Counselor/Social Worker,Sr

The University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico is hiring a Counselor/Social Worker for the Research Program in Psychedelic Assisted Therapies. The role involves providing therapy for participants involved in innovative studies.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Counseling or Social Work, relevant experience, and familiarity with psychedelic therapy. Responsibilities include conducting therapy sessions and evaluating participants during the studies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Counseling or Social Work with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• New Mexico Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Conduct therapy in accordance with approved research protocols.
• Document study visits and therapy sessions.
• Evaluate study participants for risk and document findings.

Skills

Psychedelic assisted therapy

Trauma counseling

Group therapy

Clinical counseling

Education

Master’s degree in Counseling or Social Work

Job description

Counselor/Social Worker,Sr

The Department of Family and Community Medicine seeks to hire a 0.25 Sr. Counselor/Licensed Therapist. This position will provide professional services and participant care for the UNM Research Program in Psychedelic Assisted Therapies. The individual will be a lead licensed therapist for the Group Assisted Psilocybin Assisted Therapy (GPAT) for PTSD. There is the potential to be involved with additional psychedelic assisted therapy studies.

GPAT is an innovative study of group Psilocybin Assisted Therapy using an affinity group model including veteran/first responders, women survivors of sexual trauma, and other groups. Preferred Qualifications include training and/ or experience in psychedelic assisted therapy research, group therapy, and interest in working with individuals with PTSD and addiction. The model has been created in alignment with a community engagement process. There is the potential for the therapist to participate in a lead role designing the therapeutic model and manual which will be in context of an FDA approved clinical trial protocol.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct therapy in accordance with approved research protocols, working closely with the study MD and other study staff to implement the therapeutic aspects of protocol including preparatory sessions, medication administration sessions, and integration sessions.
• Conduct therapy sessions in-person (individual and group) and virtual in preparation and for integration of the psilocybin sessions with psilocybin mushrooms.
• Conduct full‑day psychedelic therapy medication sessions lasting about 8 hours and often occurring on weekends.
• Document study visits, research questionnaires and therapy sessions in REDCap and study folders.
• Follow‑up phone calls and emails to study participants.
• Complete required checklists/progress notes and other source documents.
• Evaluate study participants for suicidal or homicidal risk and document clinical findings and decisions; identify patients requiring therapeutic support.
• Adhere to required completion deadlines for required University of New Mexico trainings.
• Participate in study group meetings and conference calls.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to post‑offer, pre‑employment physical examination and medical history check when working in a child classroom setting.
• CPR and Basic First Aid Certificate may be a requirement for some positions in this classification.
• Must pass a pre‑employment criminal background check.
• If located at the UNM Children’s Campus, successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post‑offer, pre‑employment criminal and New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fingerprint background check; ongoing verification will occur with periodic future background checks.
• Must be employment eligible as verified by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Services Administration (GSA).
• May be subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status if applicable.
• Must maintain certification status.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University’s influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, or an equivalent field; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: New Mexico Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or equivalent OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent OR licensed out of state and eligible for NM licensure. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed to provide psychotherapy services in New Mexico.
• Trained in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
• Experience working with clients whose therapy addresses trauma or addiction.
• Understanding of UNM policies and procedures.
• Past work with psychedelic assisted therapies.
• Past work with multigenerational care models.
• Past work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Past work and/or passion for health access and equity care models.
• Trauma specialist.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.