Location: Albuquerque, NM

Department: Community Outreach

Reports to: Program Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site (40 Hours per Week)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

About the Role

The Community Peer Support Worker plays a vital role in providing support and guidance to individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Leveraging personal lived experience, this position fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among clients by sharing relevant stories, coping strategies, and resources, ultimately helping them navigate their recovery journeys. The Community Peer Support Worker serves as a bridge between clients and the healthcare system, advocating for their needs and facilitating connections to treatment services.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage clients in one-on-one and group support sessions, utilizing a peer-to-peer approach.
• Provide encouragement and motivation, sharing personal experiences to inspire hope and resilience in clients.
• Assist clients in identifying their strengths, goals, and pathways to recovery, while helping them build coping skills.
• Support clients in accessing and navigating community resources, including housing, employment, and health services.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to create a holistic support plan tailored to each client's unique needs.
• Facilitate peer support groups, workshops, and community activities aimed at promoting recovery and social integration.
• Document client interactions and maintain updated records in compliance with confidentiality standards.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and community outreach events as needed.
• Uphold ethical standards, demonstrating empathy and non-judgmental support to clients and their families.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support program objectives.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant certifications in peer support or recovery coaching preferred.
• Lived experience of recovery from substance use disorder or mental health challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and empathetic communication style.
• Ability to relate to and engage with diverse populations in a supportive manner.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Knowledge of local community resources and treatment options for substance use disorders.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking between outreach locations.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds; moving equipment and materials as necessary.
• Exposure to challenging emotional situations; personal protective equipment provided and required as appropriate.

Core Competencies

• Peer support and advocacy
• Empathy and active listening
• Community engagement and resource navigation
• Ethical practice and professionalism
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Communication and relationship-building

Why Join Us

At State of the Heart Recovery, you will join a compassionate team committed to changing lives through recovery-focused services. As a Community Peer Support Worker, you will make a significant impact on the lives of others while growing both personally and professionally within a nurturing environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; certification in peer support preferred.
• Lived experience with recovery from substance use or mental health issues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage clients and empower them in their recovery journey.
• Familiarity with community resources related to substance use treatment.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and personal development.