Behavioral Health Professional (LMSW, LPC, or equivalent)
Listed compensation
$33 - $38/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Join the VitalCore Team in New Mexico! We're people fueled by passion, not by profit!
VitalCore Health Strategies, (VCHS), an industry leader in correctional healthcare, has an opening for Full-Time Qualified Behavioral Health Professionals (LSW, LPC, LMFT, LMLP or equivalent) at Otero County Detention Center, New Mexico!
Curious about rewarding work within an underserved community with a company that values education and teamwork with great benefits and pay?
At VitalCore we pride ourselves on retaining and acquiring hardworking ethical individuals who are committed to providing quality services. Join our team and experience first-hand how VitalCore Health Strategies promotes a positive work environment that is based on respect and appreciation of the hard work and dedication of our staff.
Drug Screen and Background Check Required
Qualified Behavioral Health Professional Benefits Package
- Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Health Savings Account
- Life Insurance
- Short Term/Long Term Disability
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
- 401K & Plan Matching
- PTO
- Annual Incentive Bonus
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Qualified Behavioral Health Professional Position Summary
The Behavioral Health Professional will be involved in working with all disciplines on the Behavioral Health Unit to attain effectiveness in serving the patient population.
Qualified Behavioral Health Professional Minimum Requirements
- Must be a Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician who can administer assessments, make clinical decisions, provide Mental Health treatment, and hold any of the following licenses: LMSW, LPC, or equivalent.
Qualified Behavioral Health Professional Essential Functions
- The Behavioral Health Professional performs risk assessment of inmates; coordination of care with interdisciplinary team including medical staff, community providers, psychiatric hospitals and corrections; and discharge planning.
- The Behavioral Health Professional assists inmates in planning and implementing treatment goals for the duration of their stay in the Sedgwick County Jail.
- The Behavioral Health Professional assists in planning and implementing the goals and objectives of programs and projects.
- The Behavioral Health Professional provides the necessary preparation of documentation, necessary records and reports.
Qualified Behavioral Health Professional Schedule
- Full-Time
- Pay Rate- $33-$35 days depending on experience.
- Pay Rate- $35-$38 evenings depending on experience.
This is a fast-paced work environment that utilizes clinical skills such as prioritizing treatment needs; crisis management; brief clinical interventions including CBT and Motivational Interviewing. Excellent and timely documentation skills required. The ideal candidate is able to make independent clinical decisions, while utilizing assistance and supervisory intervention, as needed.
VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.
Keywords: LPC, LCSW, Licensed Social Worker, Social Worker, Social Work, Behavioral Health, LMFT, LMLP
Full-Time
Key Responsibilities
The Behavioral Health Professional performs risk assessments, coordinates care with interdisciplinary teams, and manages discharge planning for inmates. They also assist in developing treatment goals and maintaining accurate clinical records and reports.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a valid license such as LMSW, LPC, or equivalent to provide mental health treatment. The role requires strong clinical decision-making skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced correctional environment.
Qualifications
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Social Worker Career Context
Of the 50 active Social Work listings this role was benchmarked against, 62% are remote, 40% have no call, 66% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for New Mexico is 92.2 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$74k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $80k in an average-cost state. 61.4% of New Mexico clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $69k–$79k | Social Work median $64k (middle half $53k–$80k)257 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$80k in purchasing power | New Mexico index 92.2 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Social Work listings in New Mexico | 53 active | 6,527 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 62% remote · 40% no call · 66% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
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