Lead Certified Peer Support Worker at Chicanos Por La Causa – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Everyone deserves to live a life with dignity.

That's our belief. If that's yours too, join the Gateway Shelter team as our new Lead Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW)!

LOCATION: 7440 Jim McDowell Rd

SCHEDULE: Full-time, Monday-Fridays

SALARY: $65,000 EXEMPT

ABOUT GATEWAY
Gateway West is the City’s largest shelter and serves an average of 600 people per night, with cold winter nights bringing in more than 700 people. The shelter offers a safe and welcoming environment to men and women experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. The center is open year-round, offering meals, a warm bed, and secure under-bed storage. Shuttle service is provided daily. Gateway Center provides low, barrier, trauma-informed overnight beds for transition to housing. The shelter provides easy access to services needed for case management, job searching, and other supportive services. Success is an exit to safe, stable housing, and a plan for ongoing support.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT LEAD CPSW?

• Proficiency in peer support practices, case management, and housing program operations
• Skilled in supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma, mental health issues, or homelessness
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills
• Expertise in maintaining program compliance and delivering services within Rapid Rehousing and Transitional Housing guidelines
• Ability to navigate local housing markets, rental programs, and landlord relations
• Familiarity with shelter-based operations, crisis response, and safety protocols
• Skilled in data tracking, reporting, and quality assurance activities

HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?
As the Lead Certified Peer Support Worker, you provide leadership and support at Gateway West Shelter. You ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality, client-centered housing support services, including Rapid Rehousing and Transitional Housing programs. Your weekly routine includes coordinating day-to-day operations, assisting with complex cases, fostering team development, and overseeing some administrative functions such as reporting, compliance tracking, and communication with leadership. Most importantly, you promote trauma-informed practices, upholds shelter standards, and supports clients' transition to permanent housing through direct service and team leadership.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead daily team huddles, ensuring effective communication of priorities and updates.
• Provide mentorship and support to Housing Support Specialists, modeling best practices in client engagement and documentation.
• Support complex client cases, assisting staff with interventions and creative housing solutions.
• Monitor team caseloads, ensuring appropriate distribution and timely service delivery.
• Conduct intake assessments and assist clients in developing individualized housing plans, when needed.
• Track program compliance, assisting staff in adhering to eligibility and documentation requirements.
• Maintain and update team tracking tools, performance dashboards, and reporting logs.
• Assist Program Supervisor with onboarding, training, and coaching new staff members.
• Act as a liaison between program staff and leadership for operational needs or urgent matters.
• Foster relationships with housing partners, landlords, and community resources alongside team members.
• Participate in case conferencing, multidisciplinary meetings, and community coalition activities.
• Support staff in addressing client emergencies, stabilizing crises, and arranging referrals as necessary.
• Ensure the shelter environment remains safe, trauma-informed, and client-centered.
• Perform direct service work when needed to cover shifts or urgent client needs.
• Prepare summaries, data reports, and success stories for leadership and funding partners.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client and team activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the shelter and CPLC.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Certified Peer Support Worker required
• A Bachelor’s degree, preferred or
  • A combination of a minimum of six years of work experience and education will be considered
• Minimum two years of experience in housing, case management, or social service delivery
• Previous experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or in a supportive housing setting is highly desirable
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as needed

Other Requirements

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles and a commitment to applying them in practice
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural competency
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
• Proficiency in basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office and client management software

BENEFITS
We recognize that our success is driven by great talent, and that's why we provide a comprehensive and competitive suite of benefits:

• Generous Paid Holiday
• Employee Recognition Program
• Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Days
• Free Preventative Services & Wellness Rewards
• Medical, Dental, and Vision for Spouse/Domestic Partner & Children to age 26
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Life + Disability options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Telemedicine & Concierge Services
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Pet Care, Life Mart Purchase Discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying degrees
• Mileage Reimbursement for qualifying roles
• Identity Theft Protection& Voluntary Benefits

We go all in for our community - do you? Then apply today!!

Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CPLC knows it takes variety of thought, culture, background, and perspective to create a truly impactful workforce. As CPLC grows, we are seeking talented employees with varying backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our innovation and creativity. CPLC commits to a continued focus on fair and just hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies. We work for real change and progress in equal opportunity recruitment, hiring, and advancement. Learn more by visiting https://www.eeoc.gov/poster

California Residents: Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc and its subsidiaries will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.