What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Forensic Social Worker (DOH/NMBHI #10105540) position at New Mexico Department of Health?
Salary
$24.16 - $36.24 Hourly
$50,248 - $75,372 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C6
Posting Details
The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI) is the state's only public operated psychiatric hospital, providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Our multidisciplinary team offers acute inpatient treatment, rehabilitation services, and coordinated care aimed at ensuring successful transitions back into the community. The Adult Psychiatric Division is dedicated to delivering evidence-based therapeutic services, comprehensive discharge planning, and supportive case management for our patients.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
This position exists to provide advanced clinical oversight and discharge coordination for patients transitioning from inpatient psychiatric treatment to appropriate placements. The Advanced Psychiatric Social Worker ensures continuity of care by conducting complex psychosocial assessments, developing individualized discharge plans, and collaborating with treatment teams and providers. This role is critical for ensuring patients receive the appropriate support, housing, and treatment services post discharge.
How does it get done?
This role serves patients receiving care at NMBHI, along with their families, guardians, and care teams. It also supports hospital staff and community partners by facilitating efficient discharge processes and building bridges to outpatient care, housing and recovery resources.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled behavioral health professional with expertise in clinical case management, discharge planning, and community resource coordination. They possess strong problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of behavioral health treatment. The candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, and able to handle complex cases with independence and professionalism. The ideal candidate is licensed as a LBSW, LMSW, LISW, LCSW, LMHC, LPCC, LMFT, or LPAT.
Minimum Qualification
Associate's Degree in Human Services or Social Services Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health, substance abuse counseling and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess a valid Driver's License
Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate
Work is performed in an inpatient psychiatric hospital setting, requiring coordination with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and community organizations. The role involves both direct patient interaction and administrative tasks, including documentation, planning, and participation in treatment team meetings.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Adelita Vigil (505)454-2344 or Kaylene Maldonado (505)454-2371 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
$24.16 - $36.24 Hourly
$50,248 - $75,372 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C6
Posting Details
The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI) is the state's only public operated psychiatric hospital, providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Our multidisciplinary team offers acute inpatient treatment, rehabilitation services, and coordinated care aimed at ensuring successful transitions back into the community. The Adult Psychiatric Division is dedicated to delivering evidence-based therapeutic services, comprehensive discharge planning, and supportive case management for our patients.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
This position exists to provide advanced clinical oversight and discharge coordination for patients transitioning from inpatient psychiatric treatment to appropriate placements. The Advanced Psychiatric Social Worker ensures continuity of care by conducting complex psychosocial assessments, developing individualized discharge plans, and collaborating with treatment teams and providers. This role is critical for ensuring patients receive the appropriate support, housing, and treatment services post discharge.
How does it get done?
- Perform advanced psychosocial assessments and evaluate patient needs to develop comprehensive discharge plans.
- Lead and coordinate interdisciplinary treatment team meetings focused on safe and effective patient transitions.
- Collaborate with patient, families, and guardians to ensure person-centered planning and resource linkage.
- Serve as a consultant on complex cases involving behavioral health conditions.
- Coordinate with external agencies, outpatient programs, and housing providers to establish a continuity of care.
- Prepare administrative and clinical reports, including discharge summaries and follow up plans.
- Provide mentorship or guidance to other social workers or discharge planners as needed.
This role serves patients receiving care at NMBHI, along with their families, guardians, and care teams. It also supports hospital staff and community partners by facilitating efficient discharge processes and building bridges to outpatient care, housing and recovery resources.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled behavioral health professional with expertise in clinical case management, discharge planning, and community resource coordination. They possess strong problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of behavioral health treatment. The candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, and able to handle complex cases with independence and professionalism. The ideal candidate is licensed as a LBSW, LMSW, LISW, LCSW, LMHC, LPCC, LMFT, or LPAT.
Minimum Qualification
Associate's Degree in Human Services or Social Services Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health, substance abuse counseling and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess a valid Driver's License
Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate
- SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITIONS--This position ls designated as safely sensitive. Employment Is subject to pre-employment and random testing. In accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules, and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Employment ls subject to nationwide criminal background checks and is conditional pending results.
- CRIMINAL RECORDS BACKGROUND CHECK-Must successfully complete post offer pre-employment criminal records background check. Employment is conditional pending the results of criminal records background checks. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Work is performed in an inpatient psychiatric hospital setting, requiring coordination with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and community organizations. The role involves both direct patient interaction and administrative tasks, including documentation, planning, and participation in treatment team meetings.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Adelita Vigil (505)454-2344 or Kaylene Maldonado (505)454-2371 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Salary : $50,248 - $75,372