Advanced Psychiatric Social Worker (DOH/NMBHI #13114)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Las Vegas (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute seeks an Advanced Psychiatric Social Worker to provide clinical oversight, discharge coordination, and psychosocial assessments for patients transitioning from inpatient psychiatric care to appropriate placements.

You will lead interdisciplinary teams, collaborate with families, coordinate with community providers, and prepare discharge summaries and follow-up plans to ensure continuity of care and housing access post-discharge.

Qualifications

• Licensed behavioral health professional with expertise in discharge planning and case management.
• Experience coordinating community resources and housing/linkage services.
• Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage complex cases.
• Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced psychosocial assessments and develop comprehensive discharge plans.
• Lead and coordinate interdisciplinary treatment team meetings for patient transitions.
• Collaborate with patients, families, guardians and external providers for continuity of care.
• Prepare discharge summaries and follow-up plans; document outcomes and progress.
• Provide mentorship to other social workers or discharge planners as needed.

Skills

Discharge planning

Clinical case management

Community resource coordination

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Associate's degree in Human Services

Job description

Job Title Advanced Psychiatric Social Worker (DOH/NMBHI #13114)

For more Job Requirements & Classification Description:

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute provides care to New Mexicans across six different divisions including hospital level inpatient psychiatric care for both civil and forensic commitments, residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient care for people with behavioral health disorders, detox and residential substance use treatment, and skilled/long-term care. As the largest behavioral health complex in the state, inpatient/residential care is provided to over 250 New Mexicans every day, along with 400 outpatient clients a month. There are over 600 employees across all the divisions of NMBHI to ensure high-quality treatment and care is delivered.

Why does the job exist?

This position exists to provide advanced clinical oversight and discharge coordination for patients transitioning from inpatient psychiatric treatment to appropriate placements. The Advanced Psychiatric Social Worker ensures continuity of care by conducting complex psychosocial assessments, developing individualized discharge plans, and collaborating with treatment teams and providers. This role is critical for ensuring patients receive the appropriate support, housing, and treatment services post discharge.

How does it get done?

• 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 patient, 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 a 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.

Who are the customers?

This role serves patients receiving care at NMBHI, along with their families, guardians, and care teams. It also supports hospital staff and community partners by facilitating efficient discharge processes and building bridges to outpatient care, housing and recovery resources.

Ideal Candidate

The Ideal Candidate would have:

• a LICENSED, 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. The ideal candidate is licensed as a LBSW, LMSW, LISW, LCSW, LMHC, LPCC, LMFT, or LPAT.

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 and maintain a valid NM Drivers License.
• Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.
• 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 & 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.

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.