Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW)/Community Health Worker (CHW)

We are growing and are actively recruiting in the greater Albuquerque area. We are looking for full time and part time medical and behavioral health professionals, including social workers, community health workers (CHWs), and case managers for two new programs: Health Yeah! an equity-centered mobile health program that travel to Albuquerque public schools and an inclusive substance use treatment program inside and outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center. Both are innovative opportunities and a perfect fit for you if you are looking FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT to be part of a collaborative organization where making a difference matters and where every team member’s voice is heard.

At Wellness Equity Alliance, WEAre Impact. Join our team and make a difference in the lives of underserved communities. We provide meaningful, hands-on opportunities to create lasting change through compassionate care, addressing health disparities and social justice issues. WEAre Support. WEA offers dedicated supervision, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for licensure support to help you grow your career while you help others.

WEAre Balance. We understand the importance of work-life harmony. Our flexible schedules, manageable caseloads, and employee wellness initiatives ensure you can care for yourself while caring for others. WEAre Community. At WEA, you'll find a workplace built on collaboration, respect, and shared values. Together, we create a culture of empathy and empowerment, making a true impact in the field of health equity. f you're ready to join a dynamic, supportive team that’s changing lives, We Are Waiting for You! Apply today.

Position Overview:

We are expanding our Addiction Treatment Program (ATP) to provide intensive substance abuse treatment services within the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). This program will include comprehensive case management and aftercare services for clients upon release. To support this initiative, the Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is hiring a team of skilled professionals, including Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Certified Peer Support Workers (CPSWs).

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual with strong managerial skills to lead the field operations of our mobile behavioral health clinic team. In this role, you will manage a diverse team of CHWs and CPSWs focused on delivering equitable healthcare services to underserved communities, including those who are formerly incarcerated or court-ordered. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering a supportive and accessible healthcare environment within correctional facilities and the broader community while providing essential behavioral health and substance use services.

Key Responsibilities:

Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW)/Community Health Worker (CHW) Role:

• Provide Direct Support: Utilize personal and professional experiences to offer peer support services, build rapport, and establish trust with individuals needing behavioral health and substance use support.
• Advocate for Clients: Assist clients in effectively communicating with healthcare providers, substance abuse counselors, or social service agencies to address their health and treatment needs.
• Emotional Support and Mentorship: Offer guidance, mentorship, and emotional support to clients navigating behavioral health and substance use challenges, promoting resilience and self-advocacy.
• Program Implementation: Develop and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health, both within correctional facilities and in community settings.
• Assist in Goal Setting: Work with clients to set and achieve personal goals for their recovery and overall well-being.
• Facilitate Groups: Lead peer support groups and activities to encourage positive social connections and mutual support among clients.
• Community Health Needs Assessment: Community health assessments identify opportunities for expanding clinical services and providing additional support.
• Collaborate for Comprehensive Care: Partner with Substance Abuse Counselors, CHWs, and other team members to deliver holistic care tailored to individual needs.
• Build Community Relationships: Establish and maintain trusting relationships with clients and community partners, serving as a bridge between health and social services to enhance access, quality, and cultural competence of care.

This position plays a pivotal role in transforming care for those impacted by the criminal justice system, driving equity, and fostering positive outcomes in behavioral health and substance use treatment.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of sobriety and a demonstrated commitment to long-term recovery.
• Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) certification is required.
• Must not be under any form of criminal justice supervision.
• Ability to gain clearance into the Metropolitan Detention Center.
• Experience working with formerly incarcerated or court-ordered individuals preferred.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing teams in a community health or behavioral health setting.

Preferred Experience:

- Lived or professional experience connecting to the student population served. This may include but is not limited to, knowledge related to mental health conditions, substance use, homelessness, foster care, incarceration, military service, disability, domestic or intimate partner violence, or shared cultural, linguistic, or community backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications: One of the Following

• Community Health Worker Certificate or Certified Peer Support Worker Certificate
• Work Experience Pathway

Education Experience

• A High School diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) is required. An associate degree in healthcare, social work, or a related field is preferred.
• Must possess either a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience or lived experience
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with teams of individuals in diverse settings, using a solution-oriented approach.
• Preference is given to candidates with Community Support Worker (CSW) and Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) credentials/certifications.

Preferred Skills

Lived experience with Behavioral Health

Lived Experience with Substance Use Disordered Persons.

Lived Experience with Correctional Facilities

• Demonstrated history of strong interpersonal skills and ability to understand and follow written/verbal instructions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local and regional community resources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public health programs.
• Skilled in utilizing appropriate industry standard assessment techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to provide appropriate guidance and positive customer service using a patient-centered approach.
• Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the local community based on personal lived experience or the ability to articulate the lived experience and perspective
• Preference is given to bilingual Spanish speakers.
  • Preference to cultural competence with LatinX communities