OPRE

August can feel like a fresh start, but returning to school can also bring new stress. Peers can be "that person". The one that checks in before things reach a breaking point, and remind teens that asking for support is a sign of strength. School staff and community programs can help, and 988 is available around the clock when a young person needs someone to talk to.

Families & Youth Innovations Plus is hiring a full-time Community Support Worker in Las Cruces. This CCSS role helps individuals and families build the skills they need to move toward greater independence in their own communities. The work includes case management and advocacy, as well as helping clients follow through on recovery plans. Applicants may qualify through relevant education or experience working with the population served. CPS certification is also an accepted pathway. Learn more and apply at https://pulse.ly/dheylrc0ms

Recovery Café Las Vegas offers weekday drop-in support for anyone looking for connection in a recovery-friendly setting. Coffee Hour runs Monday through Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m., with a small breakfast and space to ease into the day. Recovery Circles take place Monday through Friday, including separate circles for women and men. Community support services are available on Mondays and Thursdays, while Thursday distribution hours offer food baskets and additional support. Visit 2100 7th Street in Las Vegas or call 505-447-6396 for details on the current schedule.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services Jobs is hiring full-time Peer Support Specialists in Española and Albuquerque. These hospital-based roles use lived experience to build trust with patients who are navigating mental health or substance use concerns. Peers work alongside hospital teams to help people stay connected to recovery after discharge. The work also includes recovery coaching and connection to community resources. Applicants who are not yet certified must register for and complete an OPRE-approved peer certification class within six months of being hired. View the current openings and apply at https://pulse.ly/7m6sqgj5ul

Multicultural Issues in Northern New Mexico takes place on August 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers six CEUs for full attendance. This free online training from Serna Solutions LLC will examine how colonization continues to affect issues clients face today. Participants will explore historical trauma and consider how attachment theory can inform their work across cultures. Register at https://pulse.ly/otjiy7rcdl or email [email protected] with questions.

For people interested in becoming Community Support Workers, the CCSS pathway offers another way to help New Mexicans build skills and remain connected to support in their own communities. It may also be useful for CPSWs who want to add CCSS training to their peer background. The University of New Mexico’s August session meets the 20-hour training requirement for providing Comprehensive Community Support Services. Participants complete 14 live hours online, followed by six hours of self-directed study with a supervisor’s signature. The training is free and intended for new Community Support Workers or their supervisors who work for an approved CCSS agency. Capacity is limited, so register early at https://pulse.ly/b130rl70hm

Happening this Wednesday and on August 26th from 12-1:00 PM! The Peer Collaborative Learning ECHO Program is a space for shared learning, guidance, and answering questions. Participants will be able to collaborate and exchange to strengthen collective capacity for effective behavioral health planning in the peer support realm. One CEU will be issued per session, recognizing learning achievements and supporting professional advancement. Learn more and register now at https://pulse.ly/hfimvhkx5e

Angels with Broken Wings NM Inc provides transitional housing and comprehensive care through a holistic approach that nurtures each participant's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Their program is led by Certified Peer Support Specialists who serve as mentors, encouragers, and advocates. Their lived experiences create a foundation of empathy and hope, helping participants break free from the cycles of addiction. Learn more about this incredible resource at https://pulse.ly/z9g76yptdc.

Intentional Path Counseling offers many CEU courses on relevant topics to strengthen your peer work. Explore their courses and learn more about this month's offerings at https://www.intentionalpathcounseling.com/ceus-and-workshops.

🌱 Supervisors spend most of their week thinking about everyone else's cases. Time to sit with your own questions, alongside people doing the same work, is hard to come by. That is what these two days in August are for.

📅 August 14: Cultivating Ethical Supervision Practices (9:30am to 4:30pm)
6 Ethics of Supervision CEUs | Breakfast and lunch provided
$125 - $175 + GRT

📅 August 15: Building Strong Foundations: Core Principles for Supervisors (9:30am to 12:30pm)
3 Principles of Supervision CEUs | Breakfast provided
$105 - $145 + GRT

Attend both days for a full 9 CEU supervision intensive, or come for either day on its own. In person in Albuquerque, small group.

Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/intentionalpathcounseling