Care and Behavior Support Specialist FC+ (CYFD/BHS #10119144)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Farmington (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) invites applications for the Care and Behavioral Support Specialist FC+ role. You will provide direct care and supervision to children and adolescents during placement transitions, using trauma-responsive approaches to support safety and emotional regulation.

Ideal candidates have experience with complex behavioral needs, strong collaboration with supervisors and caseworkers, and a commitment to accurate documentation and professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience with trauma-responsive and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to de-escalate crises and promote safety.
• Experience coordinating with caseworkers and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Direct supervision and support to ensure safety, stability and emotional regulation for children and adolescents in a transitional setting.
• Implement trauma-responsive strategies to deescalate crises, build trust, and meet individual behavioral and emotional needs.
• Coordinating daily routines and activities, including meals, hygiene, rest and recreation.
• Collaborating with supervisors and caseworkers to share observations, report concerns, and plan next steps for placement and care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of incidents, observations, and progress to support communication, accountability and quality improvement.
• Participate in debriefings and safety planning to strengthen overall response to youth in transition and promote a safe and stable environment.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to strengthen trauma-responsive and crisis-intervention skills.
• Maintain safe and organized environment.

Skills

Trauma-responsive care

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Cultural responsiveness

Collaboration with caseworkers

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, education, counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice or family studies from an accredited college/university

Job description

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Job Title Care and Behavioral Support Specialist FC+ (CYFD/BHS #10119144)

For more Job Requirements & Classification Description:

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.

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT 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 Care and Behavioral Support Specialist position provides care and supervision for children and adolescents experiencing placement disruption or awaiting a safe and stable placement. This position will support a specialized program called Foster Care+ with supporting resources foster parents, and the FC+ team regarding safety and well-being of children in CYFD's care through consistent, trauma-responsive supervision and support in a short-term transitional setting. The Specialist supports child safety concerns, provides direct behavioral and emotional support, and maintains thorough documentation to promote safety and stability during times of transition. Specialists will visit youth/children is specialized settings such as acute hospitals, youth shelters, community homes or care for youth at designated CYFD programs. Specialists also work as advocates and maintain health engagement and support to youth or children in different placement settings to minimize disruption. In state travel is a part of this position.

How does it get done?

Care and Behavioral Support Specialist provide direct care and supervision to children and adolescents during times of placement disruption or transition.

Responsibilities Include:

• Providing direct supervision and support to ensure safety, stability and emotional regulation for children and adolescents in a transitional setting.
• Implementing trauma-responsive strategies to deescalate crises, build trust, and meet individual behavioral and emotional needs. Support can be provided in a community setting by phone or supporting partners such as staff or resource foster parents.
• Coordinating daily routines and activities, including meals, hygiene, rest and recreation, in a manner that supports structure and predictability.
• Collaborating with supervisors and caseworkers to share observations, report concerns, and plan next steps for placement and care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of incidents, observations, and progress to support communication, accountability and quality improvement.
• Participate in debriefings and safety planning to strengthen overall response to youth in transition and promote a safe and stable environment.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to strengthen trauma-responsive and crisis-intervention skills.
• Maintain safe and organized environment.

Who are the customers?

Care and Behavioral Support Specialist provides direct care and supervision to children and adolescents during times of placement disruption or transition from one place to another. Providing respite and care for individuals when needed. Engage in meeting with youth and children in community or home settings to support stabilization through engagement and advocacy. Community support in specialized programs such as Foster Care+.

Ideal Candidate

Experience as it relates to:

• Providing direct care and supervision for children/adolescents with complex behavioral and emotional needs.
• Utilizing trauma-responsive and de-escalation techniques to maintain safety and promote emotional regulation.
• Responding effectively to crises with calmness, empathy and clear decision making.
• Building trusting relationship to foster stability and connection.
• Collaboration with supervisors, caseworkers and other professionals to support coordinated care and safe placement transitions.
• Maintaining accurate, timely documentation and communicating clearly with team members.
• Demonstrating cultural responsiveness and respect for diverse experiences and identities of children and families.
• Ability to partner with community providers to provide support and advocacy for those in their programs.
• Engaging in training, professional development, and teamwork to strengthen skills and ensure quality care in a dynamic environment.

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. 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 CYFD offices and community-based settings such as shelters, resource foster homes, acute hospitals or other residential settings. The position requires flexibility and responsiveness to meet the immediate needs of children in care. Duties involves both direct supervision of children and behavioral support as well as coordination with caseworkers, medical or behavioral health providers, schools, and other community partners. Regular evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required to ensure continuous coverage and support. The role also includes physical activity such as cleaning, organizing and assisting with transportation. Ability to drive a state vehicle is a requirement. Maintaining professionalism, composure, and adherence to trauma-informed principles is essential to promoting safety and stability.

Supplemental Information

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.