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Peer Support Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Peer Mentor

Waltham, MA

$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 ...

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

Waltham, MA

$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 ...

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 ...

Advocates is seeking talented, open-minded and empathetic Peer Support professional to help others in their journeys. Peer Specialists are fully integrated team members who provide individualized ...

Advocates is seeking talented, open-minded and empathetic Peer Support professional to help others in their journeys. Peer Specialists are fully integrated team members who provide individualized ...

Provide individual and group peer support services. * Maintain and distribute current information on community resources related to self-help and recovery. * Coordinate and lead informal groups ...

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Peer Support information

See Worcester, MA 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 Worcester, MA is $19.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $21.59 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 Worcester, MA? The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Peer Support jobs in Worcester, MA? For Peer Support jobs in Worcester, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Peer Support jobs in Worcester, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Peer Support jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Peer Support jobs? Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Peer Support job openings:
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,933 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

$20.50 - $24/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Show your passion by empowering youth and families when joining the Wayside team!
Wayside is one of Massachusetts' most respected youth and family-serving agencies, supporting more than 6,000 youth and families annually across Central, Eastern, and Northeastern regions.
We invest in our employees' wellness with comprehensive benefits, including tuition and training reimbursement, a PTO package with 3 wellness days, 9 paid holidays, and up to 3 weeks of vacation in the first year. Enjoy a learning environment with free training, CEUs, and more, along with exceptional medical benefits, financial health supports, and career development opportunities.
Apply today and earn a $2,000.00 sign-on bonus (pro-rated for part-time)!
Peer Mentor
Community Services - Framingham
Salary Range: $20.50 - $24.00/hour depending on experience and certification + sign-on bonus (half paid after 6 months of employment and half paid after 1 year of employment/pro-rated for part-time).
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 that is team-focused and places value on healthy work dynamics. This position can be full or part time.
What you will do:
  • Facilitate activity based and support groups for young adults with mental health concerns.
  • Use your story and experience to provide hope, information, advocacy and one on one support to young adults learning to manage their mental health challenges.
  • Promote skill building in the life domains of: social functioning, symptom management, coping skills and activities of daily living.
  • Contribute to system change through policy advocacy.

Competencies/Traits of Our Superstars:
  • Talent connecting with people.
  • Strong communication skills - both written and verbal.
  • Ability to assess and manage risk.
  • Flexibility and creative thinking with an ability to adapt.
  • Strong boundaries.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Lived experience managing your own mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
  • Wiliness to share your recovery story in the context of peer support.
  • Driving in the community is a requirement of this position; please ensure you have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.

We will train you in: Motivational Interviewing; Courageous Conversations; Attachment, Regulation and Competency Model (ARC); Trauma Informed Practice; Substance Use Intervention; Risk and Safety Assessment.