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Behavioral Health Discharge Planner Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

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Behavioral Health Discharge Planner information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$30

$56

How much do behavioral health discharge planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health discharge planner in Rio Rancho, NM is $30.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $36.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health discharge planner?

Behavioral Health Discharge Planners are professionals who coordinate care and services for patients transitioning from a behavioral health facility back into the community or another care setting. They assess patients' needs, develop discharge plans, and connect them with necessary resources such as outpatient treatment, housing, or support services. Their goal is to ensure a safe, effective, and supportive transition to prevent relapse or readmission. Discharge planners often work closely with medical staff, patients, families, and community agencies to create individualized plans.

What are some common challenges faced by behavioral health discharge planners when coordinating care after a patient's release?

Behavioral Health Discharge Planners often encounter challenges such as ensuring smooth communication between hospital staff, patients, families, and community providers. Navigating limited community resources or finding appropriate follow-up care can be particularly demanding, especially for patients with complex needs or limited support systems. Additionally, discharge planners must address issues related to patient compliance and engagement, while managing documentation and meeting regulatory requirements. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health discharge planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Discharge Planner, you need a background in social work, psychology, or counseling, often with a relevant degree and licensure (such as LCSW or LPC). Familiarity with case management software, electronic medical records, and healthcare regulations is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are crucial for effective collaboration with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure smooth transitions from inpatient care to community support, reducing readmissions and promoting positive patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Discharge Planner vs Case Manager?

AspectBehavioral Health Discharge PlannerCase Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in social work, psychology, or related field; licensure may be preferredOften requires a social work, nursing, or related degree; licensure or certification may be needed
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health facilities, outpatient clinicsHospitals, community health agencies, social service organizations
Primary FocusCoordinating discharge plans for behavioral health patients to ensure smooth transitionAssessing client needs, coordinating services, and supporting ongoing care

While both roles involve coordinating care and require similar credentials, Behavioral Health Discharge Planners focus specifically on discharge planning for behavioral health patients, ensuring safe transitions from inpatient to outpatient settings. Case Managers have a broader scope, managing ongoing client needs across various health and social services.

Behavioral Health Therapist

Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM • On-site

Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation kphc
See more jobs at Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation kphcexternal

$70K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description


Behavioral Health Therapist

Department: Behavioral Health

Reports to: Director of Behavioral Health

FLSA Status: Exempt

Type of Position: Full-Time

Revised Date:  03/10/2026


MISSION & VISION STATEMENT:

 

The Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation (KPHC) is established for the purposes of carrying out the vision and mission of the Santo Domingo Health Center (SDHC). The MISSION of KPHC is: “ENSURING HEALTH & WELLNESS THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE WITH RESPECT FOR CULTURE” and the VISION OF KPHC is: “HEALTHY PEOPLE, HEALTHY COMMUNITY, and HEALTHY LIFESTYLE”. 

 

POSITION PURPOSE:


The purpose of this position is to provide therapeutic mental health services.


PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS: 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees of the Kewa Pueblo Health Center are expected to conform to the following: 

  • Fully uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care. 
  • Adhere to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.
  • Interact in an honest, trustworthy, and dependable manner with patients, employees, and vendors. 
  • Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity. 
  • Maintain a current insurable driver’s license. 
  • Comply with all Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation and Santo Domingo Health Center policies and procedures, as well. 



ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES: 


Clinical:

  • Provides diagnostic, treatment, referral, crisis intervention, and consultation services for Behavioral Health patients by standards established by the incumbent's professional mental health organization (such as the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Association for Professional Counselors, National Association for Social Workers, American Psychological Association, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatry, etc.). 
  • Conducts individual, marital, family, and group psychotherapies for children, adolescents, and adults. Services are to be provided to patients with a wide variety of acute and chronic mental health problems including depression, suicide attempts, grief, psychotic episodes, family conflicts, substance abuse or dependence, and trauma resulting from violence or abuses of emotional, physical, or sexual nature. 
  • Coordinates service provision to patients and consults with professional colleagues as needed to promote optimal patient care including appropriate referrals for psychiatric evaluation or medication.
  • Participates in interdisciplinary case conferences.
  • Respond to crises and conduct risk assessments as appropriate.
  • Maintains all appropriate client records according to Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation’s guidelines.
  • Assists with more difficult cases, assesses the situations involved and prepares reports of findings with recommendations as to appropriate actions within the framework of mental health resources available.
  • Coordinates patient care/treatment plans with all relevant providers and patient support systems.
  • Provides consultative services to the community and staff with whom KPHC works with. 


