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Peer Support 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 Status: Full-Time Salary : Hourly/ DOE Supervisor: Program Manager Subordinates: None POSITION SUMMARY

Clarvida - California

Peer Support Specialist

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 Status: Full-Time Salary: Hourly/ DOE Supervisor: Program Manager Subordinates: None POSITION SUMMARY:

Clarvida

Peer Support Specialist

Ridgecrest, CA

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bilingual Spanish Peer Support Specialist Location: California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $25/hour Date Posted -05-01-2026 About the Role Peer Support Specialist provides individualized ...

Clarvida - California

Peer Support Specialist

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bilingual Spanish Peer Support Specialist Location: California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $25/hour Date Posted -05-01-2026 About the Role Peer Support Specialist provides individualized ...

Clarvida - California

Peer Support Specialist

Anaheim, CA

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 Status: Full-Time Salary: Hourly/ DOE Supervisor: Program Manager Subordinates: None POSITION SUMMARY:

Clarvida - California

Peer Support Specialist

Mojave, CA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bilingual Spanish Peer Support Specialist Location: California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $25/hour Date Posted -05-01-2026 About the Role Peer Support Specialist provides individualized ...

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, and help others beginning the SUD recovery journey. Based on an approved Individual Plan of Care, they ...

New

Clarvida - California

Peer Support Specialist

Tehachapi, CA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bilingual Spanish Peer Support Specialist Location: California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $25/hour Date Posted -05-01-2026 About the Role Peer Support Specialist provides individualized ...

Clarvida - California

Peer Support Specialist

Mojave, CA

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bilingual Spanish Peer Support Specialist Location: California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $25/hour Date Posted -05-01-2026 About the Role Peer Support Specialist provides individualized ...

Crestwood Behavioral Health

Peer Support Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Peer Support Specialist Job Duties: Peer Support Specialists are people in a peer-designated role providing direct services with a personal experience of recovery from mental health, substance use ...

Clarvida - California

Peer Support Specialist

Tehachapi, CA

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bilingual Spanish Peer Support Specialist Location: California Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $25/hour Date Posted -05-01-2026 About the Role Peer Support Specialist provides individualized ...

Janus of Santa Cruz

Peer Support Specialist

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

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 ...

New

Crestwood Behavioral Health

Peer Support Specialist

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Peer Support Specialist Job Duties: Peer Support Specialists are people in a peer-designated role providing direct services with a personal experience of recovery from mental health, substance use ...

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All JobsPeer Support JobsPeer Support Jobs in California

Peer Support information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support 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 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 need lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, strong interpersonal skills, and usually a peer support certification. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and knowledge of community resources are commonly required. Empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental communication set outstanding peer supporters apart. These skills foster trust and empowerment, enabling clients to engage in recovery and access vital support services.

How to get a job as a peer support specialist?

To become a peer support specialist, individuals typically need to have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and complete relevant training or certification programs. Many employers prefer candidates with strong communication skills, empathy, and a basic understanding of mental health services, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification programs are available through various mental health organizations and can improve job prospects.

What is the difference between Peer Support vs Peer Support?

AspectPeer SupportPeer Support
CredentialsOften requires certification in peer support or mental health first aidSame as Peer Support
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, mental health clinics, hospitalsSame as Peer Support
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, social servicesSame as Peer Support
Search IntentComparing roles within peer support servicesSame as Peer Support

Since the comparison is between the same job title, Peer Support, the roles, credentials, and work environments are identical. The focus is on understanding how peer support workers assist individuals through shared experiences in various settings like healthcare and community services.

What are some common challenges faced by peer support specialists, and how can they effectively manage these challenges?

Peer support specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining professional boundaries while building trust with clients, managing emotional stress from supporting individuals in crisis, and navigating complex healthcare or social service systems. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to participate in regular supervision or debriefings, engage in ongoing training, and practice self-care to prevent burnout. Collaboration with clinical staff and open communication within the team also support a healthy work environment and ensure high-quality support for clients.

What is a peer support specialist?

Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, or other life disruptions who are trained to support others facing similar situations. They use their personal experiences to provide empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance to help others in their recovery journeys. Peer support specialists often work in mental health settings, addiction recovery programs, hospitals, or community organizations. Their role is to offer hope and understanding, foster empowerment, and connect people to resources while promoting wellness and self-advocacy.

