Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are the mandatory, non-negotiable requirements that every applicant must meet as outlined in the Office of the Child Advocate Act:

• Professional Experience: At least five (5) years of documented professional experience in child protective or juvenile justice services, AND
• Licensure: Must be licensed and in good standing as an attorney, a psychologist, or a social worker.

Professional Experience and Skills

Beyond the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate’s application should demonstrate experience and skills that align directly with the duties of the office in accordance with the Office of the Child Advocate Act).

• Investigative Skills:
  • Experience conducting complex investigations, particularly using trauma-informed techniques.
  • Ability to review the Children, Youth and Families Department’s provision of services to children and families.
  • Experience in investigating and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of a child in custody receiving services under the supervision of the Department, subject to a referral to the Department or whose parent, guardian or custodian is under investigation by the Department.
  • Ability to communicate and update complainants about the status and final outcomes of investigations.
• Policy Analysis and Advocacy: The ability to analyze federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to child welfare and recommend necessary systemic changes for improvement.
• Communication & Reporting: Strong skills in compiling comprehensive data-driven reports and presenting findings and high-level recommendations to stakeholders, including the governor and legislative committees.
• Executive Leadership & Management: The capability to hire, train, and oversee the staff and operations of the office, including department budget.

Knowledge Base

Applicants should demonstrate a deep understanding of the specific legal and cultural landscape of child welfare in New Mexico.

• Legal Framework: Familiarity with the New Mexico Children’s Code and its purpose 32A-1-3, New Mexico Children’s Court Rules, the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 and New Mexico’s Indian Family Protection Act.
• Cultural Competency: Knowledge of New Mexico and its diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial background, including:
  • Tribes, Pueblos, and Sovereign Nations,
  • Individuals experiencing physical and intellectual disabilities,
  • Individuals experiencing mental illness,
  • Socioeconomic diversity, and
  • Rural and urban diversity.
• Departmental Procedures: Familiarity with the policies, rules, regulations and procedures of child-serving agencies, especially those related to abuse, neglect, and out-of-home placement.

Conflict of Interest Screening

The act establishes strict disqualifying factors to ensure the advocate’s independence. The Office of Child Advocate, when employed, must have no conflicts of interest, which include:

• Having an ownership stake or management role in a facility or provider that delivers services to children and families.
• Being directly involved in the licensing or certification of such a provider.
• Receiving any form of payment or compensation from a provider that delivers services to children and families.

Benefits

Competitive pay, commiserate with experience. The recommended salary range for this position by the Child Advocate Selection Committee is $150,000 to $200,000, subject to approval by the Governor of New Mexico. State employee benefits package is included with the position.