Family Peer Support Navigator (OFRA #10116942+)

Posting Details

The Office of Family Representation and Advocacy (OFRA) provides high quality legal representation and advocacy for New Mexico families in the child abuse and neglect system.

This 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 Family Peer Support Navigator (FPSN) plays a crucial role in supporting families involved in the child and family welfare system by connecting them with essential services, advocating for their needs, and guiding them through the legal and case management process. This position focuses on providing case management and peer support by helping families understand and navigate court-ordered case plans, coordinating services, and ensuring access to necessary resources. Additionally, the navigator serves as an advocate and mentor, supporting parents in meetings, court hearings, and service provider visits while offering emotional support and empowerment.

How does it get done?

Duties for this position include:

-Maintaining a caseload and provide support via phone, email, text, and in-person meetings.
-Assisting clients in understanding case plans, court-ordered requirements, and available services.
-Ensuring scheduling needs are met and facilitate access to necessary resources.
-Supporting and accompanying clients to court hearings, legal meetings, and service provider visits.
-Promoting family time (visitation) in natural settings and encouraging client engagement.
-Providing emotional support, mentorship, and coaching while maintaining professional boundaries.
-Working closely with legal teams to align support services with client needs.
-Maintaining accurate case notes and updating client records in the case management systems.
-Reviewing reports and assessments from CYFD and other service providers.

Who are the customers?

New Mexico children, youth, eligible young adults, indigent parents, and other legal parties who are subject or at risk of being the subject of proceedings designated by OFRA, as defined by statute.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have:

-Personal/lived experience with the child and family welfare system and/or other systems including but not limited to the criminal justice system, disability services system, behavioral health system, educational system, etc.
-Working knowledge of the foster care system and/or other social services.
-Experience with community outreach and engagement.
-Knowledge of community resources
-A deep passion for working with underserved and marginalized populations.
-Understanding of the impact of personal biases and how to overcome them in the workplace, both personally and systemically.
-Empathetic and compassionate, with a strong work ethic and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
-Ability to work well as a team and respectfully with diverse perspectives.

Minimum Qualification

High School diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience as a social work assistant and/or in social or community coordination, working with communities, working on health or social service related matters, social work/case management experience, and/or behavioral health care. 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.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. Must possess a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Office setting with extensive use of personal computer, telephone, fax, copier and other related office equipment that involves sitting, standing, bending, reaching, etc. to include lifting up to 30 pounds.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Stacie.Ortiz@ofra.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 : $45,680 - $68,520