Location: Kiva Centers – Soteria House, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Reports to: Executive Leadership / Program Director
Position Type: Part-Time / Consultant
Position Summary
The Medical Director (Psychiatrist) serves in a consultative role to support the safe and effective operation of Kiva Centers’ Soteria House in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This role provides psychiatric insight and guidance while fully respecting the non-coercive, relationship-based, and minimally medicalized approach of the Soteria model.
The Medical Director does not function as a primary clinician within the home, but instead supports staff and leadership by offering expertise related to altered states, psychosis, emotional distress, and mental health system navigation. The role is grounded in a humanistic, recovery-oriented, and rights-based approach.
This job does NOT require the candidate to have lived experience with mental health, substance use, and/or history of trauma.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Consultation (Non-Directive)
- Provide consultation on psychosis, distress, and trauma-informed approaches
- Support non-pathologizing frameworks
Support of the Soteria Model
- Uphold non-coercive, relationship-based care
- Protect guest autonomy and dignity
Medication Consultation
- Provide education on medications when requested
- Support voluntary decision-making
Risk & Safety Consultation
- Guide staff on managing acute distress
- Support non-coercive safety planning
Staff Support & Reflective Practice
- Participate in case consultations
- Provide training on trauma-informed engagement
Systems Navigation
- Advise on local behavioral health systems
- Support voluntary care pathways
Policy & Program Consultation
- Review policies for alignment with Soteria principles
Role Boundaries
- No direct clinical care
- No mandated treatment
- No override of peer-based model
Qualifications
- Licensed Psychiatrist (NM eligible)
- Experience with psychosis and community-based care
Core Competencies
- Non-hierarchical collaboration
- Respect for lived experience
- Strong consultation skills
Position Impact
Supports safe, ethical, and innovative Soteria operations while maintaining fidelity to its principles.