Purpose:

This peer support specialist, preferably a youth or family peer support specialist, will work in the schools and school-based health centers with adolescents and youth who may be transitioning into adulthood. The peer support specialist SBHC position provides peer support services as part of a multidisciplinary team to persons with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. A Youth Peer Support is someone who has successfully navigated life challenges, to promote belonging, hope, and shared power within the community. A Family Peer Support assists parents and primary caregivers who need support and guidance in how to access and engage with child serving systems.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

High School Diploma or GED required

• Must be able to register and successfully complete the State of New Mexico Peer Support Specialist Training within the first one year of hire, or when the semester of training registration is available.

Additional requirements:

• 2 years of demonstrated sustained substance abuse recovery
• GED or high school diploma
• No convictions of the following offenses: domestic violence, sexual offenses, or other serious crimes against persons.

Preferred certification as a youth peer support, family peer support or peer support specialist in New Mexico.

Link for more pre-requisites info: http://newmexico.networkofcare.org/mh/content.aspx?id=11894, https://centerofinnovationnm.org/family-peer-support/, https://centerofinnovationnm.org/youth-peer-support/

Experience:

Past or present consumer of mental health or substance abuse services with a history of managing one's own illness. Awareness of the importance of recovery in living with a mental illness or addictions problem. Past experience working directly with people in a service-oriented field is beneficial. Active membership in a consumer advocacy or self-help group.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Tuberculin Skin Test (TST).
2. HepB Vaccine or Declination
3. Must obtain Licensed Substance Abuse Association (LSAA) within 3 years of date of hire.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Interested individuals must submit written certification from a therapist, counselor or sponsor stating minimum of 2 years recovery from mental health or substance use.