Adolescent Psychiatric Technician 2 Fulltime-CARE (DOH/NMBHI #13593)

About the role

This position is a Pay Band C3. The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute provides care to New Mexicans across six divisions: hospital-level inpatient psychiatric care for civil and forensic commitments, residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient care for people with behavioral health disorders, detox and residential substance use treatment, and skilled/long-term care. As the state’s largest behavioral health complex, it serves over 250 inpatients daily and 400 outpatient clients monthly with a workforce of more than 600 employees.

Why does the job exist?

The psychiatric technician provides care and assistance to all patients in a hospital setting. Present on every unit and at all times, this role helps patients with basic needs, supports the nursing and treatment staff by relaying patient updates, and communicates observed symptoms and functioning to the treatment team.

How does it get done?

• Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living, including cueing to eat, shower, and attend activities.
• Assist in crisis situations and help de-escalate symptomatic and agitated patients.
• Monitor all patients and ensure safety, completing checks at identified intervals up to one-to-one observation.
• Provide feedback to nursing staff and the treatment team regarding observed symptoms.
• Maintain a clean and comfortable environment for all patients.

Who are the customers?

This position provides assistance to all adolescent patients admitted to the hospital division of NMBHI. Referrals originate from counties across the state, serving patients whose symptoms cannot be stabilized at a lower level of care.

Ideal Candidate

• Experience working with people who have behavioral health diagnoses.
• Experience assisting people with activities of daily living.
• Experience working in healthcare.
• Experience working in treatment teams.

Minimum Qualification

• High School Diploma and one year of experience related to the essential duties of the classification.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience totaling one year may substitute for the required experience.

Employment Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license.
• Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.
• Safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and random alcohol and/or drug testing under federal and state law.
• Employment is conditional on passing a nationwide criminal background check.
• Must successfully complete a post-offer pre-employment criminal records background check.
• Must complete HIPAA training.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a psychiatric hospital setting with patients who have mental illness and may exhibit unpredictable behavior. The position involves regular use of visual display terminals, personal computers, and phones in an office environment.