Chief of Medicine (DOH/NMBHI #12982)
Salary: $136.46 - $231.99 hourly / $283,845 - $482,536 annually. This position is classified as Pay Band C20.
About the role
The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI) provides care to New Mexicans across six divisions, including inpatient psychiatric care for civil and forensic commitments, residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient care, detox and residential substance use treatment, and skilled/long-term care. As the state’s largest behavioral health complex, NMBHI serves over 250 inpatients and residents daily, along with 400 outpatient clients monthly.
The Chief of Medicine oversees primary medical care for all patients and residents, supervising medical staff to ensure high-quality treatment. This role works directly with patients—many of whom have complex psychiatric and medical histories—and supervises physicians and nurse practitioners. The Chief of Medicine ensures appropriate medical assessments, approves specialist consultations, and maintains compliance with state laws and Joint Commission standards.
Responsibilities
- Supervise a team of nurse practitioners and physicians.
- Provide direct patient and resident care as needed.
- Participate in NMBHI leadership meetings.
- Oversee policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state laws and Joint Commission standards.
- Assist in scheduling providers for unit coverage and on-call rotations.
- Provide supervision to the NMBHI laboratory.
Requirements
- License to practice medicine in New Mexico.
- Board certification in Psychiatry, OB/GYN, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, General Surgery, or Emergency Medicine.
- Active New Mexico controlled substance license and DEA registration.
- Six years of experience relevant to the role’s essential duties.
- Valid New Mexico driver’s license and ability to obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.
- Successful completion of pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing (safety-sensitive position).
- Nationwide criminal background check (employment is conditional pending results).
- Completion of HIPAA training.
Qualifications
- Experience working in a complex hospital system.
- Experience with behavioral health disorders.
- Strong leadership and adaptability.
- Specialty in family practice or internal medicine preferred (all specialties encouraged to apply).
- Experience on an executive leadership team, collaborating with hospital administration/CEOs.
Working Conditions
This position works in an office setting with frequent use of computers and phones. The role operates within a psychiatric hospital environment, where patients may exhibit unpredictable behavior due to mental illness.
This is a bargaining unit position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.