Certified Peer Support Worker - Las Cruces, NM

VetJobs • Las Cruces, NM

9d • $41,505 - $62,255 • Remote

About The Position

This position provides non-clinical, evidence-based peer support services to members with mental health and substance use conditions who need intensive wellness support and recovery-oriented interventions. The worker serves as a member advocate, shares coping skills and recovery information, and supports members in regaining control over their lives through recovery planning, wellness self-management, and resilience-building. The role models recovery, resiliency, and wellness practices and uses lived experience to inspire hope, empowerment, and positive action.

The worker helps members develop Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP®), identify whole-health goals using the eight dimensions of wellness, and participate in decisions about recovery goals and treatment support. The position supports problem-solving, follow-up appointments, post-crisis planning, transitions between treatment settings, community participation, and connection to health services and social-support networks. It also coordinates strategies with members and families, advocates for members’ needs, educates providers and families about recovery principles, and facilitates a team approach to care.

The position is home-based with extensive travel in the community and requires the candidate to live in Las Cruces, New Mexico, or the surrounding area. Duties include documenting interactions according to company standards, using supervision effectively, managing personal stressors that may affect work, and recognizing and responding appropriately to crisis situations or risks to member safety. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• At least two years of lived experience with mental health or substance-use recovery.
• At least two years of peer specialist experience.
• Must be a self-identified person in recovery and a current or former user of mental health or substance-use services who can relate to people currently using those services.
• Required state peer-specialist credential, such as CPRS, CPS, CPSS, CRPS, PRSS, or equivalent as required by the state.
• Must have or be able to obtain the National Peer Support Credential (NCPS/NCPRSS) within one year of hire.
• Valid in-state driver’s license and a vehicle in good working condition with the ability to travel regularly in the field.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to make decisions requiring significant analysis, quick and independent thinking, and to determine courses of action in complex situations not covered by existing policies or protocols.
• Knowledge of local behavioral health and community systems, wellness strategies, resiliency and recovery principles, and tools such as WRAP, the wraparound process, and community-based peer, family, and parent support organizations and services.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to represent members’ strengths and needs in clinical settings.
• Ability to summarize and document findings and maintain complete and accurate records.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team, and to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Must live in Las Cruces, New Mexico, or the surrounding area.
• High school diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree.
• National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) credential.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to members with mental health and substance use conditions who need intensive wellness support and recovery-oriented interventions.
• Guide members in creating Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP®) and identifying wellness self-management and crisis-prevention strategies based on their choices.
• Use the eight dimensions of wellness to help members identify social determinants of health needs and set whole-health goals related to mental, substance-use, and physical-health conditions.
• Guide members in identifying options and participating in decisions about recovery goals, including as a member of their treatment or recovery-support team.
• Help members develop problem-solving skills to respond to challenges in recovery.
• Help members keep follow-up appointments by identifying barriers and collaborating on solutions.
• Engage members in inpatient settings to support post-crisis planning, transitions between treatment settings, and navigation of multiple systems.
• Encourage community participation and inclusion by helping members explore and pursue community roles.
• Engage members with traditional and nontraditional health services, supports, and community and social-support networks, including peer, parent, and family support services.
• Share lived experience strategically to inspire hope, empowerment, and positive action.
• Implement, coordinate, and monitor strategies for members and families to improve health and quality-of-life outcomes.
• Advocate for members by identifying and addressing gaps in services and supports.
• Educate providers, supporting staff, members, and families about resiliency and recovery principles, strategies, and tools.
• Facilitate a team approach to member care, including coordination with the Magellan care coordination team.
• Document all interactions according to company standards.
• Use supervision effectively, respond appropriately to personal stressors that affect job performance, and recognize and respond to crises or risks to member safety.
• Travel to meet members in the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for short-term incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, life, voluntary, and other benefits and perks supporting physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED