Family Support Specialist

$26.57 - $39.86 Hourly

$55,273 - $82,909 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C7

Posting Details

At the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), every role is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, youth, and families across our state. We are committed to building a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated workforce that works collaboratively to ensure safety, promote well-being, and strengthen families. Whether you are in the field supporting families face-to-face, working behind the scenes to improve systems, or helping to shape the agency from a leadership level, your work here has purpose and long-lasting impact. Join a team that values integrity, resilience, and service and be part of meaningful change for New Mexico's future.

*APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH & YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.


INCUMBENTS IN THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL WITHIN THE STATE TO COMPLETE THEIR WORK ASSIGNMENTS.


Why does the job exist?

Incumbent will be responsible for working with families who are either at risk for involvement in the child welfare system or have current involvement in the child welfare system and are at risk for out of home placement. The Family Navigator will be responsible for completing comprehensive family assessments, developing plans with the families to address their needs, building working relationships with families, supporting them to access needed services, and provide family preservation services if community-based services are not available in the community.


How does it get done?

Conduct home visits with referred families, including those at risk of involvement, at risk of out-of-home placement, or participating in trial home visits or reunification following removal; assess safety, strengths, and service needs; complete comprehensive family assessments; develop and implement family-centered service plans; provide ongoing case management and Family Preservation Services; connect families to community and behavioral health resources; deliver direct interventions when community options are unavailable; coach parents on safety and protective capacities; coordinate with Protective Services and legal partners (including court-appointed attorneys, GALs, and Childrens Court); support progress toward reunification and court-ordered requirements; and contact Statewide Central Intake (SCI) when safety concerns arise. 65% Work with other state agencies and partner with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate services and ensure appropriate supports for families participating in or benefiting from Family Preservation Services. 15% Transport families as needed to access identified support services and ensure participation in required appointments, services, and court-related activities. 10% Complete timely and accurate documentation, including court reports, service referrals, case notes, required data entry, and compliance reporting in accordance with policy, legal mandates, and best practice standards. 10%


Ideal Candidate

Experience as it relates to:

• Working directly with Children, Youth, and their families;

• Partner with Community Service providers as it relates to Children, and Youth;

• Working with Youth in a school setting;

• Determining eligibility for services that might be needed for the Children, Youth and Families;

• Conduct and complete assessments of safety, risks, strengths, and family needs;

• Developing Safety plans for the Children, Youth and Families;

• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings;

• Identify, provide, and/or arrange timely assessments/evaluations/ interviews;

• Conduct medical case management activities for eligible clients.

Minimum Qualification

Associate's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Family Studies/Services, Social Sciences, or Human Services and one (1) year of experience as a social work assistant and/or in social or community coordination, working with communities, working on health or social service-related matters, social work/case management experience, and/or behavioral health care.
Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling three (3) years may substitute for the required education and experience.


Employment Requirements

Completion of the hiring process is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screening process. This position is designated as 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.


Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting: late hours and weekends work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel may be required. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.


Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Scott Patterson-Altorre, View phone number on click.appcast.io. Email


For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.