Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) - Behavioral Health Recovery Support

Job Description

Job Description

Empower Recovery Through Lived Experience and Peer Support

At State of the Heart Recovery, Certified Peer Support Workers provide essential recovery-oriented services to individuals with co-occurring behavioral-health, mental health, and substance-use disorders. Many of the clients we serve have experienced homelessness, incarceration, and significant barriers to stability. The Certified Peer Support Worker uses personal lived experience in recovery to engage clients, model resilience, and foster hope while delivering structured case-management and psychosocial support.

This position provides treatment and service planning, crisis intervention, relapse-prevention support, family and housing assistance, and vocational coaching. The CPSW works within an interdisciplinary team and ensures that all services meet state and federal standards for peer-support practice. The role requires sound judgment, trauma-informed communication, and the ability to support clients in diverse community environments.

What You Will Do

• Meet with clients to evaluate support needs and establish recovery-oriented goals.
• Provide individualized case management and psychosocial support in community locations.
• Assist clients with vocational goals, resume development, interview preparation, and employment readiness.
• Conduct ongoing psychosocial assessments and update service plans with measurable goals.
• Identify the need for crisis intervention and relapse-prevention support and coordinate with counseling staff as required.
• Facilitate groups related to recovery, life skills, vocational development, and other topics appropriate to CPSW scope of practice.
• Support housing stabilization, including referrals, applications, and communication with housing providers.
• Identify care coordination needs and assist clients in linking with a care coordinator.
• Distribute flyers, brochures, and other outreach materials to targeted community groups.
• Contact clients in person, by phone, or in writing to ensure follow-through with required or recommended actions.
• Maintain updated records, progress notes, and plans in compliance with state, federal, and agency standards.
• Collaborate with counselors and care coordinators on aftercare and discharge planning.
• Maintain professional communication with referral sources, community partners, and internal teams.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and required professional development to maintain certification.
• Perform additional related duties to support program operations.

Why Join Us

At State of the Heart Recovery, your lived experience becomes a powerful tool for service. Peer support strengthens connection, improves engagement, and promotes long-term recovery. You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to trauma-informed practice and ethical client care. Your work will directly support clients as they build stability, pursue recovery, and reconnect with their communities.

Join a team where your lived experience makes recovery possible for others.

Requirements

What You Will Bring

• Active New Mexico Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) license.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Lived experience as a current or former consumer of mental-health or substance-use services and a minimum of three years in personal recovery.
• Experience serving justice-involved, homeless, or co-occurring populations preferred.
• Valid New Mexico Medicaid number or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and active auto insurance required.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire and maintained thereafter.
• Familiarity with Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic documentation systems, and case management software.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and de-escalation techniques preferred.
• Ability to work independently in community settings and exercise professional judgment in dynamic conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

Benefits

We believe in supporting the whole person at work and beyond. Our comprehensive benefits include:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Select Public Holidays)
• Family and Medical Leave in accordance with state and federal law