Closing Date: 19th June, 2026

Description:

Salary
$44.98 - $71.96 Hourly

$93,552 - $149,683 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. Applicant Lists May Be Screened More than Once.

This Position May Be Housed in The Following Locations: Santa Fe, Las Vegas or Taos.
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 Children's Court Managing Attorney Is Responsible for Ensuring that The Legal Needs of The Agency Related to Safety, Permanency and Well-Being Are Met, Promotes the Agency Goals, Initiatives and Strategic Plan and Ensures that All Children's Court Attorneys in Their Region Conduct Themselves in Professional and Respectful Manner at All Times and That They Represent the Agency's Mission.

How Does It Get Done?

Provides Consultation, Direction, Oversight, and Support to Children's Court Attorneys (cc As), Paralegals, and Administrative Staff Under the Children's Court Managing Attorney's Direct Supervision (including Assisting the Regional Legal Administrator in Supporting the Legal Secretaries).
Provides Consultation, Direction, Oversight and Support to Cc As, Paralegals, and Administrative Staff to Ensure: The Prompt and Successful Filing and Resolution of All Termination of Parental Rights (tpr) and Permanent Guardianship (pg) Motions; Timely Service and Timely and Successful Adjudication of Abuse/neglect Allegations Against All Named Respondents; and Timely Adoption and Safe Families Act (asfa) Mandated Hearings
Participates in Managing Attorney Meetings, Responds to Legal Team Information Requests, and Works with The Chief Cca, Managing Attorneys, and Appellate Counsel on Issues of Training, Policy, Procedure, and Case Law to Problem Solve and Achieve Improvements for The Legal Team Statewide.
Develops and Maintains Positive Relationships with Legal and Program Staff, Other Agencies, and Community Partners, and Ensures that All Interactions Are Kind, Responsive and Respectful.

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 and Five (5) Years of Experience in The Practice of Law. Must Be Licensed as An Attorney by The Supreme Court of New Mexico or Qualified to Apply for Limited Practice License.

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:
Benefits:
Do You Know What Total Compensation Is? Click Here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)

Agency Contact Information: Amanda M. Romero, Esq., (505) 469-1873. Email (amanda.romero@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.