Adult Psychiatric Division/Forensic Psychiatric Technician 3 Fulltime Multi(DOH/NMBHI 13559+)

About the role

This position is a Pay Band C4. The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute provides care to New Mexicans across six divisions including 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 largest behavioral health complex in the state, inpatient/residential care is provided to over 250 New Mexicans every day, along with 400 outpatient clients a month. There are over 600 employees across all divisions of NMBHI to ensure high-quality treatment and care is delivered.

Why does the job exist?

The psychiatric technician provides care and assistance to all patients in a hospital setting. This position is present on all units and at all times to assist patients with their basic needs. This supports the nursing and treatment staff by assisting patients throughout the day and communicating updates regarding symptoms and functioning to the treatment team.

How does it get done?

• Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living, including cuing 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.

Who are the customers?

This position provides assistance to all patients admitted to the hospital division of NMBHI. Referrals come from all counties across the state, and this position provides assistance to patients who are not able to have symptoms stabilized in 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 two (2) years of experience as it pertains 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 in this occupation totaling two (2) years 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.
• This position is designated as safety 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 is subject to nationwide criminal background checks and is conditional pending results.
• Must successfully complete post-offer pre-employment criminal records background check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Working Conditions

This position will work in an office setting with exposure to visual video display terminals, personal computers, and phone usage. The work is in a psychiatric hospital setting with patients who struggle with mental illness and could present with unpredictable behavior.