BernCo

Clinical Social Worker/Clinical Counselor

Albuquerque, NM Full time

Job Posting Title:

Clinical Social Worker/Clinical Counselor

Department:

Behavioral Health - Services - Operations - Direct Care

Location:

5901 ZUNI RD SE

Pay Range:

$61,339.00 - $96,866.00

Close Date:

March 14, 2026

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Clinical Social Worker/Clinical Counselor provides addiction counseling services in accordance with their scope of licensure to clients in various programs operated by the department. Delivers treatment services in a manner consistent with the department’s treatment modality. Provides clinically based training to other professionals within the department on a variety of topics or as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FUNCTIONAL AREA

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

  • Gather relevant client information through screenings, assessments, and case histories; evaluate findings to determine client treatment and intensity needs.
  • Formulate Individual Service Plans that systematically and holistically address client treatment needs.
  • Provide clinically based training and supervision to other clinicians and/or interns within the department on a variety of topics or as assigned.
  • Provide therapeutic interventions as appropriate for clients in crisis situations, such as suicide.
  • Refer clients to other treatment or supportive services based on assessed needs, including medical providers, psychological evaluations, other treatment programs, and support groups.
  • Conduct individual and group counseling sessions as appropriate to licensure level and within the guidelines of the department's clinical structure.
  • Facilitate treatment-oriented, education-based groups following guidelines and protocols consistent with the department’s chosen treatment modality.
  • Provide consultation, training, and treatment planning for staff.
  • Initiate and maintain accurate case files; document notes related to care provided; maintain records of referrals and related documentation.
  • Prepare documents for presentation and detailed client progress reports as required.
  • Maintain ethical standards of practice, professional competence, confidentiality, and responsibility to clients and the profession, in accordance with New Mexico occupational and professional licensing board standards.
  • Attend staff meetings and team conferences as assigned.
  • Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Mental Health, Social Work or a related field.
  • Two (2) years post-graduate, supervised related work experience in individual and group therapy for individuals with co-occurring substance misuse and mental health disorders. OR an Associate's degree in a related field plus 4 years related experience.
  • Current and valid New Mexico Licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADAC) OR Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA). OR a current provisional license from the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department in any of the above-mentioned license types may conditionally serve to satisfy the licensure requirement. The provisional license shall only serve in meeting the licensure requirement for as long as it remains valid. Failure to maintain an active licensure status shall violate the conditional employment and will result in re-assignment or termination.

FUNCTIONAL AREA

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • This position is safety sensitive. Employment is subject to a pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state rules and regulations regarding alcohol and/or drug testing.
  • Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
  • Employee must possess and maintain a New Mexico driver’s license.
  • Employee must complete the required FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
  • Pursuant to the criminal history screening for Caregivers Act, Section 29-17-1 through Section 29-17-5 NMSA 1978, new hires at the Department of Behavioral Health Services facility will be required to complete a caregiver criminal history screening for all caregivers. Conviction of a disqualifying condition is cause for termination or sufficient reason not to hire if the applicant has a disqualifying condition on their record at the time of application.
  • All positions may be required to work various shifts and be scheduled per department needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Most essential duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • The indoor working surface is even and either carpeted or tiled.
  • Indoor surfaces are typically dry and may involve the use of stairs.
  • Work hazards or potential work hazards include those of a correctional facility environment, with exposure to noise and dangerous situations that could involve serious bodily injury and other work hazards.
  • Works alone primarily, with or without direction; works with groups at times and/or with select teams.
  • Required to work varying shifts and schedules to meet department needs to include day, swing, nights, and/or weekends.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Utilizes computers and communication equipment on a daily basis.
  • May utilizes facility keys, handcuffs, and shackles on a frequent basis.
  • May handle first aid and oxygen equipment on an occasional basis.
  • Equipment typically used to perform administrative duties includes the fax machine, computer, photocopy machine, and telephone/pager.
  • Materials and products typically handled in the performance of administrative duties include files, forms, reports, various other forms of paperwork, with a variety of basic office supplies and equipment.