What are the duties of a peer support?

A peer support worker provides emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals facing similar challenges, such as mental health or substance use issues. They listen actively, share their experiences, and help clients access resources or services, often working in community or healthcare settings. Strong communication skills and empathy are essential, and some roles may require relevant certifications or training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Support jobs in California?

The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities in California with the most Peer Support job openings:

Peer Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,485 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

Archway Recovery Services

Fairfield, CA • On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Status: Non-Exempt
Compensation Grade: $22.00-$26.00 per hour
Location: 1095 E. Tabor Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533
Reports To: Clinical Manager
Job Summary
The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides Medi-Cal reimbursable Peer Support Services to individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Using lived experience in recovery, the PSS promotes hope, strengthens engagement in treatment, reinforces recovery-oriented behaviors, and supports clients in applying treatment goals in everyday life.
Services are provided under the supervision of a designated Peer Support Specialist Supervisor and within the clinical direction of the Program Clinical Manager. The Peer Support Specialist delivers services consistent with Medi-Cal Peer Support Service components by building supportive relationships, encouraging engagement in recovery, reinforcing coping skills, emotional regulation, wellness strategies, and recovery planning introduced during treatment, assisting clients in applying recovery skills in real-world settings, and supporting successful transitions between levels of care and integration into the community.
All documentation must meet Medi-Cal requirements for medical necessity, timeliness, accuracy, and alignment with approved Peer Support Service components. Services must remain within the defined scope of Peer Support Services and shall not include psychotherapy, diagnosis, clinical counseling, or case management activities outside the allowable Peer Support scope.
Essential Functions
  • Provide individual and group Peer Support Services consistent with each client's individualized treatment plan.
  • Build supportive, recovery-oriented relationships that promote hope, empowerment, and sustained engagement in treatment.
  • Share lived recovery experience appropriately while maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Reinforce coping skills, emotional regulation, communication, recovery planning, healthy boundaries, relapse prevention strategies, and other recovery concepts introduced by the treatment team.
  • Assist clients in identifying personal recovery goals, recognizing strengths, and celebrating recovery progress.
  • Support clients during admissions, discharges, transfers, and transitions between levels of care to promote continuity of care.
  • Encourage participation in treatment services, recovery support meetings, and community-based recovery resources.
  • Collaborate with counselors, therapists, care coordinators, and other members of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
  • Complete accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record on the date of service, including start time, end time, duration, interventions provided, and applicable Medi-Cal Peer Support Service components.
  • Maintain compliance with DHCS, Medi-Cal, CalMHSA, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, organizational policies, and ethical standards.
  • Participate in required supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, & Experience
  • Demonstrated lived experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery.
  • Knowledge of recovery-oriented principles and person-centered care.
  • Ability to establish supportive, recovery-oriented relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, staff, and community partners.
  • Ability to reinforce recovery skills, emotional regulation, wellness planning, and coping strategies within the Peer Support Specialist scope of practice.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
  • Ability to complete timely, accurate, and Medi-Cal compliant documentation.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professionalism.
  • Ability to work independently while following clinical direction and organizational policies.
  • Experience providing Peer Support Services in residential or outpatient behavioral health settings preferred.
  • Familiarity with Medi-Cal Peer Support Service documentation requirements and DHCS regulations preferred.
  • Experience working with individuals experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders preferred.
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented systems of care preferred.
  • Bilingual proficiency in English and another language commonly spoken by the client population preferred.

Job Requirements
  • Current Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification through a CalMHSA-approved certifying entity.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid California Driver License with an acceptable driving record.
  • Successful completion of a Fit-for-Duty Health Screening.
  • Negative or noncommunicable tuberculosis (TB) test result.
  • Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings and background clearances.
  • Maintain all certifications, licenses, and training required by Archway Recovery Services, DHCS, CalMHSA, and Medi-Cal throughout employment.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
  • Ability to safely assist clients and respond appropriately during emergencies.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, and electronic health record systems.
  • Ability to travel between program sites and community locations as needed.

Salary Description
$22 - $26

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