Forensic Admission Nurse Coordinator; DOH​/NMBHI

Posting Details

This posting may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

$35.37 - $53.05 hourly
$73,568 - $110,352 annually
Pay Band C10

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute provides care to New Mexicans across six divisions, including inpatient psychiatric care for civil and forensic commitments, residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient care for behavioral health disorders, detox and residential substance use treatment, and skilled/long‑term care. Inpatient and residential care is provided to over 250 New Mexicans each day and 400 outpatient clients per month.

The Institute employs over 600 staff to deliver high‑quality treatment and care.

The Nurse Coordinator will be assigned to the Admissions Department of the expanding Forensic Division. The role assists in clinical review and analysis of admission and medical documentation within time‑sensitive statutory obligations, discusses clinical issues with health care providers for continuity of care, and coordinates screening, acceptance, diversion, and pre‑admission assessment of all referrals to the Forensic Division. The Coordinator also assists the Division Director with data collection, clinical reviews, forensic‑clinical audits, statistical analysis, and quality assurance and performance improvement.

• Clinical review and analysis of required documentation for admission.
• Quality assurance and admissions coordination of psychiatric and medically complicated referrals within statutory time frames.
• Data collection, audits, statistical analysis of institutional restoration rates, and performance improvement under the Division Director or designee, in accordance with state statutes and regulations.
• Ensure confidentiality and protect sensitive patient and organizational information while maintaining professionalism and customer service.

Patients are referred to NMBHI from the judicial system for restoration treatment when they are not found competent to proceed to trial. These patients may remain beyond the initial competency restoration treatment, up to the length of a conviction if charged.

• Experience in clinical, correctional, or forensic nursing.
• Experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
• Experience as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Experience navigating and working with representatives within the state judicial system network.

Must possess a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in New Mexico, or eligibility for such licensure, or eligibility for a temporary license for employment at a specific institution. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain a defensive driving certificate.
• Safety‑sensitive position: subject to pre‑employment and random testing, alcohol and drug testing, nationwide background checks, and conditional upon results.
• Criminal records background check: must successfully complete a post‑offering pre‑employment criminal records background check; employment is conditional upon results; HIPAA compliance achieved.

This position is performed in an office setting with visual video display terminals, personal computer, and phone usage. It is in a psychiatric hospital setting with patients who may present unpredictable behavior.

For information on statutory requirements for this position, see the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Paul Bagwell, Psy.

D.
(505) 454‑2682
Email: [contact email]

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms and conditions of that agreement apply.