Care & Behavioral Support Specialist (CYFD/BHS #10118137+)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) seeks a Care & Behavioral Support Specialist to provide direct care and supervision for children and adolescents during transitional placements. You will implement trauma-responsive strategies, support safety, and collaborate with caseworkers to plan for stable placements.

Key responsibilities include maintaining routine, responding to crises with de-escalation, and ensuring thorough documentation to support safety and quality care.

Qualifications

• Direct care and supervision for children/adolescents with behavioral and emotional needs.
• Trauma-responsive and de-escalation techniques to maintain safety.
• Clear crisis response with calm, empathetic decision making.
• Accurate, timely documentation and communication with team.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to ensure safety and emotional regulation for children/adolescents in transitional settings.
• Implement trauma-responsive strategies to de-escalate crises and meet individual needs.
• Coordinate daily routines including meals, hygiene, rest and recreation for stability.
• Collaborate with supervisors and caseworkers to share observations and plan next steps for placement and care.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, observations, and progress to support communication and quality improvement.
• Participate in debriefings and safety planning to strengthen crisis response and safety.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Child/Youth behavioral support

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, education, counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice or family studies

Six years combined education/experience substitution option

Job description

Job Title Care & Behavioral Support Specialist (CYFD/BHS #10118137+)

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.

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 role ensures the 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 responds to emergent child safety concerns, provides direct behavioral and emotional support, and maintains thorough documentation to promote safety and stability during times of transition

How does it get done?

Care and Behavioral Support Specialist provides 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 de-escalate crises, build trust, and meet individual behavioral and emotional needs.
• 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 crisis 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.

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.
• 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. 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.

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.