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Peer Support Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Peer Support Specialist

Pala, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Peer Support Specialist Department/Division: Social Services- Mobile Crisis Response Team/988 ... Experience working with Native American communities preferred. * Must pass pre-employment and ...

Clarvida

Peer Support Specialist

Anaheim, CA

$23/hr

Knowledge of community resources and connections and experience working with peers What we offer ... Support Specialist, Peer Mentor, Recovery Support, Mental Health Services, Behavioral Health ...

Janus of Santa Cruz

Peer Support Specialist

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Peer support Specialists (PSS) are individuals who have been successful in the recovery process ... Communicates and understands clients' challenges and strengths well and is able to build a working ...

STG International

Peer Support Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

The primary work of the Peer Support Specialist is to serve as part of a multidisciplinary team ... Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in holistic approaches in wellness ...

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Peer Support Worker information

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$10

$19

$28

How much do peer support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support worker in California is $19.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a peer support worker?

Peer Support Workers are individuals who use their lived experience with mental health, substance use, or other life challenges to support others going through similar situations. They provide emotional support, share their personal experiences, and help others navigate resources and recovery. Peer Support Workers often work in mental health services, addiction treatment programs, hospitals, and community organizations. Their role is to inspire hope, foster empowerment, and help reduce stigma by connecting on a personal level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer support worker?

To thrive as a Peer Support Worker, you typically need lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, basic counseling skills, and a peer support certification or relevant training. Familiarity with documentation systems, recovery-oriented tools, and crisis intervention protocols is often required. Strong listening, empathy, and boundary-setting skills help build trust and encourage recovery in others. These competencies are critical for providing relatable, effective support and fostering hope among peers facing similar challenges.

How does a peer support worker typically collaborate with clinical staff and other support professionals?

Peer Support Workers often work closely alongside clinical teams, such as social workers, therapists, and nurses, to help bridge the gap between clients and healthcare providers. They contribute their lived experience to offer unique insights, advocate for client needs, and help clients navigate available resources. Collaboration usually involves regular team meetings, shared care planning, and open communication to ensure a holistic approach to each individual's recovery. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment where clients can benefit from both professional expertise and personal empathy.

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

AspectPeer Support WorkerMental Health Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a peer support certification or lived experienceRequires a master's degree in counseling or psychology and licensure
Work EnvironmentCommunity organizations, mental health clinics, hospitalsPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, mental health facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare providers, mental health agenciesHealthcare institutions, private practices, hospitals
Primary FocusProviding peer support, advocacy, and encouragementDiagnosing, treating, and counseling clients with mental health issues

While both roles support mental health, Peer Support Workers focus on peer-led support and lived experience, whereas Mental Health Counselors provide clinical therapy and diagnosis. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service.

What are popular job titles related to Peer Support Worker jobs in California?

For Peer Support Worker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Peer Support Worker jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Peer Support Worker jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Peer Support Worker jobs?

Cities in California with the most Peer Support Worker job openings:

Peer Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support Worker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,485 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

Janus of Santa Cruz
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Janus of Santa Cruzexternal

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Peer support Specialists (PSS) are individuals who have been successful in the recovery process, and help others beginning the SUD recovery journey. Based on an approved Individual Plan of Care, they are key agents of change and recovery for clients at a peer level. Peer Support Specialists support people in accessing SUD treatment and maintaining a housing recovery residence with attention to their health and safety. They ensure individuals in recovery focus on their goals and learn life skills helping individuals build recovery capital and discontinue using substances. Peer Support Specialists constantly assess clients' needs and consistently respond with creative problem solving to changing demands and pressures. PSS bring issues of concern and/or importance to the Recovery Residence Case Manager for consultation.
The schedule for this role is Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm.
Janus of Santa Cruz is currently seeking a qualified Admissions Peer Support Specialist position, responsible for supporting clients' SUD treatment goals for recovery and self-sufficiency. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, the Peer Support Specialist helps clients to become and stay engaged in their recovery from addictions and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Core Values of the Peer Support Specialist include: hope, person driven/centered, holistic wellness, authenticity, cultural responsiveness and humility, respect, integrity, advocacy, confidentiality, safe and protection, education, mutuality, reciprocity, strengths as wellness, recovery and resilience based.
The Peer Support Specialist:
  • Supports people in accessing or maintaining SUD treatment recognizing the validity of multiple pathways to self-defined recovery
  • Respects the confidentiality of clients: aware of sensitive personal information about the families like medical files or finance information
  • Communicates and understands clients' challenges and strengths well and is able to build a working relationship through empathy and shared connections
  • Validates each person's progress, keeps them actively engaged in their recovery goals
  • Supports exploring any and all resources when helping someone achieve recovery including healthy nutrition
  • In collaboration with Program Manager, ensure that all supplies needed for the recovery residences are ordered delivered on time
  • Is aware of the house calendar, daily housekeeping and maintenance performed by clients and is part of ensuring that the facility is always well-kept
  • Helps clients to meet weekly schedules, chores, meetings, etc.
  • Assists with data-tracking requirements related to peer support care in residential programs
  • Someone who consistently responds positively, with creative problem solving, to changing house/client needs
  • Follows trauma-informed care model

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be at least 18 years old or older, possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent or College Degree
  • Someone who self-identifies as an individual with lived experience in SUD recovery, with at least six-12 months of active recovery-and is interested in providing a supportive environment to other individuals in recovery
  • Agree to uphold the California Department of Health and Services Medical Code of Ethics for Peer Support Specialists in California
  • Personality/style that offers warmth, structure, and firm boundaries
  • Time management skills; Responsible, efficient, discreet, and organized
  • Registration with a certifying organization as a Peer Support Specialist (may be obtained through Janus of Santa Cruz

Physical/Mental Requirements:
  • KNOWLEDGE OF WORK - Possess and utilizes knowledge of the job which is essential to perform the specific functions and related work.
  • QUANTITY OF WORK - Accomplishes an appropriate volume of satisfactory work under normal conditions. Ability to produce results.
  • QUALITY OF WORK - Consistently demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, neatness, and dependability to produce work within acceptable standards.
  • TIMELINESS - Completes assignments on or ahead of schedule.
  • ABILITY TO LEARN NEW DUTIES - Interprets, learns, and responds to instructions for new situations, procedures, or methods.
  • JUDGEMENT and COMMON SENSE - Decisions/actions are sound, including safety awareness.
  • COOPERATION - Willing to work with others toward common goals.
  • COMMUNICATIONS - Demonstrates relevance and clarity of written and oral expression. Effectiveness in exchanging ideas and information.
  • INITIATIVE - Ability to originate, develop or create new ideas or take steps to get things done.
  • PROBLEM SOLVING - Identifies and evaluates alternate solutions and selection of the most appropriate course of action.
  • ATTENDANCE and PUNCTUALITY - Shows daily ability to be at work at scheduled time, including being prepared to work on time after breaks, meal periods and other authorized absences from work.

Salary Description
$23.00-$26.00

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