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Peer Support Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Comprehensive Healthcare

Peer Support Counselor

Yakima, WA · On-site

$18.36 - $27.54/hr

Peer Support Counselors travel into the community to provide backup to first responders in the field and to respond to calls that have come through 911 or 988, with the responsibility to provide ...

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How much do peer support counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support counselor in the United States is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges Peer Support Counselors face when supporting clients, and how can they be addressed?

Peer Support Counselors often encounter challenges such as establishing trust with clients, managing emotional boundaries, and navigating situations where clients are in crisis. Building trust takes time and requires consistent, empathetic communication. Maintaining healthy boundaries is essential to avoid burnout, and most organizations provide supervision or peer support groups to help counselors process their experiences. Additionally, Peer Support Counselors are trained to recognize when a client needs more specialized help and know how to refer them appropriately, ensuring safety for both the client and themselves.

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 healthcare funding. Salary levels can also be influenced by experience, certifications, and the setting, such as hospitals or community health organizations.

What do peer support counselors do?

Peer support counselors provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals facing mental health, addiction, or other personal challenges. They use their lived experience to build trust, promote recovery, and connect clients with resources or treatment options. Typically, they work in community settings, clinics, or hospitals and may require certification or training in counseling or mental health support.

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

To thrive as a Peer Support Counselor, you need lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, strong active listening skills, and typically a Peer Support Specialist certification. Familiarity with case management systems, documentation tools, and recovery-oriented resources is valuable. Empathy, nonjudgmental attitude, and effective communication are essential soft skills that foster trust and connection. These skills ensure counselors can authentically support clients, model recovery, and collaborate effectively within mental health teams.

What is the difference between Peer Support Counselor vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectPeer Support CounselorMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; peer support certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; state-specific certification may be required
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, mental health clinics, peer support groupsHospitals, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment centers
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, mental health agencies, community programsHospitals, mental health facilities, inpatient units

Both roles support individuals with mental health challenges, but Peer Support Counselors focus on peer-led support and shared experiences, while Mental Health Technicians provide clinical assistance under supervision. The roles often overlap in settings and credentials, but differ in scope and approach.

What are Peer Support Counselors?

Peer Support Counselors are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges or substance use recovery who are trained to support others facing similar issues. They use their personal experiences to provide empathy, guidance, and encouragement, helping individuals navigate recovery and access resources. Peer Support Counselors often work in mental health organizations, hospitals, or community settings, and their role is to foster hope, resilience, and self-advocacy in those they support.

What are the 4 tasks of peer support?

Peer support counselors typically provide emotional support, share lived experiences to foster understanding, assist individuals in developing coping strategies, and connect clients to resources and services. These tasks help promote recovery and empowerment in mental health or addiction settings.
More about Peer Support Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Peer Support Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Peer Support Counselor job openings:
What states have the most Peer Support Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Peer Support Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Peer Support Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Peer Support Counselor jobs are:
Peer Support Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,899 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Peer Support Counselor

Peer Support Counselor

Comprehensive Healthcare

Yakima, WA • On-site

$18.36 - $27.54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Who is Comprehensive Healthcare?
Comprehensive Healthcare provides innovative behavioral health and integrated healthcare services to clients of all ages. We take pride in our creative and collaborative work environment and in delivering clinically excellent, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented services.
What are we looking for in a Peer Support Counselor?
As part of the Behavioral Health Diversion team, Peer Support Counselors work closely with other trained mental health professionals to support individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Peer Support Counselors travel into the community to provide backup to first responders in the field and to respond to calls that have come through 911 or 988, with the responsibility to provide immediate support to the individual or family experiencing the crisis. Once the crisis is stabilized, Peer Support Counselors follow up with clients to assist with navigating systems of care and make referrals for additional services and support. By sharing their own experiences with behavioral health issues, treatment, and recovery, Peer Support Counselors encourage and support clients in engaging with treatment and taking an active role in their recovery. Peer Support Counselors promote socialization and self-advocacy, assist with developing a natural support system, and work with clients to develop & maintain community living skills. This position requires strong interpersonal skills to quickly build rapport with clients, along with comfort working outside of an office setting. The ability to collaborate with other community members and first responders is essential.
  • The schedule for this position will be Wednesday - Saturday 8:00AM - 7:00PM.

Peer Support Counselor duties may include:
  • responding in the community with other crisis staff and first responders to de-escalate and stabilize individuals who are experiencing a crisis
  • providing immediate support and resources to individuals who contact 911 or 988 requesting crisis services
  • sharing personal experiences of recovery, as appropriate, to build motivation and encourage clients in their treatment
  • modeling ways to engage with others to increase social supports, develop meaningful relationships, and access & navigate community resources
  • assessing clients for safety and risk to self or others, and taking appropriate crisis intervention measures when indicated
  • collaborating with each client to develop and implement individualized treatment plans and self-directed recovery action plans, always advocating for the clients' needs and desires throughout treatment
  • assisting clients with attending appointments, applying for social services benefits, finding and maintaining housing, and other activities of daily living

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be a self-identified consumer of mental health services in stable recovery for at least one year
  • Eligible for Peer Counselor certification provided by the Washington State Healthcare Authority: https://www.hca.wa.gov/billers-providers-partners/behavioral-health-recovery/peer-support
  • Must be eligible for registration as Agency Affiliated Counselor
  • Must have valid driver's license, vehicle liability insurance, and a minimum of two years of driving experience

What Comprehensive Healthcare Can Offer You
Training and Development
  • A variety of career opportunities in a wide range of settings with room for mobility and promotion
  • Regular training opportunities including support, supervision, and consultation in implementing evidence-based services and programs

Innovative Program & Services
  • A strong reputation for providing quality, evidence-based services within a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment
  • Innovative, forward-looking leadership that seeks to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment
  • Joint Commission-accredited organization committed to continuous quality improvement
  • Established partnerships with major research universities and other community and healthcare providers to implement cutting-edge treatment programs and services

Excellent Benefits
  • Competitive salaries within our communities and industry
  • Healthcare coverage for employee and qualified family members
  • Generous vacation, paid holiday and sick leave policies
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program services
  • Agency-funded retirement plan with contributions equal to 5% of compensation
  • Additional retirement investment opportunities with a 50% investment match of up to 4% of compensation
  • Agency-funded life and disability insurance program
  • Tuition reimbursement program to support employees pursuing additional education
  • Employer-funded student loan repayment assistance

Comprehensive Healthcare is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value the diverse perspectives and strengths that our employees bring to the workplace and we encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for our positions. The Human Resources department offers accommodations and assistance for the application and interview process; please contact us to make arrangements.

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