Senior Forensic Social Worker (DOH #10100680)

Posting Details

The Forensic Division is one of five divisions that comprise the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI) at Las Vegas. The primary mission of the Forensic Division is to provide competency restoration services to individuals referred by District Courts across the state. Individuals referred to the facility are charged with at least one felony-level offense.

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?

This position exists to help individuals with mental health disorders who are also involved with the legal or criminal justice system. The combination of psychiatric needs and legal considerations creates complex challenges that require specialized support.
How does it get done?

• Attend admissions and complete psychosocial assessments
• Participation in the development of initial and master treatment plans
• Participation in ongoing interventions.
• Coordinating and communicating with the courts, attorneys, and families.
• Provide individual and group psychotherapy to adults with acute or chronic mental illness. With focus on Competency within the legal system
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
• Engage in crisis intervention and de-escalation support as needed.
• Monitor patient progress

Who are the customers?

Patients admitted into the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute Forensic Division for purposes of competency evaluation, competency restoration through treatment and psychoeducation.
Ideal Candidate

Patients admitted into the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute Forensic Division for purposes of competency evaluation, competency restoration through treatment and psychoeducation.
Minimum Qualification

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 environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

• Must possess a valid Driver's License.
• Must obtain a Driver's Defensive Certificate.
• Licensure in New Mexico as an LBSW, LMSW, LISW, LMHC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or LPAT

1. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITIONS--This position ls designated as safely 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 ls subject to nationwide criminal background checks and is conditional pending results.
2. CRIMINAL RECORDS BACKGROUND CHECK-Must successfully complete post offer pre-employment criminal records background check. Employment is conditional pending the results of criminal records background checks. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Working Conditions

Incumbent will work in an acute care hospital and an 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 may be required. Some travel with the occasional overnight stay may be required.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Adelita Vigil (505)454-2344 or Kaylene Maldonado (505)454-2371 Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.