Youth Transition & Connections Specialist

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) seeks a Fostering Connections Specialist to partner with youth, families, and community providers. The role focuses on transition planning, resilience development, and connecting youth to supportive services to promote successful adulthood.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Social Work (or related field) and relevant licensure or eligibility, plus experience with trauma-impacted youth and multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Guidance and Counseling, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, or Criminology from an accredited college/university OR Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Education, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or Family Studies and two years of related experience.
• May require a current license in NM as a Doctoral Level Psychologist, Psychologist Associate, LISW, LMSW, LPC, LPCC, LMHC, or LMFT or eligibility for such licensure.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a partner, advocate, and support to youth in internal/external staffing, meetings, and with community-based providers.
• Assist youth in developing and implementing transition plans and life choices.
• Connect youth to opportunities and resources to practice decision-making and independent living.
• Support trauma-informed development of resilience, cognitive and social-emotional growth.
• Maintain youth connections with family, peers, and supportive adults.
• Coordinate and document assessments, trainings, and case management activities.
• Engage youth and families in transition plan meetings and reviews.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Youth & family services

Case management

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master's Degree in Social Work or related field

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work/related field + 2 years experience

Job description

New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) seeks a Fostering Connections Specialist to partner with youth, families, and community providers. The role focuses on transition planning, resilience development, and connecting youth to supportive services to promote successful adulthood.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Social Work (or related field) and relevant licensure or eligibility, plus experience with trauma-impacted youth and multidisciplinary teams.