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Peer Support Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

Peer Support Specialist

Iowa City, IA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Peer Support Specialists use their experiences in recovery from mental illness plus state approved training to help people with their own recovery journey and inform non-peer team members of this ...

UnityPoint Health

Peer Support Specialist

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Peer Support Specialists use their experiences in recovery from mental illness plus state approved training to help people with their own recovery journey and inform non-peer team members of this ...

First Resources Corp.

Peer Support Specialist

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

As a Peer Support Specialist you will work to instill hope, promote wellness, reduce stigma, enhance life skills, provide education and walk side-by-side with individuals as they build or rebuild ...

Radix Recovery

Peer Support Specialist

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Peer Support Specialist (PSS) FLSA Classification: non-Exempt Reports To: Clinical Director Job Family: Radix Recovery POSITION SUMMARY: The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a person with lived ...

Radix Recovery

Peer Support Specialist

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Peer Support Specialist (PSS) FLSA Classification: non-Exempt Reports To: Clinical Director Job Family: Radix Recovery POSITION SUMMARY: The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a person with lived ...

Radix Recovery

Peer Support Specialist

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Peer Support Specialist (PSS) FLSA Classification: non-Exempt Reports To: Clinical Director Job Family: Radix Recovery POSITION SUMMARY: The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a person with lived ...

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Peer Support information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Iowa is $18.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $20.34 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Peer Support job openings:

Peer Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,531 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

UnityPoint Health

Iowa City, IA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Are you in recovery from a mental illness? Are you passionate about helping others? The Abbe Center for Community Mental Health is seeking an as needed Peer Support Specialist. Peer Support Specialists use their experiences in recovery from mental illness plus state approved training to help people with their own recovery journey and inform non-peer team members of this unique perspective. 

The peer support specialist is responsible to support and enhance the lives of those diagnosed with Mental Illness by providing empathy, hope and support for peers on a mutual journey of recovery. More common in the community-based setting. Typically has lived through an experience, and one could become a certified peer support specialist. Requires certification within six months as a Peer Recovery Specialist.


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


Is aware of department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (eg. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of department or administrative staff.
Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the organization’s commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.
Demonstrates a positive cooperative attitude, flexibility, and a willingness to change to meet department goals.
Responsible for being well-organized and energetic with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
Welcomes people into service and encouraging them during times of stress and struggle.
Develops personalized health goals, discovering effective coping skills, accessing community resources, and coordinating care.
Effectively using technology such as computers, cell phones, and software.
Documents interactions and other required reports in an electronic health record.
Communicates to other team members and supervisors with positive attitude.
Creative problem solving to “meet people where they are at”.
Performs additional duties as may be assigned to ensure complete service to all customers.


Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Qualifications/Experience

Must be in recovery from mental illness and be willing to talk about that experience with clients, family, team members, etc. as a method to promote resiliency and recovery. Completion of 40-hour Peer Support training or ability to complete within first 6 months of hire. Iowa Driver’s License Required.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

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