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Peer Support Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Clarvida

Lead Peer Support Specialist

Lake Forest, CA

$25/hr

Description Lead Peer Support Specialist Location: Lake Forest, California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $25 an hour Date Posted: August 10, 2026 About the Role The Lead Peer Support Specialist ...

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All JobsPeer Support Specialist JobsPeer Support Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Peer Support Specialist information

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How much do peer support specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support specialist in Riverside, CA is $20.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the job duties of a Peer Support Specialist?

A Peer Support Specialist provides emotional support, guidance, and advocacy to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, drawing on their own lived experience. They assist clients in developing coping skills, connecting to resources, and navigating treatment options, often working in community or healthcare settings. Certification or training in peer support techniques is typically required, and they may work flexible hours to meet client needs.

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

AspectPeer Support SpecialistMental Health Counselor
Required CredentialsPeer support certification, lived experienceMaster's degree in counseling or psychology, state licensure
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, recovery centers, hospitalsClinics, private practices, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral health agencies, non-profitsHealthcare facilities, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonPeer Support Specialist vs Mental Health Counselor

The main difference between a Peer Support Specialist and a Mental Health Counselor lies in their credentials and approach. Peer Support Specialists rely on lived experience and certification, working primarily in community and recovery settings. Mental Health Counselors typically hold advanced degrees and licensure, providing clinical therapy in healthcare environments. Both roles are vital in mental health support but serve different functions within the industry.

How do peer support specialists typically collaborate with clinical staff and other support professionals?

Peer Support Specialists often work closely with clinical staff, such as therapists, case managers, and nurses, to provide holistic care for clients. They act as a bridge between clients and the clinical team, offering unique insights based on their lived experience. Regular team meetings, shared care plans, and open communication are common practices to ensure everyone is informed and aligned. This collaborative approach enhances support for clients and fosters a positive, integrated work environment.

How much do peer support specialists make?

In North Carolina, peer support specialists typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $31,000 to $42,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, certification, and work setting, such as mental health agencies or community programs.

What skills do you need to be a peer support specialist?

A peer support specialist needs strong communication and active listening skills to effectively support others. Empathy, emotional resilience, and the ability to establish trust are essential, along with knowledge of mental health or substance use issues. Certification or training in peer support methods is often required or preferred.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer support specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Peer Support Specialist, you typically need lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, peer support training, and sometimes state certification. Familiarity with documentation systems, recovery planning tools, and support group platforms is common in this role. Exceptional listening skills, empathy, and the ability to empower others are vital soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to effectively guide and inspire clients on their recovery journeys while working collaboratively with care teams.
More about Peer Support Specialist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Support Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Peer Support Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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For Peer Support Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Peer Support Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Peer Support Specialist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Peer Support Specialist job openings:

Peer Support Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support Specialist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,798 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

Clarvida - California

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at Clarvida - California
Peer Support Specialist
Location: Anaheim, California
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $23
About the Program:
Opportunity Knocks is a full service partnership (FSP) treating adults struggling with severe mental health disorders along with a current/recent legal history and are at risk of being homeless or currently homeless.
About Your Role:
As a Peer Support Specialist, you are fully integrated team members who provide highly individualized services in the community and promote consumer self-determination and decision-making. Peer Support Specialists are also peers to the consumers and they have the innate ability to build trust and relationships with consumers. The insight resulting from this relationship is extremely useful in encouraging continued consumer growth and recovery, as well as a valuable tool that can be brought to the treatment team in gaining insight for the treatment of each individual consumer.
Does the following apply to you?
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required with computer or business courses
    • Bachelor's degree preferred but not required
  • Consumer of Mental Health Services; Persons with a history of being consumers of mental health service or individuals with lived experience (i.e. living with a relative, significant other, or other support person who is a consumer of mental health services)
  • Active Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification
  • Proof of: valid California driver's license and auto insurance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • At least one or more year(s) of experience equivalent as a Peer Specialist/Peer Mentor
  • Understand the concepts of self-help, peer support and recovery model
  • Understand the principles of the mental health system and effectively work within the system
  • Knowledge of community resources and connections and experience working with peers

What we offer:
Full Time Employees:
  • Paid vacation days that increase with tenure
  • Separate sick leave that rolls over each year*
  • up to 10 Paid holidays*
  • Medical, Dental, Vision benefit plan options
  • DailyPay- Access to your daily earnings without waiting for payday*
  • Training, Development and Continuing Education Credits for licensure requirements

All Employees:
  • 401K
  • Free licensure supervision
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance program
  • Perks @Clarvida - national discounts on shopping, travel, Verizon, and entertainment
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Cellphone stipend

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
If you're #readytowork we are #readytohire! Now hiring!
Not the job you're looking for?
Clarvida has a variety of positions in various locations; please go to
https://www.clarvida.com/working-at-clarvida
To Learn More About Us:
Clarvida @ http://www.clarvida.com/mission-vision-and-values/
Clarvida is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.
"We encourage job seekers to be vigilant against fraudulent recruitment activities that are on the rise across the healthcare industry. Communication about legitimate Clarvida job opportunities will only come from an authorized Clarvida.com email address, from a [email protected] email, or a personal LinkedIn account that is associated with a Clarvida.com email address."
Keywords
Peer Support Specialist, Peer Mentor, Recovery Support, Mental Health Services, Behavioral Health, Community-Based Services, California Behavioral Health Jobs, Clarvida Careers

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