Posting Details
VISION: All New Mexico families and young children are thriving
MISSION: Optimize the health, development, education, and well-being of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers through a family-driven, equitable, community-based system of high-quality prenatal and early childhood programs and services.
The Early Childhood Education and Care Department was established on July 1, 2020. The Department's aim is to create a more cohesive, equitable, and effective early childhood system in New Mexico. That means coordinating a continuum of programs from prenatal to five and ensuring that families in every corner of the state can access the services they need.
Interviews will be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?
The Children's Cabinet Policy Specialist will support the Children's Cabinet Director in refining and implementing the Governor's prenatal to three (PN-3) agenda. This involves coordinating cross-agency efforts to address families' social, economic, and health needs to improve child outcomes and well-being in New Mexico. This position will enhance collaboration and data-driven initiatives across state agencies, ensuring all agencies work towards the Governor's PN-3 agenda goals. The specialist will assist agencies in pooling resources and budgets to maximize impact and achieve the goals of the PN-3 agenda.
How does it get done?
This position involves convening the Children's Cabinet to focus on the PN-3 policy agenda and developing a strategic plan with Key Performance Indicators. Responsibilities include planning agendas, facilitating meetings, and recording minutes with Children's Cabinet Leads. They will support the Director in identifying relevant legislation, budgeting, and engaging community partners, as well as connecting with constituents on PN-3 issues. This position includes developing reports and policy briefs, preparing legislative presentations, and reviewing agency budget requests related to PN-3, resulting in an annual report on priorities and progress. The role also involves working with Data Analysts from Cabinet Member Agencies to provide the necessary data for the Children's Cabinet Director to report on outcomes and establish benchmarks, which may include creating surveys or other data collection methods. Other duties include research, presentations, and report writing related to the grant.
Who are the customers?
Early Childhood Education and Care Department staff, New Mexico citizens, and other internal and external customers.
Ideal Candidate
Early Childhood Education and Care Department staff, New Mexico citizens, and other internal and external customers.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, and/or Family Studies/Services and four (4) years of any combination of experience including working with communities, working 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 eight (8) 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 with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending, and reaching may be required. Direct client interaction and some travel may be required.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Helen Quintana, (505) 660-6975. Email
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.