What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Secretary (CYFD/PSD #10109602) position at State of New Mexico?
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.
Why does the job exist?
The Legal Secretary position exists to provide support and assistance to the Children's Court Attorneys through performing secretarial legal work.
How does it get done?
Legal and Document Support:
Prepare and file all initial pleadings on new cases (prepare all initial pleadings, file the case with court, get parties served (includes communication with Sheriff's Office for service, etc.).
Prepare and file all ICWA legal pleadings (Initial Notice, Tribe Responses, Green Cards, etc.).
Prepare and file Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) Motion and all supporting documents.
Prepare and file all Witness Lists and Certificates of Disclosure.
Maintain physical and electronic files, with copies of all legal documents, work product, disclosure, etc.
Attorney Support and Coordination:
Track all timelines (initial filing, Temporary Custody Hearing, Adjudication/Disposition, etc. through Discharge and Dismissal of case).
Schedule all mediations (notice to court and circulate to all parties, file/circulate all reports of mediation).
Subpoenas to all witnesses for all trials, including CYFD witnesses.
Disclosure of all evidence to counsel prior to trials and make sure to get what is needed from program.
Changes of Placement (know timelines to file each type of COP notice (emergency, advance, runaway, non-runaway, waiver of advance notice and file timely).
Correspond and communicate with Court and Counsel.
Communicate with program/client.
Minimum Qualification
High School diploma or equivalent and six (6) months of directly related clerical, secretarial, and/or office administration experience utilizing legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) months may substitute for the required experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess a current and valid Driver's License. Pre-employment background investigation is required and conditional pending results.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting: late hours and weekends work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Incumbent will cover large geographic area, therefore, extensive travel is 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: Dominic LaFayette, (505) 795-5320. 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.
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.
- 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 and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
Why does the job exist?
The Legal Secretary position exists to provide support and assistance to the Children's Court Attorneys through performing secretarial legal work.
How does it get done?
Legal and Document Support:
Prepare and file all initial pleadings on new cases (prepare all initial pleadings, file the case with court, get parties served (includes communication with Sheriff's Office for service, etc.).
Prepare and file all ICWA legal pleadings (Initial Notice, Tribe Responses, Green Cards, etc.).
Prepare and file Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) Motion and all supporting documents.
Prepare and file all Witness Lists and Certificates of Disclosure.
Maintain physical and electronic files, with copies of all legal documents, work product, disclosure, etc.
Attorney Support and Coordination:
Track all timelines (initial filing, Temporary Custody Hearing, Adjudication/Disposition, etc. through Discharge and Dismissal of case).
Schedule all mediations (notice to court and circulate to all parties, file/circulate all reports of mediation).
Subpoenas to all witnesses for all trials, including CYFD witnesses.
Disclosure of all evidence to counsel prior to trials and make sure to get what is needed from program.
Changes of Placement (know timelines to file each type of COP notice (emergency, advance, runaway, non-runaway, waiver of advance notice and file timely).
Correspond and communicate with Court and Counsel.
Communicate with program/client.
Minimum Qualification
High School diploma or equivalent and six (6) months of directly related clerical, secretarial, and/or office administration experience utilizing legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) months may substitute for the required experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess a current and valid Driver's License. Pre-employment background investigation is required and conditional pending results.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting: late hours and weekends work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Incumbent will cover large geographic area, therefore, extensive travel is 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: Dominic LaFayette, (505) 795-5320. 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.