Certified Peer Support Specialist

A Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) in New Mexico plays a critical role in helping individuals in recovery from mental health or substance use disorders. They provide peer-based support by sharing their own lived experiences, offering hope, and guiding others through the recovery process. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the role and expectations:

Job Description for a Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW)

Responsibilities:

• Peer Support and Engagement:
• One-on-One Peer Support: Use personal lived experience to connect with individuals in recovery, offering emotional and social support through active listening, encouragement, and sharing recovery strategies.
• Building Trust: Establish rapport with clients, ensuring they feel comfortable and understood, contributing to a positive and supportive environment.
• Modeling Recovery: Demonstrate how to navigate challenges, showing clients that recovery is possible by sharing stories of overcoming obstacles.
• Facilitating Support Groups and Recovery Meetings:
• Group Facilitation: Lead peer-led support groups, psychoeducation groups, and recovery-focused sessions where clients can share experiences and provide mutual support.
• Creating Safe Spaces: Ensure group discussions are safe and welcoming, emphasizing confidentiality, respect, and understanding.
• Educational Support: Provide educational materials and discussions about recovery, mental health, and substance use disorders.
• Advocacy and Resource Connection:
• Advocacy: Help clients advocate for their needs, including navigating the mental health or substance use treatment systems, social services, and other community resources.
• Resource Navigation: Assist individuals in identifying and accessing appropriate services, including housing, employment, health care, and community-based support.
• Rights and Legal Support: Ensure clients understand their rights and responsibilities within recovery programs and treatment settings.
• Personal Recovery Planning:
• Develop Recovery Plans: Work with clients to set individualized recovery goals and strategies, focusing on strengths and resiliency.
• Goal Setting: Help clients set small, achievable goals and celebrate milestones, reinforcing the idea that progress is made one step at a time.
• Crisis Intervention: Offer immediate support in moments of crisis, helping clients cope with difficult situations by using peer-based strategies.
• Collaboration with Treatment Teams:
• Teamwork: Work alongside mental health professionals, therapists, and other recovery support staff to ensure a holistic, coordinated care approach for clients.
• Information Sharing: While maintaining confidentiality, share valuable insights gathered from peer interactions to enhance treatment strategies and recovery plans.
• Comprehensive Care: Support the therapeutic team by providing feedback on client progress, challenges, and goals from a peer perspective.

Qualifications:

• Certification: Must be certified as a CPSW by the New Mexico Credentialing Board of Behavioral Health Professionals (NMCBBHP). nmcbbhp.org
• Experience: At least three years in recovery from mental health or substance use disorders, demonstrating stability and commitment. New Mexico Yes
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is required; additional training in peer support is beneficial.
• Skills: Strong communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills are essential.

The role of a CPSW is vital in promoting recovery and wellness within the community, offering hope and practical support to individuals on their recovery journey.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Las Cruces, NM 88001 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Las Cruces, NM 88001: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18