Federal Benefits Case Aid (CYFD/OPA #10118022)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) is recruiting for a position to support the Federal Benefits unit, helping apply for and manage Social Security benefits for children in CYFD custody. The role involves gathering information, maintaining records in the case management system, and coordinating with youth, foster parents, parents, and service providers.

The ideal candidate has experience in applying for benefits, data reporting, and managing case documentation, with a

Qualifications

• Experience applying for and appealing denials for benefits.
• Experience tracking and reporting on provided data.
• Experience with case documentation.
• Experience working with children, youth, and families on case related matters.

Responsibilities

• Support to Federal Benefits Specialist with activities such as contacting and meeting CYFD staff, Foster Parents, Parent, and Providers; gather and document information for application and maintenance of federal Social Security benefits; enter notes into CYFD's case management system; assist in scheduling meetings and tracking status of applications.
• Communicate regularly with youth, parents, foster parents, and service providers.

Skills

Benefits experience

Data tracking experience

Case documentation

Family services experience

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

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.
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?

State statute at 32A-29-1 NMSA requires CYFD to evaluate, apply for, and manage federal Social Security benefits for all children in CYFD custody. This will require the creation of a unit to evaluate, apply for, and manage social security benefits, including working with attorneys to appeal denials and with the CYFD Administrative Services Division and the State Treasurer's Office to conserve federal benefits for a child in CYFD custody. These positions will provide support to the Federal Benefits Specialists and Federal Benefits Manager in gathering and organizing information, tracking status of benefits, setting up meetings, communication with youth, foster parents, parents and service providers, and documentation and entry of information into CYFD's case management system. These positions are critical to the agency meeting the requirements in 32A-29-1 NMSA.

How does it get done?

75% - Support to Federal Benefits Specialist with activities such as contacting and meeting with CYFD staff, Foster Parents, Parent, and Providers Parents gather and document information for application and maintenance of federal Social Security benefits for children in CYFD custody. Enter notes and information into CYFD's case management system. Assist in setting up meetings, and tracking application status and number of children receiving benefits and the type of benefit.
25% - Communicate regularly with youth, parents, foster parents, and service providers

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following areas:

• Experience applying for and appealing denials for benefits
• Experience tracking and reporting on provided data
• Experience with case documentation
• Experience working with children, youth, and families on case related matters.

High School diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience as a social or community coordinator and/or social worker assistant. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required 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 with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT), extensive personal computer and phone usage. May be required to work additional hours and/or evening and weekend hours.

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.