New Mexico Highlands University - Center for Excellence in Social Work

07/22/2026

Yesterday, our team had the privilege of presenting findings from the 2026 Social Workers of New Mexico Survey Report to the New Mexico Legislative Health and Human Services Interim Committee.

This presentation represents so much more than a research report. It reflects the voices, experiences, and expertise of hundreds of social workers from every corner of our state who generously shared their perspectives to help strengthen New Mexico's behavioral health workforce. It also reflects the collaboration of our advisory committee, community partners, faculty, students, and stakeholders who contributed their time, wisdom, and support throughout this project.

If you have a few moments, we warmly invite you to view the presentation. It begins at approximately the 1:45 mark and provides an overview of the statewide workforce findings and recommendations that will help inform workforce planning, behavioral health policy, education, and practice across New Mexico.

Legislative Presentation: https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00293/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV3/20260722/-1/80938

Read the full report here:https://fvssw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Final-CESW-2026-SW-of-NM-Report-7.10.2026-2.0-verified-1.pdf

To everyone who participated in the survey, reviewed drafts, shared ideas, or supported this work in any way, thank you! Your contributions made this research possible, and your voices continue to shape the future of social work and behavioral health in New Mexico.

Together, we are building a stronger, more supported, and more equitable behavioral health workforce for the communities we serve.

06/10/2026

Check out this amazing stipend fellowship program!

Join us today at 1 PM for a virtual information session about the 2026-2027 El Puente Fellowship Program!

June 10th Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WVNT2NquSiGFaFd40FroWw

June 23rd Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wvV7kr2nRlSLY4mC2p2Y-A

06/02/2026

📣 New Mexico Social Workers: We Need Your Voices and Wisdom!

Over the past week, many of you have already taken the time to participate in the 2026 Social Workers of New Mexico Survey. On behalf of our research team, we want to sincerely thank you. Your willingness to share your experiences, perspectives, and hopes for the future of our profession means a great deal.

To ensure the quality and integrity of the data collected, we have relaunched the survey using individualized survey links and extended the deadline to June 15, 2026. To relieve your link, complete this brief survey form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FNLN7B

If you previously completed the survey, we are kindly asking that you complete the updated version as well. We know this is an additional request of your time, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership and patience.

The purpose of this survey is simple: To better understand the realities facing social workers across New Mexico. Your responses will help inform workforce development, professional supports, supervision, education and training, recruitment and retention efforts, and policy discussions affecting our profession and the communities we serve.

Social workers are often asked to advocate for others. This survey is an opportunity to advocate for our profession by ensuring that decisions about our workforce are informed by the voices and experiences of social workers themselves.

Please also help us spread the word by sharing this post with your colleagues and networks. Thank you for all that you do for New Mexico's individuals, families, communities, and systems every day.

05/30/2026

[Repost Future Focused Education] Applications are open for juniors and seniors interested in mental health and wellness for a "Behavioral Health Summer Bridge" July 13-16, 2026. Learn more during information sessions June 5 at 4 PM and June 17 at 5 PM. Apply at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyEwXhMhKABQEPiyr_Y4bLeCV0HOJpyVTszTtULtiu9vHFSA/viewform

This summer, we're hosting a "Behavioral Health Summer Bridge" for juniors and seniors interested in mental health and wellness. Students will learn more about careers and college opportunities in behavioral health through hands-on workshops and receive a $300 stipend for completing.
Apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyEwXhMhKABQEPiyr_Y4bLeCV0HOJpyVTszTtULtiu9vHFSA/viewform

05/28/2026

Title: [Workshop] What’s the Point? Finding Meaning in an Existential Horror Show
Presenter: Sheila Ciminera, LCSW
Offered by: The Center for Excellence in Social Work’s Center Plaza
Available: 6/20/26 (Saturday) & Time: 9 am–4:30 pm (Mountain Time) with a one-hour lunch on your own
Delivery & Modality: Online | Instructor-led, Synchronous
Details: CEUs 6 Cultural | Level: Emerging–Intermediate | Cost: $90
Enrollment: https://nmsuondemand.nmsu.edu/browse/nmhu/center-for-excellence-in-social-work/courses/workshop-whats-the-point-finding-meaning-in-an-existential-horror-show

Description: Meaning is a fundamental part of helping; we need our values and sense of purpose to remain compassionate and engaged with this work. Our clients often look to us to help them find glimmers of light in times of darkness. However, after living through a pandemic and intense societal crisis (aka the horror show), so many helpers feel disconnected and hopeless. Our work may feel futile in the face of ongoing collective trauma and suffering. So how do we reunite with our calling? How do we persist (and resist)? Together, we will explore psychosocial trauma and collective fear. Participants will learn concepts that facilitate meaning making from existential and Jungian therapies, the anti-oppression framework, and Buddhist psychology. Participants will also create their own meaning making plans to reconnect with both personal and professional meaning.

