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Peer Support Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Peer Support Specialist - 10-15 hours a week

Spencer, IA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Peer Support Specialist (PSS) must have or had a serious mental illness and be living well in recovery. This position provides peer support services, which includes providing emotional support ...

Peer Support Specialist - 10-15 hours a week

Spencer, IA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Peer Support Specialist (PSS) must have or had a serious mental illness and be living well in recovery. This position provides peer support services, which includes providing emotional support ...

Peer Support Specialist - 10-15 hours a week

Spencer, IA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Peer Support Specialist (PSS) must have or had a serious mental illness and be living well in recovery. This position provides peer support services, which includes providing emotional support ...

Peer Recovery Coach

Carroll, IA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals on their recovery journey. This position focuses on community outreach, client advocacy, and helping individuals and ...

Peer Recovery Coach

Carroll, IA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals on their recovery journey. This position focuses on community outreach, client advocacy, and helping individuals and ...

Peer Specialist I

Stout, IA ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

... peer support services. These services include providing help with housing, public benefits ... Provides mentorship and support to clients through personal lived experience to build skills in ...

Peer Specialist I

Stout, IA ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

... peer support services. These services include providing help with housing, public benefits ... Provides mentorship and support to clients through personal lived experience to build skills in ...

Family Support Specialist

Fort Dodge, IA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

... Peer Support Specialist who can bring compassion, encouragement, and lived experience to a role that makes a real difference. In this role, you'll partner with children and families to promote a ...

Family Support Specialist

Fort Dodge, IA

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

... Peer Support Specialist who can bring compassion, encouragement, and lived experience to a role that makes a real difference. In this role, you'll partner with children and families to promote a ...

Showing results 21-40

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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Peer Support job openings:

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.

SSG Fox Peer Support Outreach Specialist (47646)

WestCare

Sioux City, IA โ€ข On-site

$19.50 - $22/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

SSG Fox Peer Support Outreach Specialist

Sioux City - 701 Pierce St Suite 204 - Sioux City, IA 51101

Overview

Salary Range $19.50 - $22.00 Hourly Position Type Full Time Job Shift Any Education Level High School Travel Percentage Up to 25% Category Other

Description

Position Summary:

Person in this position will be responsible for providing peer-based support, outreach, and engagement services to veterans and service members at risk of suicide. Utilizing lived experience and trauma-informed care, the specialist builds trust with participants, connects them to essential services, and promotes hope, recovery, and wellness. Essential Job Functions include but not limited to those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

Conduct community outreach and engagement activities to identify and connect with at-risk veterans and service members.

  • Provide peer-to-peer support and mentorship using shared lived experience to foster trust and empowerment.
  • Assist individuals in navigating mental health and substance use services, housing resources, crisis intervention, and other support systems.
  • Collaborate with local VA facilities, community providers, and the broader support network to coordinate services and referrals.
  • Participate in suicide prevention trainings and maintain knowledge of best practices related to peer support and veteran care.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all interactions and services provided, in compliance with grant requirements and confidentiality standards.
  • Support follow-up efforts with program participants to ensure continued engagement and service connection.
  • Promote protective factors such as connectedness, resilience, and purpose among participants.
  • Attend and participate in team meetings, supervision, and relevant community events.
  • Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
  • Other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Strong communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain professional boundaries.
  • Must be a veteran or current/former service member with lived experience navigating recovery, mental health challenges, or transitional issues.
  • Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
  • Professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background clearance
  • Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance is required; and
  • CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
  • During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

  • Prior experience working with veteran populations and/or in suicide prevention is strongly preferred.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in social work, psychology, or human services preferred.
  • Certified Peer Support Specialist (or ability to obtain certification within 6 months).