CPS Investigation Case Worker (CYFD/PSD #10119027+)

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

Job summary

New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) seeks a CPS Case Worker to assess child safety, initiate investigations, and manage family services in alignment with agency policies. This role supports permanency planning and collaborates with partners to promote child well-being across New Mexico.

The ideal candidate will handle investigations, coordinate safety assessments, and participate in after-hours CPS responses, contributing to strong community relationships and service

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field; up to 4 years of combined education/experience may substitute.
• Experience handling CPS investigations and case management preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Initiate CPS investigations and conduct case management according to policy.
• Coordinate assessments and permanency plans for child safety, permanency, and well-being.
• Provide after-hours response to CPS emergencies on a rotating basis.
• Ensure licensing requirements for foster care and collaborate with families.

Skills

Direct work with children and families

CPS investigations

Interagency collaboration

Case management

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Job 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.

Why does the job exist?

Child Protective Services Case Workers make decisions regarding the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, whether to forward referrals to local field offices for investigation or refer a family who has been in an abuse/neglect situation to supportive services. The Case Worker initiates CPS investigations and conducts case management of Child Protective Services investigations cases (family services and legal) consistent with policy and procedures so as to permit the attainment of federal standards and performance-based budget measures - assigned investigations per month or a combination of investigations and permanency cases which are of equal weight. The Case Worker assesses the safety of children alleged to be maltreated and ensures that the appropriate safety decision is made, and that services are provided to parents and children to mitigate identified safety threats. On a rotating basis, provides after-hours response to CPS emergencies. CPS Case Workers coordinate assessments, and permanency plans for children in the custody of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to promote child safety, permanency, and well-being. The Case Worker completes licensing requirements on a timely basis and in accordance with CYFD guidelines to have an effective community relationship with clients and vendors. Make decisions regarding granting licensure to foster families, approving adoptive families, matching available children with approved families, and placing children accordingly.

How does it get done?

Investigations:

Responsibilities are as follows but not limited to:Initiate CPS investigations in accordance with assigned priority, assessing the safety of and risk to children of the family who are the subject of a CPS referral; on a rotating basis, provide after-hours response to CPS emergencies. Conduct investigations by completing the safety assessment tool, conducting interviews of involved parties, notifying family of investigation decision, disposition and rights to an administrative review. Provide quality practice in the completion of CPS investigations and continuous protective services in accordance with the Protective Services Division policies and procedures.

All case workers will complete FACTS documentation on providers as per policy and procedure.

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.
• Recruiting and retaining resource foster parents.
• Conducting Licensure process for process for prospective resource foster parents.

Bachelor's degree in social work, education, counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice or family studies from an accredited college/university. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) 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. Incumbent willbe required to furnish a personal vehicle for carrying out assignments which may include transporting clients including children. Must have own mode of transportation.

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.