Social Worker TEMP (NMDVS #10116371)

$23.07 - $36.91 Hourly

$47,989 - $76,782 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 65

Posting Details

Interviews to be conducted within two weeks of job posting closure.

Why does the job exist?

This position supports the mission of the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services (NMDVS) and the Healthcare Coordination Division by providing social work services, counseling, assessment/intake for veterans with behavioral health concerns. The position also will assist veterans with access and navigation through the VA health care system, Community-based Outpatient Clinics, and VA-eligible healthcare facilities. Assist veterans, family members, DVS staff, and non-profit, state and federal agencies to identify, access and referral to healthcare and behavioral health resources. Respond to phone calls, emails from veterans, family members, case managers/other social workers seeking assistance, resources and referrals, and general information on healthcare, behavioral health, homelessness, suicide prevention, Military Sexual Trauma/PTSD, and/or psychosocial concerns. The Social Worker will assist in planning, developing, coordinating and implementing the Governor's Challenge on the Prevention of Suicide among Service Member, Veterans and their Families (SMVF) program and the NMDVS Suicide Prevention Initiative. Serves as lead staff person on the Department of Health (DOH) Suicide Prevention grant. Develops and manages the grant (budget, scope of work, reporting) and implements the objectives, to include marketing, public awareness, and outreach. Collaborates with DOH and other suicide prevention service providers throughout the state. The Social Worker provides direct consultation, assessment, case management, case follow-up; coordinates programs, prepares reports, and conducts research on suicide prevention best practices.

How does it get done?

The Social Worker recommends program development to provide needed services and consults on case analysis findings, and makes recommendations. May perform Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnosing; provide family-based assessment, crisis intervention and treatment, and psychosocial assessments, treatment plans, client progress reports; and execute the goals and objectives of the treatment plan.

Healthcare Coordination:
1. Enhance relations with the Raymond G. Murphy Veteran Medical Center, Behavioral Health, HUD Veteran Administration Supportive Housing (VASH), and other VA healthcare programs available to veterans and their families, ensuring all available services are provided.
2. Provide behavioral health assessment and service referrals for veterans and their families who contact the Healthcare Division for services.
3. Develop and enhance suicide prevention initiatives on a state and national level. Coordinate suicide prevention efforts with veteran service organizations. Implement awareness campaigns such as, "Ask the Question," gun locks/safety, use of the 9-8-8 hot line, and other preventive measures to curb the rate of suicide among veterans.
4. Develop and produce quarterly/ annual reports on veteran suicide for the review and information of the Division Director, Cabinet Secretary, Governor's Office and Legislators.

Who are the customers?

New Mexico's veteran population.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is some with excellent customer service, able to multitask, and is well organized. The ideal candidate is someone with strong communication skills (oral and written), has previous outreach experience and prior work experience in suicide prevention is a plus.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Sciences, Social Work or Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health and/or substance abuse counseling. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.

Substitution Table

These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 6 years of experience OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 6 years of experience 2 Associate's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 4 years of experience Associate's degree or higher in any field AND 6 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 2 years of experience 4 Master's degree or higher in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 0 years of experience
• Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.

• If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of "semester hours" in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.

Employment Requirements

This position is designated a 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 and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid 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 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Working Conditions

Work is performed both in an office setting and in the field from an assigned State vehicle, with significant sitting, exposure to confidential and disturbing information, extensive computer usage, occasional overtime, and some lifting up to 20 lbs. Incumbent must possess the ability to complete assignments with competence, a high level of accuracy, and with compassion for those being assisted. Must be able to work independently. Some on call and weekend work may occur. This position requires travel in and out of the state for training and to provide outreach and presentations.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Diane Mourning Brown. 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.