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Peer Support Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Felton Institute

Peer Support Specialist

Oakland, CA

$20.50 - $26.50/hr

Peer Support Specialist Triage, Consultation, and Wellness Response Team (TCWRT) Mental Health and ... Experience working with justice-involved adults, individuals with mental health challenges, or ...

STG International

Peer Support Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Peer Support Specialists perform a variety of therapeutic and supportive tasks that assist Veterans ... Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in holistic approaches in wellness ...

GLOM Global Inc

Peer Support Specialist

Stockton, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Requirements: · Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS) certification required · Experience working in a psychiatric hospital, behavioral health, correctional facility, or a community behavioral ...

Felton Institute

Peer Support Specialist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Peer Support Specialist Triage, Consultation, and Wellness Response Team (TCWRT) Mental Health and ... Experience working with justice-involved adults, individuals with mental health challenges, or ...

Acadia Healthcare

Peer Support Specialist

Scotts Valley, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

Overview We are hiring a compassionate and experienced Peer Support Specialist to work with our ... years' experience working in a behavioral health setting is required. • Two or more years ...

Acadia Healthcare

Peer Support Specialist

Scotts Valley, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

We are hiring a compassionate and experienced Peer Support Specialist to work with our clients at ... years' experience working in a behavioral health setting is required. • Two or more years ...

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All JobsPeer Support Worker JobsPeer Support Worker Jobs in California

Peer Support Worker information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do peer support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 Counselor

Stars Behavioral Health Group

Yucca Valley, CA

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Partner with us in making a positive change!

Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.

Job Title:

Peer Support Counselor

Division/Program:

Yucca Valley: Morongo Basin Crisis Walk In Center

Starting Compensation:

18.00 - 21.00 USD Per Hour

Working Location:

Yucca Valley, CA

Working Hours/Shift:

Monday/Tuesday- 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM - Friday/Saturday - 3:00 PM -11:30 PM


Why Join Our Team?

  • Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.
  • Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

  • Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.

Professional Growth Opportunities:

  • On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities.
  • Career development programs designed to help you grow.
  • Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).

Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication

What You Bring to SBHG (Qualifications):

Experience & Background:

  • Personal Lived Experience: Self-identified personal experience as a consumer in the child welfare, probation, or mental health systems.

  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, etc.).

  • Professional Experience: One (1) year of full-time experience performing non-professional, consumer-directed services (preferably within a mental health, healthcare, or social services agency serving individuals with disabilities).

Certifications & Licensure:

  • Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification preferred (or the ability to successfully complete the certification process within one year of employment).

  • Valid California Driver's License with an eligible driving record per company policy.

  • First Aid certification from an approved provider (such as the American Red Cross) or obtained upon hire.

  • Meet agency driver eligibility criteria

How you will make a difference:

The position has primary responsibility for using their lived experience and knowledge of the system to provide outreach and engagement, support, advocacy, and direct services to program clients of all age ranges. Peer Support Counselors are people who have lived experience in the mental health, judicial, and/or social service systems in some capacity. They serve as role models, companions, educators and advocates to our clients. The Peer Support Counselors will support clients in moving toward recovery, creating a meaningful role in their life, which is separate from their illness.

Division/Program Overview:

Program: The Valley Star Crisis Walk-In Center (CWIC) is voluntary and offered on a 24/7 basis in an unlocked setting with a stay of up to 23 hours

Population Served: All age groups - children, adolescents, adults, and older adults - who need immediate access to crisis mental health services.

Facility & Setting: The Valley Star Crisis Walk-In Center (CWIC) is voluntary and offered on a 24/7 basis in an unlocked setting

Clinical Services: Rapid mental health assessment and crisis intervention, the center provides important services to those in need of immediate crisis intervention and stabilization

Length of Stay: stay of up to 23 hours

Skills & Transition: Individuals admitted into the crisis stabilization unit will be provided with support and services to ensure their safe transition to the next level of care or back to the community.

Learn more about SBHG at: https://www.starsinc.com/stars-inc/

For Additional Information:

mlawrence@starsinc.com

Apply