Location: Kiva Centers – Soteria House, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Reports to: Executive Leadership
Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Position Summary
The Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) supports the Soteria House through a non-coercive, relationship-based approach grounded in the principles of the Soteria model. This role is not a traditional clinical position, but rather integrates clinical knowledge within a peer-led, trauma-informed, and minimally medicalized environment.
The LMHC provides supportive counseling, consultation, and guidance to staff and guests while respecting autonomy, lived experience, and non-clinical approaches to care.
This job does NOT require the candidate to have lived experience with mental health, substance use, and/or history of trauma.
Key Responsibilities
Supportive Counseling & Engagement
- Provide voluntary, person-centered counseling support to guests
- Utilize trauma-informed and non-pathologizing approaches
- Support guests in meaning-making and emotional processing
Integration with Soteria Model
- Uphold non-coercive, relationship-based care
- Avoid clinical hierarchy and maintain peer-aligned approach
- Respect guest autonomy and self-determination
Staff Consultation & Support
- Provide guidance to staff on mental health presentations
- Participate in reflective team meetings
- Support staff in navigating complex emotional situations
Risk & Safety Support
- Assist in assessing and responding to distress
- Support development of non-coercive safety plans
- Help determine when external services may be appropriate
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain appropriate documentation consistent with program requirements
- Support alignment with New Mexico regulations as applicable
Systems Navigation
- Assist guests in accessing external behavioral health resources if desired
- Provide referrals and coordination support
Qualifications
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC or equivalent) in New Mexico
- Experience with trauma-informed care and community-based mental health
- Strong alignment with recovery-oriented and non-coercive approaches
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in peer-led or alternative mental health settings
- Familiarity with Soteria or similar models
Core Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and relational skills
- Cultural humility and commitment to equity
- Ability to work in peer-led environments
Position Impact
Supports guests and staff in maintaining a safe, supportive, and non-coercive environment while integrating clinical knowledge in alignment with Soteria principles.