Peer Counselor Jobs
Peer Counselor jobs are open across behavioral health, community services, substance use recovery, and social services organizations, with roles ranging from entry-level to senior and lead positions, with specializations in mental health support, crisis intervention, and recovery coaching. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 113+ Peer Counselor jobs
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") experienceii 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.iii
- 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.
ii Note: This experience may include personal experience as a parent, guardian, or a loved one you have supported through such a journey.
iii 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") experienceii 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.iii
- 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.
ii Note: This experience may include personal experience as a parent, guardian, or a loved one you have supported through such a journey.
iii 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 113+ Peer Counselor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Peer Counselor JobsPeer Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in peer counselor jobs.
- Lived experience with mental health, substance use recovery, or related personal challenges
- State-recognized Peer Specialist or Peer Recovery Coach certification
- Experience facilitating individual or group support sessions
- Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and de-escalation techniques
- High school diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor's degree preferred
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA documentation standards
Tips for Your Peer Counselor Job Search
Tailor your resume to lived experience
Peer counselor roles weight personal recovery or mental health experience heavily. Describe your own background in concrete terms alongside any formal credentials, since many employers treat lived experience as a core qualification, not just a supplement to your education.
Highlight your peer specialist certification
Many listings require or strongly prefer a state-issued Peer Specialist or Peer Recovery Coach certification. Confirm which certification your target state recognizes and list it prominently on your resume so it clears automated screening before a human ever reads your application.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists peer counselor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by program type
Substance use recovery programs, crisis hotlines, and community mental health centers each look for different specializations. Reading the program description in the job posting tells you which of your experiences to lead with and which to leave out of your cover letter entirely.
Prepare a scenario that shows active listening
Interviewers for peer counselor positions almost always ask behavioral questions about de-escalation or empathy in a difficult conversation. Prepare one specific scenario from your own experience where you helped someone work through a moment of crisis, using concrete details rather than general statements.
Follow up referencing your shared experience
After an interview, a brief thank-you note that reconnects your personal story to the organization's population served is more effective than a generic message. Peer counseling hiring managers respond to candidates who demonstrate genuine alignment with the people they will support.
Peer Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most peer counselors?
Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare, Compass Health, and NYC Health + Hospitals are hiring the most peer counselors right now, with openings concentrated in Washington, New York, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Behavioral health agencies, community mental health centers, and substance use treatment providers consistently post the highest volume of peer counselor openings.
How many peer counselor jobs are remote?
About 14% of peer counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote roles concentrated in telephone and text-based crisis counseling, care coordination, and peer coaching programs that do not require in-person group facilitation. Roles tied to residential programs or in-person recovery centers are almost always on-site.
How do you become a peer counselor?
Start by drawing on your own lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, since most employers treat that background as a foundational requirement. Then pursue your state's official Peer Specialist or Peer Recovery Coach certification, which involves a training course and a competency exam. After certification, entry-level positions at community health organizations or crisis lines are typically the fastest way to build supervised hours and get your first hire.
Can I get a peer counselor job with little or no professional experience?
Yes, because many peer counselor roles are specifically designed for candidates who have direct lived experience but limited formal work history in the field. Volunteering with a crisis hotline, completing your state peer specialist training, and being able to describe your personal recovery journey in professional terms will carry significant weight with hiring managers who prioritize authentic connection over a lengthy resume.
What does the peer counselor interview process look like?
Most peer counselor interviews include an initial phone screen with a recruiter or program coordinator, followed by a panel or one-on-one interview with the clinical or program supervisor. Expect behavioral questions about how you have navigated your own recovery, handled a difficult conversation, or maintained professional boundaries. Some employers add a brief role-play scenario to assess active listening and de-escalation skills before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to peer counselor jobs?
You can find and apply to peer counselor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your certifications, experience level, and preferred setting, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 113+ Peer Counselor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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