Posting Details
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) was established by the New Mexico Legislature in 2025 to serve as an independent, impartial ombuds office for the child welfare system. The OCA is tasked with receiving and reviewing complaints about Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), monitoring and reporting on trends, and attempting to resolve case-specific and systemic issues through advocacy, education, reporting, and recommendations.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
The Office serves the entire state, and positions may be housed in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Las Cruces.
Why does the job exist?
This position is a key member of a multidisciplinary team in the Office of the Child Advocate and conducts independent, impartial, and confidential case reviews that result in advocacy, informal resolutions, or investigations to improve child safety and the child welfare system. This position reviews complaints and inquiries submitted to the OCA along with relevant collateral and records; analyzes compliance with law, policy, procedure, and best practices; and drafts findings and recommendations to determine proposed next steps. This role provides high-quality, responsive communication to complainants so that they feel heard, understand next steps in the process, and receive appropriate information and resources.
How does it get done?
- Assess screened-in inquiries and complaints within established timelines for potential violations of law, policy, procedure, or best practices; independently determine appropriate next steps for resolution or investigation
- Review and analyze CYFD records, court records, and other relevant documents
- Contact complainants and other relevant parties within established timelines to conduct impartial fact-finding interviews
- Document communications, investigative activities, and findings in the case management database
- Provide complainants with information, resources, education, and regular status updates throughout the investigation
- Identify and document patterns, trends, and findings
- Participate in regular supervision and case staffings to promote consistency in case handling
- Prepare written findings and recommendations for each matter and provide them to the complainant, CYFD, or other appropriate parties
- Perform other duties as assigned
Who are the customers?
The Office of the Child Advocate serves CYFD-involved children and families and other individuals with questions or concerns about the child welfare system.
Ideal Candidate
The Office of the Child Advocate serves CYFD-involved children and families and other individuals with questions or concerns about the child welfare system.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience in investigations, regulation, policy, statutory, and/or contract compliance. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling five (5) years may substitute for the required education and experience
Employment Requirements
Candidate must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and current Defensive Driving Course Certification from the State of New Mexico; or must obtain a Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of hire 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 computer and phone usage, and extended periods of sitting. Work must be performed in line with strict time constraints. Occasional travel may be required. This role may involve exposure to sensitive and potentially distressing materials related to child abuse and neglect and to escalated clientele.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Dawn Walters,
[email protected], Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
