Forensic Division-Clinical Psychologist (DOH/NMBHI #13092)

This position is a Pay Band C12 with an hourly salary range of $46.33 - $74.12 and an annual salary range of $96,358 - $154,173.

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 largest behavioral health complex in the state, NMBHI serves over 250 inpatients and residential patients daily, along with 400 outpatient clients monthly. This posting is for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time.

The psychologist position is an integral member of the treatment team in the Forensic Division of NMBHI. The role involves completing competency evaluations for the state and providing formal reports to the judicial system to help patients progress through their hospital stay and legal process. Evaluations are individualized and include clinical interviews, formal psychological testing, and record reviews.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive competency assessments.
• Conduct evidence-based psychological testing.
• Participate on the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Actively contribute to treatment planning and provide feedback to behavioral health therapists and social workers.
• Testify in court as needed.

Customers

Patients are referred to NMBHI by the judicial system due to not being found competent to proceed in trial. These patients receive restoration treatment to aid in moving forward with their charges. Referrals may come from any judicial district in the state, and patients may stay for up to the length of time they would have served if convicted of the alleged crime.

Ideal Candidate

• Experience in forensic psychology.
• Experience in completing competency restoration evaluations.
• Experience in psychometric testing and report writing.
• Experience as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Experience testifying in court.

Requirements

• Licensed by the New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners.
• Three (3) years of experience relevant to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field above licensure requirements and/or direct experience totaling three (3) years may substitute for the required experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver’s License.
• Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.
• Must successfully complete a post-offer, pre-employment criminal records background check (employment is conditional pending results).
• Must complete Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.

Working Conditions

This position works in an office setting with exposure to visual video display terminals, personal computers, and phone usage. The role is based in a psychiatric hospital setting with patients who may exhibit unpredictable behavior due to mental illness.

Employment Conditions

• This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing in accordance with federal and state laws.
• Employment is subject to nationwide criminal background checks and is conditional pending results.

Additional Information

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply.