Federal Benefits Case Aide (CYFD​/OPA #10118022

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.

State statute at 32A-29-1 NMSA requires CYFD to evaluate, apply for, and manage federal Social Security benefits for all children in CYFD custody. This will require the creation of a unit to evaluate, apply for, and manage social security benefits, including working with attorneys to appeal denials and with the CYFD Administrative Services Division and the State Treasurer's Office to conserve federal benefits for a child in CYFD custody.

These positions will provide support to the Federal Benefits Specialists and Federal Benefits Manager in gathering and organizing information, tracking status of benefits, setting up meetings, communication with youth, foster parents, parents and service providers, and documentation and entry of information into CYFD's case management system. These positions are critical to the agency meeting the requirements in 32A-29-1 NMSA.

75% - Support to Federal Benefits Specialist with activities such as contacting and meeting with CYFD staff, Foster Parents, Parent, and Providers Parents gather and document information for application and maintenance of federal Social Security benefits for children in CYFD custody. Enter notes and information into CYFD's case management system. Assist in setting up meetings, and tracking application status and number of children receiving benefits and the type of benefit.

25% - Communicate regularly with youth, parents, foster parents, and service providers

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following areas:

• Experience applying for and appealing denials for benefits
• Experience tracking and reporting on provided data
• Experience with case documentation
• Experience working with children, youth, and families on case related matters.

High School diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience as a social or community coordinator and/or social worker assistant. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT), extensive personal computer and phone usage. May be required to work additional hours and/or evening and weekend hours.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.