CPS Licensing & Support Specialist (CYFD/PSD #42912+)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) seeks a CPS Licensing & Support Specialist to license foster homes and manage case activities within the Protective Services Division. You will support pre- and post-placement services and ensure compliance with CYFD guidelines.

The role involves collaboration with families, youth, and community service providers, and requires a valid driver’s license and background check, with occasional after-hours work as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four years.
• Experience in child protective services or related field preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and maintain professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Licensing and licensing foster homes in line with Protective Services Division policies.
• Conduct ongoing case activities for maintenance and retention of licensed families.
• Provide pre- and post-placement services to pre-adoptive families.

Skills

Child & family work

Community partnerships

School engagement

Eligibility determination

Safety risk assessment

Safety planning

Multidisciplinary meetings

Assessments & interviews

Case management

Education

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

Job description

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Job Title CPS Licensing & Support Specialist (CYFD/PSD #42912+)

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 recruitment in the following areas of CYFD's Protective Services Division:
Licensing & Support Workers
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?

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?

Licensing & Support:

Responsibilities are as follows but not limited to:

• The Licensing & Support worker assesses, and licenses foster homes in a manner that is consistent with Protective Services Division policies and procedures.
• They conduct ongoing case activities for maintenance and retention of licensed families that promotes family focused and child centered practice.
• They provide pre and post placement services to pre-adoptive families in accordance with Protective Services Division practice model.

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.

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.

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.