What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Peer Support Specialist position at Nava Behavioral Health?
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.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20