Care & Behavioral Support Specialist

$29.23 - $43.85 Hourly $60,800 - $91,200 Annually This position is a Pay Band C8 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. 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. Ideal Candidate Experience as it relates to: Providing direct care and supervision for children/adolescents with complex behavioral and emotional needs. Utilizing trauma-responsive and de-escalation techniques to maintain safety and promote emotional regulation. Responding effectively to crises with calmness, empathy and clear decision making. Building trusting relationship to foster stability and connection. Collaboration with supervisors, caseworkers and other professionals to support coordinated care and safe placement transitions. Maintaining accurate, timely documentation and communicating clearly with team members. Demonstrating cultural responsiveness and respect for diverse experiences and identities of children and families. Engaging in training, professional development, and teamwork to strengthen skills and ensure quality care in a dynamic 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. 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 Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here 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.