Posting Details
We are so pleased that you are interested in making an impact through our work at CYFD! The department thrives on dedicated, empathetic, and talented employees who ensure the well-being of the children and families in New Mexico by keeping them safe and healthy.
- 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 JOB POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
Why does the job exist?
The Care and Behavioral Support Specialist position provides care and supervision for children and adolescents experiencing placement disruption or awaiting a safe and stable placement. This role ensures the safety and well-being of children in CYFD¿s care through consistent, trauma-responsive supervision and support in a short-term transitional setting. The Specialist responds to emergent child safety concerns, provides direct behavioral and emotional support, and maintains thorough documentation to promote safety and stability during times of transition
How does it get done?
Care and Behavioral Support Specialist provides direct care and supervision to children and adolescents during times of placement disruption or transition.
Responsibilities Include:
Providing direct supervision and support to ensure safety, stability and emotional regulation for children and adolescents in a transitional setting.
Implementing trauma-responsive strategies to de-escalate crises, build trust, and meet individual behavioral and emotional needs.
Coordinating daily routines and activities, including meals, hygiene, rest and recreation, in a manner that supports structure and predictability.
Collaborating with supervisors and caseworkers to share observations, report concerns, and plan next steps for placement and care.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of incidents, observations, and progress to support communication, accountability and quality improvement.
Participate in debriefings and safety planning to strengthen overall response to youth in crisis and promote a safe and stable environment.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development to strengthen trauma-responsive and crisis-intervention skills.
Maintain safe and organized environment.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree in social work, education, counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice or family studies from an accredited college/university and two (2) years of any combination of experience including working with communities on health or social service related matters, social work/case management experience, behavioral health, and/or health care. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) 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, 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.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Diana P. Trujillo (505) 690-1487. 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.