Closing Date: 24th October, 2026
Description:
Salary$46.33 - $74.12 Hourly
$96,358 - $154,173 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C12
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 & Year) and Details of Work Experience/Job Duties*
Why does the job exist?
The purpose of this position is to provide legal representation and guidance to the Department and to the different service areas as assigned by the General Counsel. This position represents the Department in administrative law hearings and in a limited number of court proceedings, as well as other matters as assigned by the General Counsel. In addition, the position reviews and participates in the preparation and finalization of Policies and Procedures, reviews documents pursuant to the Inspection of Public Records Act, will review contracts, and will provide input and guidance to Division leaders about proposed legislation originating within the Department, from legislators, and from third parties.
The purpose of this position is to provide legal representation and guidance to the Department and to the different service areas as assigned by the General Counsel. This position represents the Department in administrative law hearings and in a limited number of court proceedings, as well as other matters as assigned by the General Counsel. In addition, the position reviews and participates in the preparation and finalization of Policies and Procedures, reviews documents pursuant to the Inspection of Public Records Act, will review contracts, and will provide input and guidance to Division leaders about proposed legislation originating within the Department, from legislators, and from third parties.
How does it get done?
The key responsibilities include responding to legal inquiries, interpreting policies and procedures, and other legal duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
Ideal Candidate:
Should have reasonably broad legal experience in both private and public practice. Must possess effective time management skills, have excellent research and writing skills, be able to work independently with little to no supervision, and be able to respond timely and kindly to clients.
Minimum Qualification:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and two (2) years of experience in the practice 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:
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 is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. May 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: William Cassel. William.Cassel@cyfd.nm.gov Email (William.Cassel@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.
The key responsibilities include responding to legal inquiries, interpreting policies and procedures, and other legal duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
Ideal Candidate:
Should have reasonably broad legal experience in both private and public practice. Must possess effective time management skills, have excellent research and writing skills, be able to work independently with little to no supervision, and be able to respond timely and kindly to clients.
Minimum Qualification:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and two (2) years of experience in the practice 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:
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 is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. May 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: William Cassel. William.Cassel@cyfd.nm.gov Email (William.Cassel@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.