Tribal Affairs Director (CYFD/OTA #26212)

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.

INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY TO THIS POSITION.  THERE WILL BE A HIRING PREFERENCE FOR ENROLLED MEMBERS OF FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM UALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION. 

THE INCUMBENT IN THIS POSITION MAY BE HOUSED IN ANY CYFD OFFICE THROUGHOUT THE STATE, HOWEVER, PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE IN ALBUQUERQUE OR SANTA FE.


THIS POSTING MAY BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANTS LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

*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?

This position exists to provide supervision and oversight to the Office of Tribal Affairs, supporting the mission and vision of CYFD in adherence to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Indian Family Protection Act (IFPA). The Office of Tribal Affairs works closely with the Nations, Pueblos, Tribes to ensure the federal requirements of the ICWA, IFPA, and other laws governing child welfare, are complied with.

How does it get done?

Assume a leadership role in the implementation of the State-Tribal Collaboration Act, specifically: (35%)

Develop and ensure the implementation of the policy contained in the New Mexico State-Tribal Collaboration Act.

Represent CYFD to maintain ongoing communication between CYFD and Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos.

Ensure that training is provided to CYFD staff as set forth in the New Mexico State-Tribal Collaboration Act, including providing and facilitating additional training.

Provide leadership and promote effective communication, collaboration and partnerships between CYFD and Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos, specifically: (20%)

Lead positive government-to-government relations between the State and Indian nations, tribes and pueblos.

Promote cultural humility in providing effective services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Establish and maintain a method of notifying CYFD employees of the provisions of the State-Tribal Collaboration Act (11-18-1 NMSA 1978).

Assist, plan, prepare for the State legislative Session; During the legislative session provide strategies and changes impacting the delivery of services. When requested and needed represents CYFD and Cabinet Secretary at State, regional and national meetings on issues that impact Statetribal relations. (10%)

Provide leadership for the development, direction, and implementation of the Native American Liaison Program for the State of New Mexico; including leading and directing teams within CYFD and other state agencies to facilitate cross-collaborative initiatives within tribes and Indian organizations. (15%)

Provide oversight on the collection and analyzing of data related to Native American families involved with CYFD, specifically: (10%)

Leads collaboration with CYFD and other state agencies to collect accurate data about Native American children and families.

Develops and maintains policies to reduce disproportionate allocation of services to populations of Native American children in detention and foster care settings to improve the systems that serve Native American families.

Serve as CYFD's contact for policy issues concerning the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Comprehensive Family Assessment (CFA). (5%)

Lead and Implement Kevin S. Requirements, tracking, reporting services for CYFD: (5%)

Work Closely with Kevin S. Team

Develop Strategies

Implement & Change Systems

Ideal Candidate

Indian preference will apply to this position. There will be a hiring preference for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes who meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Skilled in the following areas:

Experience with the New Mexico State - Tribal Collaboration Act, Indian Nations, Tribes and Pueblos.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

Excellent organizational skills;

A passion for public service.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university and eight (8) years of professional level experience with a tactical impact directly related to the purpose of the position defined by the agency at the time of recruitment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling twelve (12) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment. 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.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Joanne Leamer Fisher, :Joanne.Leamer2@cyfd.nm.gov, 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.

Salary : $93,552 - $149,683