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

About the role

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 served have experienced homelessness, incarceration, and significant barriers to stability.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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

• 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