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Drop In Center Community Support Worker (CSW)

Position Title: Drop-In Center Community Support Worker (CSW)

Reports To: Clinical Supervisor

 

Position Summary

A Community Support Worker (CSW) at a Drop-In Center plays a vital role in providing direct, recovery-oriented support to individuals accessing behavioral health and social services. The CSW helps clients build stability, develop life skills, and connect to community resources in a safe, welcoming environment. This role focuses on the five CCSS domains—living, learning, working, social, and recreation—providing skill-building, resource linkage, and crisis support to help clients access services and navigate behavioral health systems in a structured, supportive environment.
The primary work location and designated reporting site for training will be assigned by the direct supervisor. All location details, scheduling information, and reporting instructions upon hire or as operational needs change.

 

Responsibilities

  •  Deliver skill-building and resource linkage across the five CCSS domains.

  •  Assist clients in navigating behavioral health, housing, and community services.

  •  Help clients complete applications for benefits, identification, and needed supports.

  •  Offer crisis prevention, intervention, and de-escalation as needed.

  •  Collaborate with CPSWs, therapists, and other staff to ensure coordinated care.

  •  Document all services and client interactions in ICANotes or designated EHR.

  •  Participate in supervision, team meetings, and case staffings.

  •  Monitor client engagement, attendance, and goal progress.

  •  Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.

  •  Support community integration and peer engagement activities.

  •  Ensure the Drop-In Center remains a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment.

  •  Assist with resource organization, sign-in sheets, and daily operational needs.

  •  Follow agency safety procedures and behavioral expectations.

  •  Attend ongoing CCSS training and supervision to meet compliance standards.

  •  Will respond to all internal communications (email, Teams, phone, or messages) within 24 business hours,

 unless scheduled out of the office or on approved leave.

 

Qualifications

  • Minimum High School Diploma or GED; Minimum of 1 year of experience in behavioral health.

  • Knowledge of CCSS requirements and the five functional domains defined by New Mexico Medicaid.

  • Strong communication, time management, and advocacy skills

  • Ability to work independently, engage with clients in a drop-in center setting, and de-escalate crises as needed.

  • Commitment to confidentiality, ethics, and professional boundaries.

  • Must have certification from UNM Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) Training.

 

Scope of Practice

CCSS workers provide non-clinical, recovery-focused support to increase independent functioning across life domains (living, learning, working, social). They build skills, help set measurable goals, coordinate resources, document progress, and collaborate with the clinical team so services match the approved plan and Medicaid standards.

Does not: diagnose, clinically assess, or provide psychotherapy; create or modify clinical treatment plans; bill outside approved CCSS codes; represent services as clinical; provide CPSW-specific peer mentoring unless certified and scheduled in that role.

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