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Peer Support Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Westcare

Peer Support Specialist

Pinellas Park, FL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

This position provides peer leadership, outreach, advocacy, coaching and recovery support services to those seeking or sustain recovery within the community. Essential Job Functions include those ...

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Peer Support information

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How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Florida is $14.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $16.15 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 Florida?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Florida are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Peer Support job openings:

Peer Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,656 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist (51861)

WESTCARE INC

Pembroke Pines, FL • On-site

$19.23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
The Peer Support Specialist assists individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health diagnoses. Assists in developing skills and competencies needed to successfully build a personal support network and to live and work competitively in the community. The role of the Peer Support Specialist is to provide recovery support, consumer education, consumer intervention, and consumer advocacy. The Peer Support Specialist also provides the consumer perspective to recovery and empowers the consumer.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Provide recovery support to consumers
  • Conducts skills building groups and other activities as assigned by the supervisor
  • Acts as an appropriate role model for consumers
  • Provides coaching and mentoring services to consumers as assigned by the supervisor
  • Serve as a family/individual representative and advocate in program/agency activities.
  • Assist in the facilitation of individual/family support and educational groups.
  • Provide Peer support to individuals by using personal and professional life experiences.
  • Work in partnership with the case manager provider to link individuals to needed services.
  • Assist individuals to identify and build natural supports as well as self-advocacy and self-efficacy skills.
  • Help individuals identify strengths and recognize successes to promote self-esteem and empowerment.
  • Actively promote and educate individuals on program is and availability peer support services at any point in treatment.
  • Assist individuals to develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan when needed.
  • Document one-to-one sessions, telephone calls and/or visits with families/individuals to reflect their supportive role.
  • Provide peer support services to additional populations, as needed

Essential Qualifications:
Certifications/Licensures:
  • Certification as a certified peer specialist in good standing and recognized by the Florida Certification Board is preferred at time of hire. Peer certification can be completed via ongoing coaching and training onsite within 1 year of hiring date If the Peer Support Specialist is certified, he/she must comply with annual CEU requirements.; Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently certified;

Education:
  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field is preferred;
  • High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of college-level education is required.

Experience and Competencies:
  • Must be a current or former substance abuse or mental health care service recipient who is engaged in own recovery for a minimum of two years demonstrated by an effort of self-directed recovery. May not be a current recipient of residential care.
  • Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an annual Tuberculosis test.
  • Ability utilize Microsoft Office Software Suite
  • Ability to utilize internal electronic health record software
  • Ability to provide an Affidavit of Good Moral Character
  • Clearance in Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Criminal Records Checks, as required.

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