Permanency Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Specialist

$29.23 - $43.85 Hourly

$60,800 - $91,200 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C8

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, service and be part of meaningful change for New Mexico's future.

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*


Why does the job exist?

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Protective Service Specialist is responsible for the delivery of child welfare services to Native American children and their families in order to coordinate assessments and permanency plans for Native American children in CYFD custody to promote child safety, permanency and well-being.


How does it get done?

• The position will assure compliance with the ICWA placement preferences for Native American children taken into custody by the Department and act as an advocate for the family between the Department and federally recognized tribes to address service delivery and case management issues for Native American families that come into contact with the department.
• The ICWA Specialist will conduct case management of child protective services permanency cases (in-home services and legal) consistent with policy and procedures. Cases may be more complex in nature. (35%);

• The ICWA Specialist will obtain information necessary to create appropriate case plans to provide safety, permanency and well-being to children. Cases may be more complex in nature.(35%);

• The ICWA Specialist will develop and maintain a positive relationship with clients, staff, other agencies and community partners (20%);

• The ICWA Specialist will adhere to general office procedures (10%).

Ideal Candidate

Extensive understanding of ICWA and its application to New Mexico child welfare practice and other federal mandates. Bilingual and ability to have Culturally appropriate communication with Tribal leadership and governments: Understanding and familiarity with;

• Tribal governmental structure and operations, including: political, organizational, decision-making processes, etc.;

• Tribal resources and services;

• Child rearing practices among American Indian families and tribal community traditions;

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in social work, education, counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice or family studies from an accredited college/university and two (2) years of any combination of experience including working with communities on health or social service related matters, social work/case management experience, behavioral health, and/or health care. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.


Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.


Working Conditions

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


Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Eve Shenale, View email address 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.