CPSW (Certified Peer Support Worker)

Families and Youth Innovations Plus; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

FYI+ in New Mexico seeks a Certified Peer Support Worker to provide non-clinical, peer-based support to adults with substance use or mental health challenges. You will use personal recovery experience to mentor clients and model recovery-oriented behaviors within a multidisciplinary team at the CCBHC main location.

This full-time role requires NM CPSW certification (or within 6 months), a valid NM driver's license, and the ability to pass CYFD background checks.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with recovery and ability to share recovery story
• Currently in stable recovery with at least three years
• New Mexico CPSW certification required, or within 6 months of hire; FYI+ supports training
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
• Must be at least 18 years old

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to adults via appointments, drop-ins, and outreach
• Share personal recovery experiences to instill hope
• Support development of WRAP plans and personal recovery goals
• Model healthy coping skills and recovery-oriented behaviors
• Deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive support
• Engage individuals not yet connected to services
• Maintain documentation in the electronic health record per HIPAA and program standards
• Coordinate care with case managers, clinicians, and prescribers

Skills

Lived Experience

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High School Diploma or GED

New Mexico CPSW Certification

Job description

CPSW (Certified Peer Support Worker)

Families & Youth Innovations Plus (FYI+)

Department: Peer Support Services / CCBHC

Location: CCBHC Main Location

Position: Full-Time; Hourly/Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $20.00 - $25.00 (3 levels based on experience and education)

Reports To: Peer Support Supervisor

Job Summary

The CPSW (Certified Peer Support Worker) provides peer-based support services to adults who have or are currently experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, or co-occurring conditions. Drawing from personal lived experience with recovery, the CPSW serves as a mentor, advocate, and role model who demonstrates that long-term recovery is achievable and supports individuals at all stages of their recovery journey.

This position is integral to FYI+ and CCBHC compliance, providing one of nine core services required under SAMHSA CCBHC standards. The CPSW works as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team while maintaining the unique, non-clinical perspective that makes peer support effective. This role may include outreach, crisis support, and non-traditional engagement with individuals who may not yet be engaged in formal treatment.

What You'll Do:

Direct Peer Support

• Provide one-on-one peer support through appointments, drop-ins, and community outreach
• Share personal recovery experiences purposefully to instill hope
• Support individuals in developing WRAP plans and personal recovery goals
• Model healthy coping skills, self-care, and recovery-oriented behaviors
• Deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive support
• Engage individuals not yet connected to services

Care Coordination & Navigation

• Assist individuals in navigating healthcare, social services, housing, employment, and benefits systems
• Accompany individuals to appointments, meetings, and court hearings as needed
• Support access to treatment, housing, employment, and community resources
• Provide recovery check-ins and follow-up during care transitions
• Connect individuals to recovery groups, mutual aid, and natural supports

Team Collaboration

• Participate as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team
• Coordinate care with case managers, clinicians, and prescribers
• Advocate for person-centered, recovery-oriented services
• Offer lived-experience insight to inform treatment planning
• Assist with crisis support and de-escalation within training scope

Documentation & Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record
• Track required data for program and CCBHC reporting
• Follow all HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and mandatory reporting requirements

What You Need:

Lived Experience (Required)

• Personal lived experience with substance use disorder recovery and/or mental health recovery
• Currently in stable recovery with at least three years of sustained recovery
• Ability to articulate personal recovery story in a purposeful, boundary manner that instills hope

Age and Education

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED required

Certification

• New Mexico Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) certification required, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
• FYI+ will support certification training for candidates who meet other qualifications

Other Requirements

• Valid New Mexico Driver's License with acceptable driving record
• Ability to pass CYFD background check (primarily focussing on harm to children/minors)
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred