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Peer Support Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

University of Kansas

Plus Peer Leaders- POOL

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Promote the PLUS program via laboratory class visits and in other university events. ,The PLUS program has developed and now manages the peer led supplemental discussion sessions in Biology and ...

CKF Addiction Treatment

Recovery Navigator

Topeka, KS

$19 - $21/hr

Support patient access to critical services, including healthcare, peer support, transportation, housing, and community resources. * Provide safe and nurturing supervision of children during on-site ...

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$10

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How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Topeka, KS is $18.56, 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 Topeka, KS?

The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Topeka, KS are:

What are popular job titles related to Peer Support jobs in Topeka, KS?

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

What job categories do people searching Peer Support jobs in Topeka, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Peer Support jobs in Topeka, KS are:

What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities near Topeka, KS with the most Peer Support job openings:

Peer Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Topeka, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,606 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Peer Support

Topeka, KS • On-site

Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Inc.
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Inc.external

$20.67/hr

Per diem

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description
PRN Openings Mon - Friday between the hours of 8am - 5pm
POSITION SUMMARY
The Peer Support in Community Support Services provides coordinated care, support, and ongoing interventions to engage participants in community-based living, working in partnership with person served toward individual goal attainment based on developed goals and objectives identified in their treatment plan. Peer Support works individually and within groups, with support of team within the strengths-based model.
Reporting to the Team Manager of Peer Support, this position ensures high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive service delivery consistent with the mission and standards of Astra Mental Health and Recovery, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
Peer Support promotes service excellence, professional growth, and accountability of daily operations and services in collaboration with Program and Team Managers. This role also supports Astra's commitment to Access, Comprehensive Care, Excellent Outcomes, and Sustainability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Service Expectations and Responsibilities
  • Engage in the daily review of participants in Community Support Services providing individual, family, and group assessment and education to individuals across the lifespan.
  • Ensure that individuals seeking services are triaged promptly for risk and acuity and receive timely assignment either in-person or via secure telehealth.
  • Meet with Peer Support Team bi-weekly to coordinate care needs of service participants.
  • Meet with assigned CSS Team to provide consultation and coordinate care needs of service participants.
  • Monitor service needs, caseload distribution, and scheduling to ensure access, timeliness, and quality within the team-based model and based on participant needs.
  • Provide consultation and support to Program and Team Managers and fellow Team Members regarding treatment planning, evidence-based practices, and documentation.
  • Engage family and significant others to the extent possible in the planning and implementation of the treatment plan.
  • Provide Parent Peer Support as deemed appropriate for support to the family/caregiver of and with permission of individual served.
  • Provide crisis intervention as needed and back-up coverage.
  • Support the implementation of Astra's trauma-informed and person-centered care framework across all Community Support Services.
  • Maintain compliance with CCBHC, KDADS, and Medicaid standards for assessment, treatment, and documentation.
  • Assist the Program Manager and Team Managers with data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives to promote clinical and operational excellence.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of operational and service driven workflows and service protocols.
  • Promote interdisciplinary collaboration with case management, access, medical, and crisis services to support continuity of care.

Performance Management
  • Participate in regular supervision and annual performance evaluations with Program and Team Managers.
  • Provide and receive ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to improve performance and confidence.
  • Identify areas for development and create individualized professional growth plans as needed.
  • The performance standard for providing person served direct service is 50%, staff development and leave will be deducted from available work hours.

Resource and Workflow Management
  • Manage caseloads and responsibilities based on staff expertise, licensure, and workload with the shared approach of the Peer Support Team.
  • Support efficient use of staff and physical resources while maintaining service quality.

Decision-Making
  • Exercise sound judgment in service coordination and individual care decisions, utilizing support of Program and Team Managers.
  • Resolve conflicts promptly and collaboratively within the team.
  • Contribute to departmental and programmatic planning and improvement efforts.

Communication
  • Facilitate effective communication across the CSS team and with other Astra departments.
  • Participate in regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to ensure open communication and accountability.
  • Report progress, challenges, and outcomes to the Program Manager - Peer Support.

Hiring and Training
  • Participate and/or support the recruitment and onboarding of new CSS staff.

Compliance and Safety
  • Ensure adherence to Astra's policies, procedures, and professional ethical standards.
  • Monitor compliance with state and federal regulations, including confidentiality, safety, and risk management protocols.
  • Maintain a safe and inclusive work environment and encourage staff self-care and wellness.

Other Duties
  • Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence
  • Approach interactions with individuals served and colleagues with a trauma sensitive lens
  • Acts as an ambassador of the agency in the community setting, which may include doing public educational and informational presentations.
  • Support and actively promote the vision and mission of the agency and the philosophy of the strengths perspective
  • Completes required trainings
  • Other duties as assigned, as qualified and trained for.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Licensure:
  • Complete certification through WSU - becoming Level I and Level II certified Peer Support.
  • Must successfully pass Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Central Registry, and all required background checks.
  • Valid Kansas driver's license, good driving record, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation required.

Experience:
  • Minimum of one (1) years post crisis intervention/hospital.
  • Open to sharing story and self-identifying with individuals served.
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
  • Principles of trauma-informed care, and evidence-based treatment.
  • CCBHC standards for access, assessment, treatment, and documentation.
  • Behavioral health best practices and outcome measurement tools.
  • Medicaid and KDADS compliance requirements.
Skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to coach and motivate staff toward excellence.
  • Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and data monitoring.
  • Effective organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
Abilities
  • Model Astra's trauma-informed and person-centered values.
  • Build trust and maintain collaborative relationships within the team and across departments.
  • Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Other Physical Requirements:
• Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for communication and supervision.
• Occasional lifting of materials (up to 25 lbs).
• Tolerance for active, occasionally high-stress environments typical of clinical service delivery.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position operates primarily within Astra's Community Support Services, with expected travel to other sites or community locations. The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven, requiring adaptability and reflective leadership.
Peer Support models Astra's trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented philosophy, ensuring services are accessible, coordinated, and delivered with compassion and excellence.
Astra Mental Health and Recovery is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious practices, in accordance with applicable law and guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Astra does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, training, corrective action, and termination.

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