehavioral health, mental health servicesBehavioral health, substance use treatment, mental health
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles in mental health supportSimilar roles in peer support services

Both Peer Specialists and Peer Support Workers serve in mental health and substance use settings, providing peer-led support and recovery assistance. While their roles are similar, the terminology may vary by organization or state. Generally, both require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, focusing on empowering individuals through shared experiences.

More about Peer Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Peer Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Peer Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Peer Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Peer Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Peer Specialist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Peer Specialist jobs? For Peer Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Peer Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Full Time, and 82% Part Time. 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 Specialist

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Peer Specialist
The Peer Specialist is an active member of the Residential Services Team and works closely with each member of the team and the Program Supervisor and Director. The Peer Specialist will function as a role model to peers; exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as a consumer advocate, providing consumer information and peer supports for participants. The Peer Specialist performs a wide range of tasks to assist participants in regaining independence within the community, learning and practicing new skills, helping participants monitor their progress, modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies, supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services, facilitating treatment and recovery groups, and assisting participants in any area they require help. The Peer specialist has an important role in supporting the Residential Services work with clients.
Daytime / Afternoon / Evening
Salary $16-19 per hour
Driver's License Required
Minimum Highschool Diploma Required
Location- Brooklyn (Multiple Locations) - 1534 Prospect Place, Brooklyn, NY 11213