Advanced Psychiatric Social Worker (DOH/NMBHI #13114)

About the role

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI) is the state’s only publicly operated psychiatric hospital, providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals with complex behavioral health needs. The Adult Psychiatric Division delivers evidence-based therapeutic services, comprehensive discharge planning, and supportive case management. This position provides advanced clinical oversight and discharge coordination for patients transitioning from inpatient psychiatric treatment to appropriate placements, ensuring continuity of care through complex psychosocial assessments, individualized discharge plans, and collaboration with treatment teams and external providers.

Responsibilities

• 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 patients, 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 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.

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.

Requirements

• Licensed as a LBSW, LMSW, LISW, LCSW, LMHC, LPCC, LMFT, or LPAT.
• Associate’s degree in Human Services, Social Services, or Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health, substance abuse counseling, or behavioral disorder counseling.
• Or any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience totaling four (4) years.

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 in accordance with federal and state law.
• Employment is conditional pending the results of a nationwide criminal background check.
• Must successfully complete the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.

Working Conditions

• Work in an acute care hospital and office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminals (VDTs), extensive personal computer and phone usage.
• Lifting up to fifty (50) pounds may be required.
• Exposure to potentially violent patients in volatile situations requiring crisis interventions may be required.
• Some travel with occasional overnight stays may be required.