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.

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT 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 and YEAR)

AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES

• Why does the job exist? This position will provide essential legal, procedural, and analytical support to the Office of General Counsel by performing substantive legal tasks, conducting structured research, and managing complex case materials as authorized by law. This role ensures that attorneys have comprehensive, well¿organized, and accurate information needed to prepare for hearings, trials, adjudications, and other legal actions. Paralegals analyze facts, identify applicable laws, organize case files, prepare exhibits, maintain litigation calendars, and develop written materials that attorneys rely on when determining legal strategy and case direction. How does it get done? Advanced drafting of legal documents and pleadings Independently prepares complex legal documents and pleadings¿including orders, motions, responses, subpoenas, trial briefs, witness lists, and case¿related filings¿in high¿stakes child abuse and neglect proceedings subject to strict state statutory and federal regulatory requirements. Ensures all documents are factually accurate, procedurally compliant, and ready for attorney review, contributing directly to the preparation of cases involving federally protected rights under the Indian Child Welfare Act. High¿level trial preparation and information gathering Leads trial preparation activities by conducting structured interviews with program staff and witnesses, coordinating disclosures, and securing essential records such as medical, school, investigative, and expert documentation.. Synthesizes complex factual information and organizes it into usable formats that support attorneys in developing litigation strategies and case theory.. Preparation and management of hearing and trial materials Develops, organizes, and maintains exhibit sets and documentary evidence for hearings and trials, ensuring all materials comply with statutory and regulatory standards for admissibility.. Prepares exhibit indices, summaries, and supporting documents to streamline attorney use during proceedings.. Oversight of legal file systems and case¿tracking processes Provides direction and oversight for file management systems supporting attorneys with high¿volume caseloads, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance in case¿tracking practices.. Implements improvements that enhance accessibility, organization, and reliability of litigation files for agency legal staff statewide.. Development of workflow systems and reporting processes Designs and refines workflow procedures, reporting tools, and documentation standards to support efficient legal operations.. Establishes clear processes that improve coordination, reduce delays, and ensure timely movement of cases through the legal system.. Advanced legal research and recommendations Conducts comprehensive legal research, including statutes, regulations, case law, agency policies, and procedural requirements, to support attorney decision¿making in complex and sensitive child welfare cases.. Provides well¿reasoned summaries and recommended courses of action based on research findings, helping attorneys evaluate legal options and strategies.. Minimum Qualification Associate degree in Paralegal Studies and four (4) years of work experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research, and maintaining a case management/tracking system. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) 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. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Supplemental Information Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information:

William Casell, william.

Cassel@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.