Peer Specialist

Peer Support Workers at St. Joseph’s Sobriety Program provide non-clinical, strength-based support to individuals in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. Drawing on their own lived experience, Peer Support Workers build authentic, supportive relationships with clients, offering hope, guidance, and practical assistance in navigating recovery and achieving personal goals.

CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S., from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services, CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources, CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities, advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable, and innovating how and where healing can happen, both inside our hospitals and out in the community.

• Engage clients in recovery through peer-led relationship-building and mentoring.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support groups and recovery-oriented activities.
• Promote client self-determination, empowerment, and hope through shared experience.
• Assist clients in accessing services such as housing, employment, childcare, transportation, and health care.
• Support client participation in 12-Step meetings, Al-Anon groups, and wellness groups.
• Collaborate with counselors, case managers, and program staff to ensure wraparound support.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards at all times.
• Document peer interactions and progress as required by program guidelines.
• Participate in training, supervision, and team meetings.
• Model a lifestyle of recovery, stability, and wellness in accordance with program values.

• Certification: Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) credential from the New Mexico Credentialing Board for Behavioral Health Professionals (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• Lived experience with substance use or mental health recovery and at least 1 year in sustained recovery.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care and culturally responsive support.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Preferred: Experience in a treatment or recovery setting; bilingual in English/Spanish.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Community-based, office, and group setting environments.
• Some evening or weekend hours may be required.
• Local travel may be necessary to accompany or support clients, and outreach.