The Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) provides person-centered, recovery-oriented peer support to individuals participating in State of the Heart Recovery programs, which may include Intensive Outpatient, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Work Readiness, and Residential Treatment programs.
Drawing on relevant lived experience, the CPSW builds respectful, supportive relationships that encourage hope, self-determination, resilience, self-advocacy, and connection to recovery and community resources. The CPSW works collaboratively with clients and the care team while maintaining the boundaries and responsibilities of the CPSW role.
A CPSW may be assigned Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) duties only when the worker meets applicable qualifications and has completed required state or state-approved CCSS training. CCSS duties are distinct from peer support duties and must be provided in accordance with applicable requirements. The CPSW does not independently conduct a clinical or biopsychosocial assessment, determine the severity of a substance-use or mental-health condition, or develop the clinician’s clinical treatment plan.
CCSS Duties — Only When Assigned and Qualified
When assigned CCSS responsibilities and qualified under applicable requirements, duties may include:
•Provide CCSS when recommended in the clinician-completed biopsychosocial assessment.
•Complete a CCSS functional assessment with the client, as applicable.
•Develop a CCSS treatment plan with the client, consistent with the clinician’s assessment and applicable requirements.
•Assist the client in identifying, accessing, and coordinating services and supports within the scope of CCSS.
•Document CCSS services and client progress in accordance with applicable regulations, the Behavioral Health Policy and Billing Manual, and organizational requirements.
•Participate in required clinical supervision, consultation, and review.
The clinician’s clinical assessment and treatment plan remain distinct from the CCSS functional assessment and CCSS treatment plan. A CPSW who has not completed required CCSS training, or who otherwise does not meet applicable requirements, may not be assigned CCSS assessment or treatment-planning duties.
General Responsibilities
•Maintain timely and accurate documentation for services provided.
•Maintain professional boundaries and comply with applicable ethical standards, including the New Mexico CPSW Code of Ethics.
•Protect confidential information and comply with HIPAA, other applicable privacy laws, and organizational policies.
•Attend assigned staff meetings, team conferences, training, and supervision.
•Communicate professionally with clients, staff, community agencies, and other service providers as appropriate to the role.
•Demonstrate respect for cultural differences and individual needs, and use culturally responsive communication.
•Contribute to State of the Heart Recovery’s mission, vision, and program philosophies through professional conduct and work product.
•Perform other duties consistent with the position’s scope and qualifications.
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
Minimum Qualifications
•High school diploma or GED.
•At least 18 years of age.
•Valid New Mexico CPSW certification in good standing.
•Ability to comply with the New Mexico CPSW Code of Ethics and applicable certification requirements.
•Relevant recovery experience, as required by State of the Heart Recovery.
•For assigned CCSS duties, meet applicable community support worker qualifications and complete required state or state-approved CCSS training.
Continuing Education
Maintain CPSW certification and complete the following annual continuing-education requirement:
•40 hours of training or continuing education every two (2) years, including:
oSix hours in professional ethics and responsibilities.
oSix hours in cultural competency.
oThe remaining hours in topics related to peer support services, behavioral health, or social work.
This is an employer requirement and must also be consistent with current certification rules.
Benefits
We believe in supporting the whole person at work and beyond. Our comprehensive benefits include: