CPS Investigation Case Worker (CYFD/PSD #8644+)

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

Job summary

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) is seeking CPS Case Workers to assess safety for children and coordinate investigations, while partnering with families and local agencies to promote well-being. The role includes case management, licensing for foster care, and after-hours response as needed.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field (or four years of substitute education/experience) and have experience with safety planning,

Qualifications

• Experience working directly with Children, Youth, and their families.
• Ability to partner with community service providers.
• Experience in multidisciplinary meetings and safeguarding planning.
• Competence in administering safety assessments and service coordination.

Responsibilities

• Initiate CPS investigations and conduct case management per policy.
• Coordinate safety decisions and permanency plans for children.
• Complete licensing steps for foster families and provide support services.

Skills

CPS experience

Family services collaboration

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Case management

Licensure process

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Four years direct experience substituted for education

Job description

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

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?

Investigation:
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/IMPACT 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. 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: 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.