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Virtual Peer Support Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Peer Support will be an advocate for clients and link them to community services as needed ... FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees * PAID ...

Chicago IL 60626 The Peer Support will assess the client's personal, medical, emotional, social ... FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees * PAID ...

Chicago IL 60619 The Peer Support will assess the client's personal, medical, emotional, social ... FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees * PAID ...

The Peer Support will be an advocate for clients and link them to community services as needed ... FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees * PAID ...

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Virtual Peer Support information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do virtual peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual peer support in Chicago, IL is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a virtual peer support?

A Virtual Peer Support job involves providing emotional support, shared experiences, and guidance to individuals facing challenges, such as mental health issues, addiction recovery, or life transitions, through online platforms. Peer supporters use their lived experiences to offer understanding, encouragement, and resources to those in need. This role may include facilitating group discussions, one-on-one support sessions, and connecting individuals to helpful tools or services. The goal is to create a safe, empathetic, and supportive space for individuals seeking connection and assistance.

What are the typical challenges faced in a virtual peer support role and how can they be managed?

Virtual Peer Support professionals often encounter challenges such as building rapport with individuals remotely, ensuring privacy and confidentiality, and addressing emotional needs without face-to-face interaction. Managing these hurdles involves using clear communication, maintaining consistent virtual meeting schedules, and utilizing empathy to connect with clients. Many organizations offer training and regular team check-ins to help staff feel supported and equipped to handle sensitive situations. Staying proactive in learning about digital tools and mental health best practices also helps in delivering effective peer support and managing challenges. By fostering open communication and collaboration with colleagues, Virtual Peer Support workers can create a supportive network for both themselves and those they assist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in virtual peer support?

To thrive as a Virtual Peer Support, you should possess strong active listening skills, basic mental health knowledge, and relevant personal or peer support experience, sometimes backed by peer support specialist certification. Familiarity with secure video conferencing platforms, online community tools, and maintaining confidentiality using digital records is often required. Compassion, non-judgmental communication, and the ability to establish trust remotely are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively supporting peers, fostering a safe environment, and promoting mental well-being in a virtual setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Support jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Virtual Peer Support jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Virtual Peer Support job openings:
Infographic showing various Virtual Peer Support job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,259 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Peer Recovery Specialist II (CPRS or CRSS) - Joliet, IL

Gateway Foundation Inc

Joliet, IL • On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

Location: Gateway Foundation Residential/Outpatient Drug Rehab Center

  • 400 Mercy Ln, Aurora, IL 60506
  • View the facility details here!

Work Schedule:

  • Monday - Friday; combination of day and evening shift; some travel to Downers Grove required

Peer Recovery Specialist II Summary:

Provides recovery-oriented support services to patients with substance use disorders. Responsible for leveraging experience and training to foster hope, purpose, and empowerment in patients actively engaged in their recovery journey. Contributes to the development and implementation of individualized recovery support plans and participates in treatment team meetings and individual patient planning meetings 


ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintains a caseload as determined during the admissions process for patients participating in residential and outpatient treatment services.
  • Conducts assessments to identify the need for support services and works collaboratively with patients to develop individualized recovery support plans that emphasize purpose, mindfulness, and personal goals.
  • Provides a minimum of 20–25 hours each week of direct individualized in-person, telephonic or virtual peer support services.
  • Maintains accurate and timely documentation of recovery plans, interventions, resources and progress notes in the electronic health record in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulatory and accreditation standards.
  • Participates in ongoing recovery support services by identifying community resources and connecting patients with the appropriate services to further support their recovery journey.
  • Assists with the coordination of transportation to supported services in the community as identified in recovery plan.
  • Identifies relapse prevention strategies to support patients in managing and coping with triggers and high-risk situations and assists patients in building and sustaining a recovery-oriented social network to engage in healthy, meaningful activities.
  • Participates in interdisciplinary case staffing meetings to discuss care coordination and ensure peerinformed care.
  • Contributes expertise in regular peer recovery team meetings to evaluate program effectiveness and individual patient progress.
  • May serve as a resource to Peer Recovery Specialist I in implementing techniques to engage patients and provide effective support recovery services. 

REQUIREMENTS

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS or CRSS), and 1 year of related work experience. 
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage recovery experience to engage patients during their recovery journey.
  • May be required to maintain a current, valid driver’s license to transport patients to appointments related to needed community resources.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills to assess individual needs and develop individual support plans.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Familiarity with recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction approaches.
  • Ability to learn and become proficient in using electronic health records to maintain enter and maintain treatment documentation. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with others, in groups or individually, to gather and present
    information.
  • Ability to respond to telephone and email inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
  • Ability to use a keyboard and display screen to receive, retrieve, and/or review information and data on a
    regular basis.
  • Ability to continually proofread, check and verify data and information from printed to digital documents.
  • Ability to travel to various locations by vehicle to meet with patients and/or attend meetings and training.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Works in a normal office environment where there are relatively few discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise
    and the like.
  • May be exposed to inclement weather, when traveling to various locations.
  • Some exposure to hazards when driving, but potential for harm is limited if safe vehicle operation
    procedures are followed.

Compensation (based on experience and credentials): 

  • Range begins at $19.27/hr - $28.12/hr
  • Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match 
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:

  • 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.