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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 use their own experiences with behavioral health issues, treatment, and recovery to encourage and support clients as they progress through their own recovery steps. Peer ...

SELF Inc.

Peer Support Counselor

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

Responsible for evaluating and communicating concerns that may interfere with providing Peer Outreach Support and conducting services promptly per program and organizational guidelines. * Responsible ...

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How much do peer support counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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.

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.
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Peer Support Counselor jobs near you
Peer Support Counselor

Peer Support Counselor

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE

Yakima, WA

$18.36 - $27.54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 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?
Peer Support Counselors use their own experiences with behavioral health issues, treatment, and recovery to encourage and support clients as they progress through their own recovery steps. 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. As part of this process, Peer Support Counselors will participate in scheduled and routine activities to assist clients in developing the skills and confidence to exercise control over their own lives. This Peer Support Counselor position is best suited to an individual who is ready to use their own experiences to relate to others and is willing to travel regularly. This position requires having previously been a consumer of mental health or substance use treatment services and be stable in recovery for at least one year.

Schedule:

  • Monday-Friday 8am-5pm


Peer Support Counselor duties may include:

  • assisting clients with attending appointments, applying for social services benefits, finding and maintaining housing, and other activities of daily living
  • collaborating with each client in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans and self-directed recovery action plans 
  • sharing personal experiences of recovery, as appropriate, to build motivation and encourage clients in their treatment 
  • partnering with clients to advocate for their needs & desires throughout 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

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be a self-identified consumer of mental services and be stable in recovery for at least one year
  • Must be eligible for registration as Agency Affiliated Counselor
  • Must have valid driver's license and vehicle liability insurance
  • In compliance with state and federal law, Comprehensive Healthcare requires all candidates to complete a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen and background check. Please refer to WAC 388-113-0020 through 388-113-0030 for information on criminal convictions and pending charges that automatically disqualify an individual from working for Comprehensive Healthcare. Please refer to RCW 49.44.240 for information on pre-employment drug screening.


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
  • Clinical supervision toward licensure, if applicable

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 
  • Financial incentives to further employee education

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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