Benefits Manager

$35.37 - $53.05 Hourly

$73,568 - $110,352 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C10

Posting Details

We are so pleased that you are interested in making an impact through our work at CYFD! The department thrives on dedicated, empathetic, and talented employees who ensure the well-being of the children and families in New Mexico by keeping them safe and healthy.


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


*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*

*THE INCUMBENT FOR THIS POSITION CAN BE HOUSED IN ANY CYFD FIELD OFFICE THROUGHOUT THE STATE*


Why does the job exist?

Social Services Coordinators are involved in the planning, development, interpretation, implementation, and evaluation of social service programs, policies, and procedures. The work may include the provision of administrative review services for a variety of service programs or involve the administration of a specialized service area. Social Services Coordinators may act as case consultants, advocates, or subject matter specialists in the assigned program area(s). They also plan, organize, and supervise investigations, inspections and assessments regarding children's and family service programs. They establish and maintain files, investigate and analyze information obtained during eligibility determination processes. They are responsible for making decisions that follow division guidelines and policies and state and federal requirements. Social Service Coordinators may assist in setting policy and direction with developing and monitoring the program budget, monitoring compliance, and supervising staff. They direct and coordinate comprehensive planning functions and establish procedures, prepare reports on investigations, and recommend improvements to the quality of case management and service delivery. At the highest level, Social Services Coordinators are responsible for the oversight and administration of one or multiple work units or bureaus which are responsible for the main component of the department's mission.


How does it get done?

• Develops and maintains policies and guidance for the application, maintenance, and conservation of Social Security benefits. Ensures that Federal Benefits Specialists follow established procedures so that children in state custody receive the necessary benefits. Oversees the developments and monitoring of outcome-based contracts to support unit operations and agency program goals.

• Evaluation and Application: Works with CYFD leadership to develop an evaluation process to determine the need to apply for Social Security benefits. Ensures that the Benefit Specialist uses the established evaluation process correctly to screen for the need to apply for benefits. Develops an application checklist and procedure that Benefits Specialists follow when applying for benefits on behalf of a child in CYFD custody, including making phone calls to parents, foster parents, attorneys, CYFD workers, or any other stakeholder to ensure the application for benefits is complete.

• Maintenance and Conservation of Benefits: Collaborates with the CYFD Administrative Services Division (ASD) and the State Treasurer's Office to manage benefits funds for children in CYFD custody who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Retirement, Survivors, or Disability Insurance (RSDI) payments. Maintain accurate records of account credits and debits for each child, establish and manage dedicated accounts for SSI recipients, and coordinate with the State Treasurer's Office to open ABLE accounts for eligible SSI beneficiaries. Establish a process to provide quarterly accounting reports for each child receiving benefits.

• Communication, Collaboration, and Education: Facilitate communication between CYFD and Social Security Administration offices. Collaborate with the CYFD Administrative Services Division and the State Treasurer's Office to ensure accurate benefit accounting for each child in CYFD custody. Establish effective notification methods with the Social Security Administration, CYFD Administrative Services, State Treasurer's Office, and CYFD Title IV-E/Medicaid, Protective Services, and Family Services Foster Connections staff. Facilitate communication with youth, parents, foster parents, and youth attorneys or guardians ad litem. Represent CYFD at meetings, work-groups, and task forces; provide information to stakeholders as needed; and address and resolve issues or barriers. Partner with CYFD Family Services Division Fostering Connection staff to develop and deliver financial literacy training for youth nearing the end of CYFD custody who will receive conserved funds. Collaborate with the CYFD training department to create and maintain training on foster care and Social Security benefits.

• Data Collection and Reporting: Ensure data is collected and reported in compliance with New Mexico Children's Code 32A, Article 29 "Federal Benefits for Children in State Custody." Ensure funds received from the Social Security Administration are tracked and accounted for, and are paid out in accordance with established federal and state regulations.

• This position will be responsible for overseeing and supervising 6 Federal Benefits Specialists across the state. This position is responsible for assigning tasks and directly supervising staff. This position is responsible for hiring staff, approving leave requests, conducting annual performance evaluations, training and coaching of staff, and, when applicable, recommending disciplinary actions. This position is also responsible for making timely program decisions to improve workflow and support the attainment of agency goals. This position is also responsible for ensuring staff have the necessary tools and resources to effectively complete assigned tasks.

Ideal Candidate

An ideal candidate would have child welfare knowledge, case management skills, compliance and policy understanding, communication and collaboration skills, problem-solving and advocacy skills, attention to detail, willingness to learn, adaptability, vision, teamwork, self-motivated, strong work ethic, and leadership initiative.


Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Family Studies/Services and six (6) years 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, health care, and/or behavioral health care, of which two (2) years must be supervisory experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling ten (10) years may substitute for the required education and experience.


Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.


Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage.


Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Tamara Casas, 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 not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.