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Peer Support Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Peer Support Specialist

Brockton, MA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

The Peer Support Specialist is a trained para-professional with lived experience who will deliver services to caregivers where they are living, or in community locations. The services are designed to ...

The PACT Peer Support Specialist functions as a fully integrated team member to provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required by persons served to ...

Peer Supports Coordinator - ACCS Team 2

Dorchester, MA ยท On-site

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Directly Supervises Peer Support Staff on assigned ACCS team in partnership with the Integrated Team Director Essential Functions of the Position: * Collaborate with Integrated Team Directors in the ...

Peer Mentor

Arlington, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system . We provide a supportive culture ...

Peer Mentor

Arlington, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system . We provide a supportive culture ...

Peer Mentor

Arlington, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system . We provide a supportive culture ...

Peer Mentor

Framingham, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system . We provide a supportive culture ...

Peer Mentor

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system . We provide a supportive culture ...

Peer Mentor

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system . We provide a supportive culture ...

Peer Mentor

Framingham, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system . We provide a supportive culture ...

Peer Mentor

Framingham, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system . We provide a supportive culture ...

Peer Mentor

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system . We provide a supportive culture ...

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Peer Support information

See Boston, MA salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Boston, MA is $21.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.51 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Peer Support job openings:

Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,561 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

Old Colony YMCA

Brockton, MA โ€ข On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

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


Job description

"Turn your lived experience into someone's lifeline - join us at the Old Colony Y as a Peer Support Specialist.
The Peer Support Specialist is a trained para-professional with lived experience who will deliver services to caregivers where they are living, or in community locations. The services are designed to support a caregiver who has an open DCF case and who are on their recovery journey from a substance use disorder, and is doing so, to prevent child maltreatment/neglect and to promote family functioning.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Engage and meet with caregivers no less than twice per week
  • Assess their recovery needs and develop a treatment plan
  • Assist caregivers in developing skills to maintain recovery
  • Assist in the development of a support network
  • Connect caregivers with providers
  • Attend, engage and advocate for caregivers in treatment meetings, review meetings, court etc

  • Lived experience of substance abuse, maintaining recovery and parenting
  • Experience working with people who experience addiction as well as experience working with parents of youth
  • High School Diploma required
  • Valid drivers' license, clean driving record, & personal automotive insurance required. Use of a personal vehicle and able to drive an average of 2-4 hours perday. Mileage reimbursement is provided for daily travel
  • Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, stoop, and climb stairs