Posting Details
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 and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
THIS POSITION CAN BE HOUSED IN THE LAS CRUCES OR THE ANTHONY CYFD FIELD OFFICES
Why does the job exist?
Social Services Coordinators are involved in the planning, development, interpretation, implementation, and evaluation of social service programs, policies, and procedures. The work may include the provision of administrative review services for a variety of service programs or involve the administration of a specialized service area. Social Services Coordinators may act as case consultants, advocates, or subject matter specialists in the assigned program area(s). They also plan, organize, and supervise investigations, inspections and assessments regarding children's and family service programs. They establish and maintain files, investigate and analyze information obtained during eligibility determination processes. They are responsible for making decisions that follow division guidelines and policies and state and federal requirements. Social Service Coordinators may assist in setting policy and direction with developing and monitoring the program budget, monitoring compliance, and supervising staff. They direct and coordinate comprehensive planning functions and establish procedures, prepare reports on investigations, and recommend improvements to the quality of case management and service delivery. At the highest level, Social Services Coordinators are responsible for the oversight and administration of one or multiple work units or bureaus which are responsible for the main component of the departments mission.
How does it get done?
Evaluate the need to apply for Social Security benefits when initially entering custody and every six months thereafter. Apply for Social Security benefits for children who are not receiving benefits but will qualify once evaluated. Work with CYFD Protective Services (PS), Family Services (FS), Administrative Services, Title IV-E/Medicaid Unit, Foster Parents, and Parents on the application of benefits. For children entering CYFD custody who are receiving benefits, work with the child's team and the CYFD Administrative Services Division (ASD) to become a representative payee. Track the number of applications and status; track the number of children receiving benefits and the type of benefit.
Collaborate with the child's team, parent, foster parent, and CYFD ASD, PS, and FS to manage benefits and accompanying funds for children in CYFD custody who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Retirement, Survivors, or Disability Insurance (RSDI) payments. Maintain accurate records of account credits and debits for each child, establish and manage dedicated accounts for SSI recipients, and coordinate with the State Treasurer's Office to open ABLE accounts for eligible SSI beneficiaries.
Establish ongoing communication (written, electronic, telephone, meetings, etc) between CYFD and local Social Security Administration offices. Provide notification to Social Security Administration, CYFD Administrative Services, State Treasurer's Office, and CYFD Protective and Family Services Foster Connections staff in accordance with federal and state regulations. Communicate regularly with youth, parents, foster parents, and youth attorneys or guardians ad litem. Partner with CYFD Family Services Division Fostering Connection staff to develop and deliver financial literacy training for youth nearing the end of CYFD custody who will receive conserved funds. Collaborate with the CYFD training department to create, deliver, and maintain training on foster care and Social Security benefits.
Collect data and provide reporting that is in compliance with New Mexico Children's Code 32A, Article 29 "Federal Benefits for Children in State Custody." Ensure funds received from the Social Security Administration are tracked and accounted for, and are paid out in accordance with established federal and state regulations.
Minimum Qualification
Associate's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Family Studies/Services, Social Sciences, or Human Services and one (1) year of experience as a social work assistant and/or in social or community coordination, working with communities, working on health or social service related matters, social work/case management experience, and/or behavioral health care. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling three (3) 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 and weekends work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel may be required. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Tamara Casas, (505) 362-7513. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
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.
