Adult Psychiatric Division/Forensic Psychiatric Technician

$18.15 - $27.23 Hourly

$37,752 - $56,628 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C3

Posting Details

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.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.


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?

The psychiatric technician provides care and assistance to all patients in a hospital setting. This position is present on all units and all times to assist the patients in all basic needs. This supports the nursing and treatment staff by assisting the patients throughout the day, as well as communicating back to the treatment team updates regarding the symptoms and functioning of the patients.


How does it get done?

Assist the patients with Activities of Daily Living, including cuing people to eat, shower, and attend activities.
Assist in crisis situations and help de-escalate patients who may be symptomatic and agitated.
Monitor all patients and ensure safety - including completing checks on all patients at identified intervals up to and including one-to-one.
Provide feedback to the nursing staff and treatment team regarding symptoms observed.
Ensure the environment is clean and comfortable for all patients.


Who are the customers?

This position provides assistance to all patients who are admitted to the hospital division of NMBHI. Referrals come from all counties across the state and this position provides assistance to patients who are not able to have symptoms stabilized in a lower level of care.


Ideal Candidate

Experience working with people who have behavioral health diagnoses.
Experience in assisting people with activities of daily living.
Experience working in healthcare.
Experience working in treatment teams.


Minimum Qualification

High School Diploma and one (1) year of experience as it pertains to the essential duties of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience.


Employment Requirements

Must possess a valid 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

This position will work in an office setting with exposure to Visual Video Display Terminal, personal computer, and phone usage. The work is in a psychiatric hospital setting with patients who struggle with mental illness and could present with unpredictable behavior.


Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Esequiel Mascarenas View phone number on click.appcast.io Email


Agency Contact Information: Kaylene Maldonado View phone number on click.appcast.io 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.