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Peer Support Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Peer Support Specialists provide highly individualized services in the community and promote ... working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer and family/caregiver ...

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Peer Support Specialist Summary of Working as a fully integrated team member who provides highly individualized services and promotes self-determination and decision-making. As Peer Support you will ...

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Peer Support Worker information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do peer support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 cities in California are hiring for Peer Support Worker jobs?

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

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

MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS INC

Fresno, CA • On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

At TURN our mission is Improving Lives. Our organization embraces the tenets of client-centered care, and our core values People, Culture and Growth are at the forefront of everything we do. We hire exceptional individuals seeking meaningful opportunities in a purpose-driven environment.


JOB SUMMARY

Provide education, support, and interventions assisting in clients’ recovery from mental health and substance use disorder from a personal and educational perspective. Provide group and individual counseling, case management, advocacy, and outreach to clients, and families as appropriate.


RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Provide case consultation, crisis intervention, discharge placement, individual and group work, individual rehab intervention, screening, and targeted case management to assist clients in meeting basic needs and symptom management.

• Complete accurate and timely documentation as contractually required and meet minimum requirements for direct billable client services.

• Provide peer counseling and support drawing on own consumer experience to build trust and commonality, mentor clients and families and promote empowerment. Interacts therapeutically with clients and families with boundaries of professional standard.

• Facilitate placement including pre-placement visits and transportation as needed.

• Shift coverage including part of the on-call team.

• Provide field-based services as required by the program and client need.

• Maintain confidentiality of client’s care.

• Participate in scheduled program meetings.

• Other relevant duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS

• Peer Specialist Certification required.

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Life experience in mental health or SUD recovery or family and willingness to disclose required.

• Valid CA driver’s license and current auto insurance per contract requirements required.

• Cultural competency understanding required. Bilingual preferred.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and EHR software preferred.

• If substance use disorder program a negative tuberculosis test (TB) is conducted under licensed medical supervision within 45 working days of hire or within 5 working days of employment and valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certification upon hire or within 90-days of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These physical demands represent what must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. As mentioned above, reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified disabilities.

☒ Seeing                                                                                  ☒ Hearing                                                  

☒ Speaking                                                                            ☒ Stooping/Bending                                   

☒ Working in cramped spaces                                      ☒ Moving around facility

☒ Moving between offices/clients                                ☒ Driving – light errands                           

☐ Climbing                                                                              ☒ Lifting/carrying heavy items 

☐ Driving – in the course of job duties                        ☐ Using hands/fingers 

Pushing/pulling/dragging items                                 ☒ Standing for long periods                  

☒ Sitting for long periods                                                  ☐ Working outside/underground

OTHER DUTIES

This job description isn’t a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

TURN is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religious creed, and sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions).