Peer facilitators are found in schools, social service agencies, faith communities, geographic communities, nursing homes and youth organizations. Other examples of peer facilitator programs include veteran-to-veteran peer facilitators, facilitators in mental health programs and facilitators in the work place. Facilitators may go by other names depending on where they serve. For example, peer facilitators at schools are also called peer counselors. Peer facilitating in church might be known as peer ministry, and peer mediators might be found in the work place.

Peer facilitators work to identify problems among peers who seek them out. A facilitator in a school environment might help a fellow student adjust to a new school, deal with friendship conflict or work through a boyfriend or girlfriend issue. A facilitator in a veteran program might help another veteran work through emotions associated with their service. Facilitators offer guidance, emotional support and a listening ear. Among young people, this type of support helps reduce conflict, drug and alcohol involvement, and sexually transmitted diseases while helping enhance academic performance and service to others, according to the National Peer Helpers Association's website.

No matter where peer facilitators serve, ideally they possess some similar qualities. Facilitators are genuine, and they have a genuine interest in others. Peer facilitators accept others exactly the way they are. They see everyone's ability to change and recognize positive efforts. Effective peer facilitators are good listeners who are dependable, trustworthy and approachable. They work well with others and might have a desire to give back to others experiencing obstacles similar to ones they've faced.

Most facilitators are trained by peer facilitator coordinators who have undergone training from a national organization. The type and length of training for peer facilitators depend on where they'll serve, but training often includes role play and learning specific skills critical to facilitating. In addition to learning strong listening skills, facilitators will learn decision-making strategies. Depending on the environment, facilitators might also learn about drugs, alcohol and sexually transmitted diseases. Training also focuses on building a high level of trust among facilitators.