Job Description
Benefits: The State of New Mexico offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options. In addition, we offer a generous paid time off package, paid holidays, and a retirement plan.
Experience: - Minimum of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law - Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license - Experience in providing senior level professional legal services for protective services cases - Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies relating to child welfare and protective services - Ability to represent the department in Children's Court cases with adequate preparation and prompt resolution - Familiarity with Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) and Permanent Guardianship (PG) cases - Ability to conduct research, analysis, and mediation for legal cases - Experience in administrative hearings and documentation related to abuse/neglect cases - Ability to maintain professional relationships and follow supervision
Job Description: The Children's Court Attorney position within the Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) is responsible for providing senior level professional legal services for protective services cases. This includes litigation, counsel, interpretation of law, research, analysis, mediation, and administrative hearings. The role requires skillful legal representation and prompt resolution of cases, as well as timely adjudication of abuse/neglect cases and adherence to statewide office policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities: - Represent the department in all Children's Court cases assigned, with adequate preparation before hearings and prompt preparation of appropriate orders after hearings - Pursue prompt and successful resolution of Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) and Permanent Guardianship (PG) cases - Pursue prompt and successful adjudication of abuse/neglect allegations against all named respondents, as well as timely ASFA mandated hearings - Maintain professional and courteous relationships with departmental personnel and other professionals involved in abuse/neglect cases - Be amenable and responsive to supervision by the Managing Attorney and adhere to statewide office policies and procedures
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
Experience Requirements: - Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law - Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license - Experience in providing senior level professional legal services for protective services cases - Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies relating to child welfare and protective services - Ability to represent the department in Children's Court cases with adequate preparation and prompt resolution - Familiarity with Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) and Permanent Guardianship (PG) cases - Ability to conduct research, analysis, and mediation for legal cases - Experience in administrative hearings and documentation related to abuse/neglect cases - Ability to maintain professional relationships and follow supervision
Organization: The Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of children and families in New Mexico. The department works to support families through difficult situations using community-based prevention and intervention programs. CYFD values dedicated, empathetic, and talented employees who are committed to keeping children and families safe and healthy.
Mission: The mission of CYFD is critical to improving the overall well-being of children in New Mexico and strengthening the future of the state. By providing legal services for protective services cases, the Children's Court Attorney plays a vital role in fulfilling this mission.
Benefits: The State of New Mexico offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options. In addition, we offer a generous paid time off package, paid holidays, and a retirement plan.
Apply now to join our team and make a difference in the lives of New Mexico's children and families!
