Forensic Senior Social Worker 8-5 (DOH/NMBHI #10100680)

This position is a Pay Band C6 within the Forensic Division of the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI) at Las Vegas. The division provides competency restoration services to individuals referred by District Courts across the state who are charged with at least one felony-level offense.

About the role

This position exists to support individuals with mental health disorders who are involved with the legal or criminal justice system, addressing complex challenges through specialized care.

Responsibilities

• Attend admissions and complete psychosocial assessments
• Participate in the development of initial and master treatment plans
• Provide ongoing interventions and coordinate with courts, attorneys, and families
• Deliver individual and group psychotherapy focused on competency within the legal system
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
• Engage in crisis intervention and de-escalation support as needed
• Coordinate discharge to detention centers and/or community resources
• Identify and connect patients with community resources
• Maintain clinical documentation in compliance with hospital and regulatory standards

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Human Services or Social Services Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health, substance abuse counseling, and/or behavioral disorder counseling
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience
• Must possess and maintain a valid NM Driver's License
• Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate
• Must successfully complete post-offer pre-employment criminal records background check
• Employment is subject to nationwide criminal background checks and is conditional pending results
• Must complete Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) training

Qualifications

• Experience working within the mental health field
• Experience providing direct care services in an inpatient hospital setting with an interdisciplinary treatment team
• Experience working with legal representatives (e.g., attorneys, judges)
• Experience conducting groups
• Degree in Social Work (in accordance with NMAC 61-31-9)
• Licensed in accordance with the Social Work Practice Act, Sections 61-31-1 through 61-31-25 NMSA 1978, and 16.63.1 through 16-63-20 NMAC (LBSW, LMSW, LISW, LMHC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or LPAT). Provisional licensure also considered.

Working Conditions

• Work in an acute care hospital and office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and 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
• Some travel with occasional overnight stays may be required

Pay

$24.88 - $37.32 hourly ($51,755 - $77,633 annually).

Additional Information

• This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing
• This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement