1

Peer Support Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Peer recovery specialist

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

The Peer Recovery will be responsible for intake coordination, client enrollment, assessment of service needs, treatment plan development, and navigation of recovery support services. Key ...

New

Peer Specialist

Middletown, RI · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Support and assist clients in problem solving around Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as well as ... Active Peer Recovery Specialist Certification in good standing with the RICRB or the ability to ...

Support and assist clients in problem solving around Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as well as ... Peer Recovery Specialist Certification in good standing with the RICRB. * Minimum high school ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Peer Support information

See Rhode Island salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Rhode Island is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 Rhode Island? The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Peer Support jobs in Rhode Island? For Peer Support jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Peer Support jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Peer Support jobs in Rhode Island are:
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Peer Specialist/Outreach Coord

Care New England Health System

Providence, RI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Care New England Health System rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Summary
This position is eligible for a $2,000 retention bonus.
The Providence Center Anchor Peer Recovery Support Specialist/Outreach Coordinator plays a critical role in fostering meaningful connections with teens and the wider community to support the mission of the Jim Gillen Anchor Teen Center. This position is responsible for increasing youth participation (census) at the center by engaging with local schools, community organizations, service providers, and families. The coordinator will serve as both a peer support role model and a bridge between the center and the community, promoting recovery, resilience, and youth empowerment.
Duties & Responsibilities
Peer Support & Youth Engagement
  • Act as a positive, relatable peer mentor for teens navigating recovery, wellness, or personal challenges.
  • Facilitate group discussions, workshops, and peer-led activities that foster self-expression, connection, and growth.
  • Build trust and rapport with teens to encourage consistent participation in programming.

Community Outreach & Partnership Development
  • Identify, establish, and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, social service agencies, mental health and recovery providers, youth groups, and other key stakeholders.
  • Develop and implement outreach strategies to raise awareness of the teen center and its services.
  • Represent the Jim Gillen Teen Centers at community events, meetings, and school functions to promote engagement and referrals.

Program Promotion & Census Growth
  • Design and distribute outreach materials (flyers, social media posts, newsletters, etc.) in collaboration with the communications/marketing team.
  • Track and analyze outreach efforts and participation data to inform growth strategies.
  • Conduct follow-ups with partners and referring organizations to ensure teens are connected and supported.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree preferred; High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Previous experience working in teen or recovery-focused settings. Proven experience in outreach, youth engagement, peer support, or community organizing. Advocacy experience is a plus. Lived experience with recovery, mental health challenges, or related youth services strongly preferred.
  • Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW), or willingness to obtain certification within one year of hire.
  • Familiarity with youth development, recovery principles, and trauma-informed approaches.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a passion for working with adolescents.
  • Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, mission-driven team.
  • Comfortable speaking in front of groups and building relationships with diverse populations.
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel locally for outreach purposes.
  • Role requires a flexible schedule, including availability during evenings and some weekends to attend community events and engage with community partners outside of traditional hours.
  • Must have valid driver's license, registration, current inspection and insured automobile.

About Us
Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions, Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, is a trusted, integrated health care organization that fuels the latest advances in medical research, attracts the nation's top specialty-trained doctors, hones renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in the important discussions people need to have about their health and end-of-life wishes. Care New England is helping to transform the future of health care, providing a leading voice in the ongoing effort to ensure the health of the individuals and communities we serve.
Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status
Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.

What Care New England Health System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom