H-1B Visa Peer Support Specialist Jobs
Peer Support Specialist jobs that sponsor H-1B visas are concentrated at behavioral health agencies, hospital systems, and community mental health centers that structure the role around bachelor's-level duties in psychology, social work, or counseling. Employers filing an LCA must certify a prevailing wage through DOL, and your petition covers a specific worksite.
Find H-1B Visa Peer Support Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 57+ Peer Support Specialist jobs
See all 57+ Peer Support Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Peer Support Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsPeer Support Specialist (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor) - School of Public Health
Hiring Department: Commty Outreach Intervent Proj
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043583
FTE: 1
Work Schedule: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Shift: Days
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: On-Site
Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $55,000.00 - 55,000.00 / Hourly Wage
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The Peer Support Specialist Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)/Outreach Worker at UIC Community Outreach Intervention Projects (COIP) will play a vital role in the implementation of a new contingency management program within COIP's Mobile MOUD Program. This will include meeting with individual clients, identifying recovery goals, providing brief counseling sessions, delivering contingency management, and referrals for additional services. The role will require knowledge of harm reduction, opioid overdose prevention, and community outreach in Chicago. This position requires a deep understanding of local drug use dynamics and the ability to engage effectively with individuals at risk. The Peer Support Specialist CADC will work collaboratively with a team to deliver comprehensive services through the mobile health van.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Conduct behavioral health assessment and develop individualized recovery plan
- Provide individual counseling using evidence-based practices cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), etc.
- Educate client about addiction and recovery processes
- Deliver contingency management according to evidence-based protocols
- Manage client cases, including documentation, progress monitoring, and coordination with healthcare providers
- Facilitate referral/linkage to additional resources and to COIP field station-based services
- Develop and maintain strong connections with the local community, leveraging personal knowledge and relationships to enhance outreach efforts
- Conduct outreach activities to identify and engage individuals at risk of opioid overdose and those involved in local drug use scenes
- Create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment within the mobile van for service provision
- Assist individuals with accessing peer recovery support, housing, identification documents, food pantry, and other social services
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- One (1) year (12 months) of “lived” (or extensive "lived") experience in sustained recovery and reentry in substance abuse (illicit drug or alcohol dependency).
- Eighteen months (18 months) of work experience comparable to the Peer Support Assistant of this series.
- Possession of a valid and current Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) certification.
- Possession of a valid and current (appropriate) State of Illinois driver’s license, and proof of insurance at the time of appointment.
Note: This experience may include personal experience as a parent, guardian, or a loved one you have supported through such a journey.
Note: The possession of a valid and current CADC Certification may be substituted for #3 above if not used to meet the Minimum Acceptable Qualification.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in harm reduction, community outreach, or related fields
- Familiarity with local social service resources and networks
- Lived experience within the targeted communities not required but would be helpful
- Knowledge of local drug use scenes and harm reduction principles
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable working in diverse and dynamic environments
- Understanding and commitment to the principles of harm reduction and community-based outreach
To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Peer Support Specialist (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor) - School of Public Health
Hiring Department: Commty Outreach Intervent Proj
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043583
FTE: 1
Work Schedule: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Shift: Days
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: On-Site
Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $55,000.00 - 55,000.00 / Hourly Wage
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The Peer Support Specialist Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)/Outreach Worker at UIC Community Outreach Intervention Projects (COIP) will play a vital role in the implementation of a new contingency management program within COIP's Mobile MOUD Program. This will include meeting with individual clients, identifying recovery goals, providing brief counseling sessions, delivering contingency management, and referrals for additional services. The role will require knowledge of harm reduction, opioid overdose prevention, and community outreach in Chicago. This position requires a deep understanding of local drug use dynamics and the ability to engage effectively with individuals at risk. The Peer Support Specialist CADC will work collaboratively with a team to deliver comprehensive services through the mobile health van.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Conduct behavioral health assessment and develop individualized recovery plan
- Provide individual counseling using evidence-based practices cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), etc.
- Educate client about addiction and recovery processes
- Deliver contingency management according to evidence-based protocols
- Manage client cases, including documentation, progress monitoring, and coordination with healthcare providers
- Facilitate referral/linkage to additional resources and to COIP field station-based services
- Develop and maintain strong connections with the local community, leveraging personal knowledge and relationships to enhance outreach efforts
- Conduct outreach activities to identify and engage individuals at risk of opioid overdose and those involved in local drug use scenes
- Create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment within the mobile van for service provision
- Assist individuals with accessing peer recovery support, housing, identification documents, food pantry, and other social services
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- One (1) year (12 months) of “lived” (or extensive "lived") experience in sustained recovery and reentry in substance abuse (illicit drug or alcohol dependency).
- Eighteen months (18 months) of work experience comparable to the Peer Support Assistant of this series.
- Possession of a valid and current Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) certification.
- Possession of a valid and current (appropriate) State of Illinois driver’s license, and proof of insurance at the time of appointment.
Note: This experience may include personal experience as a parent, guardian, or a loved one you have supported through such a journey.
Note: The possession of a valid and current CADC Certification may be substituted for #3 above if not used to meet the Minimum Acceptable Qualification.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in harm reduction, community outreach, or related fields
- Familiarity with local social service resources and networks
- Lived experience within the targeted communities not required but would be helpful
- Knowledge of local drug use scenes and harm reduction principles
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable working in diverse and dynamic environments
- Understanding and commitment to the principles of harm reduction and community-based outreach
To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
See all 57+ H-1B Visa Peer Support Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Peer Support Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Peer Support Specialist
Align your degree to the role's scope
Sponsoring employers must justify specialty occupation status to USCIS, so your bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a directly related behavioral health field needs to match the specific duties listed in the job description and LCA filing.
Look up the prevailing wage before applying
Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the certified wage for Peer Support Specialist roles at the SOC code and location you're targeting. Employers must pay at least that level, so knowing it in advance protects you during offer negotiations.
Target employers with behavioral health program infrastructure
Hospital networks, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and large nonprofit mental health agencies are more likely to have HR teams experienced in H-1B filings. Search Migrate Mate to find employers in this space with verified H-1B sponsorship history.
Confirm each worksite gets its own certified LCA
If you'll work across multiple clinic locations, your employer must file a separate certified LCA for each worksite. Clarify this with HR early, since adding a site after the I-129 is filed requires a new LCA and can delay your start date.
Document your peer support credentials strategically
Many states require a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential. If you hold one, include it in your petition to reinforce that the role demands specialized training beyond the bachelor's degree, which strengthens the specialty occupation argument for USCIS.
Account for cap timing when accepting an offer
H-1B status is granted for up to three years and can be extended to a six-year maximum, but initial cap-subject petitions have a fixed start date. Because the selection rules have changed recently, confirm the current USCIS timeline with your employer before committing to a start date.
H-1B Visa Peer Support Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Peer Support Specialist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
It can qualify, but only when the employer structures the position to require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as psychology, social work, or counseling as a minimum entry requirement, not just a preference. USCIS evaluates the actual duties and the employer's hiring practice, so the job description and LCA must consistently reflect that degree-level background is mandatory for the role.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas for Peer Support Specialists?
Behavioral health hospitals, large nonprofit mental health agencies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and integrated care networks tend to have dedicated HR processes for H-1B filings. These organizations regularly hire at the bachelor's level in social work and psychology, which supports the specialty occupation classification. You can browse verified sponsoring employers in this space on Migrate Mate.
How does the prevailing wage requirement affect Peer Support Specialist H-1B positions?
Before filing an I-129 petition, the employer must file a Labor Condition Application with DOL certifying that your offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for the role at your specific worksite location. You can verify the applicable wage level using the OFLC Wage Search before accepting an offer, which helps you evaluate whether the employer's compensation is compliant.
What happens if I work at multiple clinic locations as a Peer Support Specialist on H-1B?
Each worksite requires its own certified LCA. If your role involves rotating between locations or serving multiple sites, your employer must file a separate LCA for each before you begin working there. Discovering an unlisted worksite after filing can create compliance issues for the employer and potential status gaps for you, so clarify the full scope of locations during the offer stage.
Does a state Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential help my H-1B petition?
Yes, including a state-issued certification such as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential strengthens the specialty occupation argument by demonstrating that the role demands specialized knowledge and credentialing beyond a general bachelor's degree. USCIS looks at the totality of evidence, and a recognized professional credential in the behavioral health field supports the case that the position is not entry-level or generalist in nature.