1

Peer Support Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Peer Support Counselor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Peer Support Counselor Division/Program: Star View Community Services - Full Service Partnership Starting Compensation: 19.73 - 22.03 USD Per Hour | Actual starting pay will be determined based on ...

Peer Support Counselor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Peer Support Counselor Division/Program: Star View Community Services - Full Service Partnership Starting Compensation: 19.73 - 22.03 USD Per Hour | Actual starting pay will be determined based on ...

Peer Support Specialist

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Peer Support Specialists are people in a peer-designated role providing direct services with a personal experience of recovery from mental health, substance use, or trauma conditions who receive ...

Peer Support Specialist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Peer Support Specialist Triage, Consultation, and Wellness Response Team (TCWRT) Mental Health and Wellness (MHW) Program -- AB 109 Reentry Services Agency Overview Felton Institute responds to the ...

Peer Support Specialist

Merced, CA · On-site

$24.35 - $24.97/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Peer Support Specialist will utilize their personal experience to seek out and engage SMI clients who face significant challenges and are often disengaged and/or underserved with mental health ...

Peer Support Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Peer Support Specialists perform a variety of therapeutic and supportive tasks that assist Veterans in articulating their goals of recovery, learning, and practicing new skills and modeling effective ...

Peer Support Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Peer Support Specialists perform a variety of therapeutic and supportive tasks that assist Veterans in articulating their goals of recovery, learning, and practicing new skills and modeling effective ...

The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for outreaching and engaging clients in the TAY Drop in Center and the community in order to assist them with identifying potential barriers to receiving ...

The Peer Partner provides a variety of peer support, advocacy, and other recovery services to consumers in the Full-Service Partnership program. Core Duties and Responsibilities: * Promote member ...

Peer Support Specialist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Peer Support Specialist Triage, Consultation, and Wellness Response Team (TCWRT) Mental Health and Wellness (MHW) Program - AB 109 Reentry Services Agency Overview Felton Institute responds to the ...

Showing results 41-60

Peer Support information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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 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 cities in California are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities in California with the most Peer Support job openings:

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 Counselor

Stars Behavioral Health Group

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Stars Behavioral Health Group rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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:

Star View Community Services - Full Service Partnership

Starting Compensation:

19.73 - 22.03 USD Per Hour | Actual starting pay will be determined based on qualifications, experience, skills, and other relevant factors.

Working Location:

Los Angeles, CA (traveling required)

Working Hours/Shift:

Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 5 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:

Education:

  • High School diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED, HiSET, etc.) required

Experience:

  • Personal experience as a consumer in the child welfare, probation, or mental health systems.

  • One (1) year of full-time experience performing non-professional, consumer-directed services in a mental health, health care, or other social services agency/organization serving people with disabilities preferred.

License or Certification:

  • Peer Support Specialist Certification: successful completion of the certification process within one year of employment (required).

  • Valid California Driver's License.

How you will make a difference (job overview):

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:

  • Population Served:Children, Adolescents, and Transition-Age Youth (TAY)

  • Facility & Setting: Field-based / Community settings (schools, homes, and local community facilities)

  • Clinical Services: Comprehensive mental health care, psychiatric evaluation, Evidence-Based Practices (EBP), individual/family therapy, and multidisciplinary care delivered by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and clinicians

  • Length of Stay:Outpatient/community-based timeline (varies according to individual treatment plan and progress)

  • Skills & Transition:Interagency collaboration and transition support with school administrators, county social workers, probation officers, and case managers. Case management, parent partner support, life skills development, and wraparound community support services

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

For Additional Information:

Jerevilla@starsinc.com

What Stars Behavioral Health Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom