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Senior Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counselor  (DOH/NMVH #47347)

Salary

 

$24.16 - $36.24 Hourly

$50,248 - $75,372 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C6

Posting Details

 
THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.  APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.  THIS POSTING MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS.

POSITION IS LOCATED IN TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM

Why does the job exist?

 
Provision of a broad range of social services work to and on behalf of NMSVH residents, including but not limited to assessment, planning and service delivery to maintain and enhance psychosocial functioning within a long term care environment. Coordinate services including discharge planning with the interdisciplinary team.

How does it get done?

 
Coordinate, Develop and Provide Professional Customer Service and Clerical Duties
      Answer incoming calls in a professional, courteous manner and take messages as necessary.
      Greet, assist and answer questions from customers, staff, residents and the public in a professional, courteous manner.
      Photocopying, as necessary
      Gather information by researching files and/or making calls.
      Maintain orderliness of area, including filing all documents in appropriate files or folders on a daily basis.  

Interview residents and family member(s)/interested others/collateral contacts to gather information concerning the following:
      Cognitive functioning
      Psychosocial functioning                                                                                          
      Adjustment to aging and disease processes
      Spiritual preferences.
      Adaptation to social/physical environment  
      Support systems and resources.
      End of life choices and discharge wishes.

Identify psychosocial needs of residents based on information gathered from a variety of sources and identify potential resources/service providers to meet needs.
     Maintain and document continuing interaction with resident no less than quarterly.
     Communicate findings as appropriate to members of the interdisciplinary team and other coworkers and coordinate services    as needed with service providers including but not limited to medical professionals and community resources, and facility staff.
      Review to assure that needed services are timely provided.
      Advocate on behalf of residents individually and collectively to assure that psychosocial needs are identified and addressed.
      Attend and participate in care plan meetings for assigned residents and other meetings as required to advocate for residents individually and collectively.

Document findings as required by departmental procedures and in applicable formats;
   initial psychosocial/admissions interview,
   annual reassessment,
   quarterly updates and progress notes,
  MDS and PCC entries to meet procedural and regulatory requirements.
  Other duties as assigned

Who are the customers?

 
The primary customer are the brave men and women that answered our nations call, executed their duties and now are unable to live in their respective communities due to failing health.  This job will also support the widows of the service men and women to include parents that have lost children in combat (Gold Star Parents)

Ideal Candidate

 
Empathy & Active Listening: Connects genuinely with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Communication: Clear and compassionate in both verbal and written communication.
Case Management: Able to support clients with resources, referrals, and follow-up.
Crisis Intervention: Trained in de-escalation and basic counseling techniques.
Cultural Competency: Sensitive to issues of race, gender, class, ability, and trauma.
Team Collaboration: Works well under licensed professionals and in interdisciplinary teams.
Organizational Skills: Manages documentation, case files, and service plans efficiently.

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

 
This position is designated safety 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 is subject to criminal background check pursuant to New Mexico Caregivers Criminal Screening Act, (Sections 29-17-2 through 29-17-5 NMSA 1978 and 7.1.9.1 through 7.1.9.11 NMAC) and is conditional pending results.

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license.  

Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.

Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.

Must sign and observe confidentiality agreement.

Must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend the English language.

Occasional travel for training & meetings and driving a State of NM owned motor vehicle may be required; Working hours may include weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback hours. Essential functions of the job and specific physical ability requirements will be available at the time of interview or may be obtained at the New Mexico Veterans' Home Human Resources office.

Working Conditions

 
Work is performed in an office setting within a long-term facility with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Walking throughout the facility and frequent communication and interaction with residents, staff, and the public.  Periods of walking, standing, bending pushing, pulling, lifting, and stretching for a variety of activities may be required.  Must be able to function under pressure and stressful situations Health hazards such as exposure to contagious viruses and diseases.  May also include routine exposure to public, fellow employees, and facility resident illness, stressful situation, and bodily fluids, as well as exposure to physical and/or verbal abuse. Occasional travel for training & meetings and driving a State of NM owned motor vehicle may be required; some lifting; extended hours to meet deadlines will be required. Working hours may include on-call, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback hours.  Essential functions of the job and physical ability requirements will be available at the time of interview or may be obtained at the New Mexico Veterans' Home Human Resources Office

Supplemental Information

 

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Agency Contact Information: Berna Garcia, (575) 894-4234, Email

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

Bargaining Unit Position

 
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Date Posted
12/08/2025
Job Reference
159108
Organization
Department of Health, State of New Mexico
Location
Truth or Consequences, NM 87901
Category
Mental Health/Social Services
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