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Peer Support Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Janus of Santa Cruz

Peer Support Specialist

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

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 ...

Clarvida

Peer Support Specialist

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$25/hr

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 ...

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:

WELLSPACE HEALTH

Peer Support Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$23 - $26.75/hr

Peer Support and Training Manager Status: Full Time FLSA: Non-Exempt Location: NBH Level of Team: Care Team Pay Range: $23.00 - $26.75/hr. EEO-1: Technicians Organization Information WellSpace ...

WELLSPACE HEALTH

Peer Support Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$23 - $26.75/hr

Peer Support and Training Manager Status: Full Time FLSA: Non-Exempt Location: NBH Level of Team: Care Team Pay Range: $23.00 - $26.75/hr. EEO-1: Technicians Organization Information WellSpace ...

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

Anaheim, CA

$23/hr

Description 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 ...

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Peer Support information

See California salary details

$10

$19

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How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 also require strong communication skills, empathy, and a background in healthcare or social services, with some positions requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Gaining experience through volunteer work or internships can also improve job prospects.

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 experiences, and help clients access resources or services, often working in community or healthcare settings. Strong communication skills and relevant training or certifications are typically required for this role.

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, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% 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

Janus of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Support clients in accessing or maintaining SUD treatment and recovery goals.

  • Assist clients with daily activities, house chores, and maintaining the recovery residence.

  • Track data related to peer support care and respond creatively to changing client and house needs.

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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