05/27/2026

Today is the launch the Center for Excellence in Social Work's second biennial Social Workers of New Mexico Survey. Please share widely with colleagues, agencies, educators, students, supervisors, and community partners. To participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SocialWorkersOfNMSurvey2026

This survey builds on the impact of the 2024 findings, which helped elevate critical conversations across New Mexico regarding workforce shortages, professional wellbeing, supervision and licensure access, recruitment and retention challenges, culturally grounded practice, and the long-term sustainability of the behavioral health workforce.

✔ IRB-approved statewide study
✔ Approximately 20 minutes to complete
✔ Open to current and former social workers across any role, setting, or level of licensure in New Mexico
✔ $50 gift cards available to 100 randomly selected participants who complete the survey
✔ Closes on June 12, 2026

Your lived and professional expertise can help inform statewide workforce planning, supervision supports, professional development efforts, and policy recommendations that strengthen communities across New Mexico.

05/01/2026

[Repost] Council on Social Work Education's Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) is accepting MSW applications through May 11, 2026. Explore the FAQ, application guide, info video, and apply at https://ow.ly/qvA950YIjYG

REMINDER: CSWE's Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) is accepting MSW applications through May 11, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)!

Since 1974, MFP has supported emerging social workers committed to serving individuals with or at risk for mental health and substance use disorders.

If you’re a final-year MSW student at a CSWE-accredited program—or know someone who is—this is an incredible opportunity to grow your skills, leadership, and impact.

Explore the FAQ, application guide, and info video, and apply before the deadline! https://ow.ly/qvA950YIjYG

04/22/2026

[Repost] Applications are open for the 2026–2027 Fellowship Program with El Puente de Encuentros. The application deadline is July 1, 2026.

Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScosvnVupirUfwZQV-UU_b3rUjLfAIR0PRFcWwB7YQoUCM8jw/viewform

Are you passionate about making an impact in the behavioral health field? This Fellowship Program is designed to support, mentor, and cultivate leadership in diverse undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in mental health and related fields.

✨ 2026–2027 Fellowship Program ✨

Are you passionate about making an impact in the behavioral health field? Our Fellowship Program is designed to support, mentor, and cultivate leadership in diverse undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in mental health and related fields.

🎓 What’s in it for you?
✔️ Hybrid format (flexible & accessible!)
✔️ Personalized mentorship
✔️ Professional development trainings
✔️ A strong, supportive community
✔️ 💰 Stipend: $500 (Undergraduate) | $1,000 (Graduate)

📅 Important Dates
• Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
• Interviews: August 1, 2026
• Fellows Announced: August 11, 2026

📲 Ready to apply?
Scan the QR code and take the next step in your leadership journey!

UndergraduateStudents

04/22/2026

[Repost] The Office of Family Representation and Advocacy is hiring for a Behavioral Health Therapist (OFRA #10117101) role in Albuquerque.

• Do you have a deep passion for working with underserved or marginalized populations?
• Do you have experience with the child and family welfare system?
• Do you have an empathetic and compassionate approach and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others?

Read the job description and apply at OFRA FPSN JobID : https://careers.share.nm.gov/psc/hprdcg/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&SiteId=1&FOCUS=Applicant&JobOpeningId=162928&PostingSeq=1

04/22/2026

[Repost] New Mexico Indian Affairs Department is hiring a College Undergraduate Intern and a High School Intern who will gain hands-on experience in policy analysis and exposure to government operations. Deadline to apply: May 4, 2026. Link: https://careers.share.nm.gov/

The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department is hiring a College Undergraduate Intern and a High School Intern who will gain hands-on experience in policy analysis and exposure to government operations.

Join the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department and help drive impactful programs that empower Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes.

Deadline to apply: May 4, 2026

Apply at the link https://careers.share.nm.gov/