Closing Date: 13th November, 2026
Description:
Salary$40.28 - $64.45 Hourly
$83,790 - $134,063 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C11
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 or 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. 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?
This position will represent CYFD Protective Services in appeals to the NM Court of Appeals and on writ petitions in the NM Supreme Court, provide counsel to Protective Services personnel on cases presenting possible appellate issues and complex legal issues, participate in various statewide committees and work groups as assigned. This position may also assist with abuse/neglect case and/or fostering connections cases in District Court on rare occasions, on an as needed basis.
This position will represent CYFD Protective Services in appeals to the NM Court of Appeals and on writ petitions in the NM Supreme Court, provide counsel to Protective Services personnel on cases presenting possible appellate issues and complex legal issues, participate in various statewide committees and work groups as assigned. This position may also assist with abuse/neglect case and/or fostering connections cases in District Court on rare occasions, on an as needed basis.
How does it get done?
Who are the customers?
This position represents primarily the protective services division of CYFD.
Ideal Candidate:
Experience as it relates to:
Minimum Qualification:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or obtain a limited law license within six (6) months of hire (See Rule 15-304 NMRA). Individuals pursuing the limited law license may not engage in the practice of law until the limited law license has been granted.
Employment Requirements:
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
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 is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Dominic LaFayette Email (dominic.lafayette@cyfd.nm.gov)
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.
- Represent the Department in proceedings in the New Mexico Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, including but not limited to appeals, writs of certiorari, and other writs as deemed necessary.
- Prepare abuse/neglect cases on appeal.
- Participate in meetings and assist the supervising attorney, Chief Children's Court Attorney, managing attorneys, and other CCAs on matters of policy and best practice for attorneys.
- Maintain and improve professional relationships with the appellate courts, case workers, other PS staff, and outside stakeholders, and work to improve the system.
- Assist with abuse/neglect and fostering connections cases on an as needed basis.
This position represents primarily the protective services division of CYFD.
Ideal Candidate:
Experience as it relates to:
- Working directly with Children, Youth, and their families;
- Partner with Community Service providers as it relates to Children, and Youth;
- Working with Youth in a school setting;
- Determining eligibility for services that might be needed for the Children, Youth and Families;
- Conduct and complete assessments of safety, risks, strengths, and family needs;
- Developing Safety plans for the Children, Youth and Families;
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings;
- Identify, provide, and/or arrange timely assessments/evaluations/ interviews;
- Conduct medical case management activities for eligible clients.
Minimum Qualification:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or obtain a limited law license within six (6) months of hire (See Rule 15-304 NMRA). Individuals pursuing the limited law license may not engage in the practice of law until the limited law license has been granted.
Employment Requirements:
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
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 is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Dominic LaFayette Email (dominic.lafayette@cyfd.nm.gov)
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.