Administrative:

  • Enters patient records and notes into RPMS, using DAP (Data/Assessment/Plan) or any other template format.
  • Participates in committee, departmental, and team meetings.
  • Provides consultation to health professionals, and public and private resource agencies to assist patients in resolving medical, social, familial, and emotional problems as needed.
  • Participates in and initiates educational, preventive, or advocacy efforts in the Santo Domingo Pueblo on behalf of the mental health needs of patients and the Santo Domingo Pueblo.
  • Contributes to program planning, curriculum development, and evaluation of mental health services in conjunction with the Santo Domingo Health Center staff and other Santo Domingo Pueblo service workers, (i.e. probation officer, social workers). 
  • Works with Santo Domingo Pueblo resources to promote the cooperation and collaboration of community, tribal, and government agencies to develop a better understanding of Santo Domingo Pueblo's mental health needs and a more efficient mental health program.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


MINIMUM MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: 

  • Master’s degree from an accredited university or institution of higher learning in counseling, psychotherapy, or related field.

Experience: 

  • Two (2) years of experience in counseling/therapy, including practicum placement.

Licensure:

  • Possess a current and valid Independent OR Provisional Counseling or Social Work License by the New Mexico Board. If the employee has a provisional license, the employee will establish a clinical contract with their direct clinical supervisor to gain independent licensure within the requisite amount of time. Specifically, Social Work clinicians are expected to sit for their board exam following two years of direct supervision. Counseling clinicians are expected to sit for their board exam following three years of direct supervision.


Behavioral Health Therapist Salary Tier:

  • Level 1: Non-independent licensed provider who practices under the supervision of a fully licensed provider and requires supervisory review and co-signature for billing and clinical documentation. Typically holds a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential.
  • Level 2: Independently licensed provider who is authorized to practice and bill independently without supervisory co-signature. Typically holds credentials such as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW).



Mandatory Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of the socio-cultural factors that both enhance and adversely affect the mental health of American Indian populations. 
  • Thorough knowledge of psychological disorders as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR/DSM-5). 


  • Comprehensive knowledge of Clinical/Medical staff by-laws, rules, and regulations and compliance with all requirements for appointments and must be credentialed and privileged in accordance with Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation medical staff by-laws.
  • A satisfactory performance record in all prior and current employment as evidenced by positive employment references from previous and current employers.
  • Familiarity with the mandatory reporting requirements under the Indian Child Protection Act, regarding suspected incidences of child abuse or child neglect. 


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bilingual skills in English and the Keres native language.
  • Experience working with Native American communities. 
  • Experience working in a primary care/mental health integrated healthcare center.


WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions exist, and the noise level in the work environment can vary from low to moderate. Travel during the daytime, as well as limited overnight travel may be required from time to time. This position may expose the incumbent to certain health risks that are inherent when working within a health center facility. The Public Health Nursing Department holds events outside throughout the year. Cold weather, wind, dust, and/ or heat are common during these events.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, talk and hear. There may be prolonged periods of sitting, keyboarding, and reading. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.


MENTAL DEMANDS: 

There are several deadlines associated with this position. The employee must also multi-task and interact with a wider variety of people on various and, at times, complicated issues. The ability to communicate effectively, meet deadlines, and multi-task is essential to this position.


OTHER: 

 

All employees must fully uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care. This position has access to sensitive information, and a breach of these principles will be grounds for immediate termination.



Disclaimer: The information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employees will be asked to perform other duties as needed.


Applicants will be considered based on whether they meet the minimum mandatory qualifications identified on the position d