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Peer Support Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peer Support

Springfield, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Work closely with the clinical team, including counselors, therapists, and case managers, to ensure ... The Peer Support Specialist does not supervise. Supervision Received: The Peer Support Specialist ...

Peer Mentor - FT

Orange, CA

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

The Peer Support Counselor will support consumers in moving toward recovery, creating a meaningful role in their life, which is separate from their illness MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must have ...

Peer Mentor - FT

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

The Peer Support Counselor will support consumers in moving toward recovery, creating a meaningful role in their life, which is separate from their illness MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must have ...

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Peer Support Worker

Hempstead, NY ยท On-site

$24 - $25/hr

This paid position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while developing your skills in crisis intervention, counseling, and social support. Duties * Offer empathetic peer support to ...

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Peer Support Counselor information

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How much do peer support counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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 is a peer support counselor?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer support counselor?

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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Peer Support Counselor jobs?

For Peer Support Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Peer Support Counselor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,899 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Peer Support

Springfield, OH โ€ข On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Contractor

PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Who Is Anew?
Anew is an outpatient behavioral health provider that helps individuals facing mental health and substance use disorders.
Why Work at Anew?
Flexible & Supportive Culture: Growth, work-life balance, and flexibility are built into every role.
Fun Work Environment: Get involved in community outreach, holiday events, team parties, monthly "First Friday" all-staff events, and much more!
Recovery Friendly Workplace: We are a certified Recovery Friendly Workplace that values lived experience and understanding.
Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Weekly Pay
  • Paid time off
  • Company-paid holidays
  • Benefits Eligibility on Start Date

If you are looking for more details about us, please visit https://anewbh.com/.
SUMMARY:
The Peer Support Specialist for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) provides crucial support to individuals in recovery from substance use issues. Utilizing personal experience with addiction and recovery, the Peer Support Specialist offers guidance, encouragement, and empathy to clients, helping them achieve and maintain sobriety. The position involves providing peer support in individual and group settings, assisting with the development of recovery plans, and linking clients to additional resources as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals with substance use disorders, utilizing lived experience to establish trust and encourage hope.
  • Assist clients in identifying and setting recovery goals, offering emotional support, and helping them navigate challenges in their recovery process.
  • Facilitate peer recovery groups or support meetings, encouraging clients to share experiences and support each other.
  • Act as a role model for individuals in recovery, promoting healthy coping strategies, decision-making, and positive lifestyle changes.
  • Help clients access necessary resources, such as housing, employment, healthcare, and social services, by linking them to appropriate community agencies and resources.
  • Assist with the development of individualized recovery plans, ensuring clients understand the steps they need to take to maintain sobriety and well-being.
  • Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure clients receive comprehensive care, including therapy, counseling, and medical treatment.
  • Provide education about the recovery process, coping skills, relapse prevention, and maintaining sobriety.
  • Encourage clients to actively participate in support groups, 12-step programs, and other recovery-focused activities.
  • Support clients in identifying and managing triggers, high-risk situations, and cravings.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of interactions with clients, documenting progress and any changes in treatment or recovery status.
  • Participate in case meetings with clinical staff to ensure continuity of care and to update progress on recovery goals.
  • Track and report on client outcomes, contributing to program evaluation and improvement.
  • Work closely with the clinical team, including counselors, therapists, and case managers, to ensure clients receive comprehensive, holistic care.
  • Participate in regular supervision meetings and team training to enhance skills and maintain compliance with program standards.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Given:
The Peer Support Specialist does not supervise.
Supervision Received:
The Peer Support Specialist reports to the Operations Manager/Assigned Supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) or addiction is required.
  • Peer Support Specialist certification (e.g., Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, CPRS, or similar) preferred or must be obtained within [X months] of hire.
  • Knowledge of the 12-step program and other recovery methodologies.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries while offering empathy and support.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals with complex needs.
  • Basic knowledge of community resources for individuals in recovery (housing, employment, legal, healthcare, etc.).

Education:
A High school diploma with experience noted below is required. An associate's degree in a Healthcare related field is preferred.
Certification:
Peer Support Certification
Experience/Skills:
  • Experience working in a behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment setting.
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and practices.
  • Experience facilitating group support or recovery meetings.
  • Bilingual in [language] (if applicable).

Physical Effort:
Requires sitting for long periods of time, viewing computer monitors, and keyboarding and must be able to lift 20 pounds.
Background:
Must pass all Federal and State background checks. Other background checks will be conducted for licensures and certifications according to company policy.
Schedule:
Flexible schedule based on availability.
Benefits:
This position does not offer benefits.
The pay range for this role is:
16 - 18 USD per hour (1905 Park Rd Springfield)