Adult Psychiatric Division/Forensic Psychiatric Division 1 FullTime Multi(DOH/NMBHI #13421+)

About the role

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute provides care across six divisions, including hospital‑level inpatient psychiatric care for civil and forensic commitments, residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient care for 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 New Mexicans daily in inpatient/residential settings and 400 outpatient clients monthly, supported by more than 600 employees. The psychiatric technician provides care and assistance to all patients in a hospital setting, present on all units and at all times to help with basic needs, supporting nursing and treatment staff by assisting patients throughout the day and communicating symptom updates to the treatment team. This role serves patients admitted to the hospital division of NMBHI, with referrals from all counties statewide, for individuals whose symptoms cannot be stabilized in a lower level of care. Working conditions involve an office setting with exposure to visual video display terminals, personal computers, and phone use, within a psychiatric hospital environment where patients may exhibit unpredictable behavior due to mental illness.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver’s License.
• Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.
• Position is designated as safety‑sensitive; employment is subject to pre‑employment and random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with federal and state law.
• Employment is contingent upon a nationwide criminal background check; conditional pending results.
• Must successfully complete post‑offer pre‑employment criminal records background check.
• Must complete Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Skills

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

Pay

$17.00 – $25.49 per hour ($35,350 – $53,024 annually).