Posting Details

Join the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department and become part of a passionate team empowering Nations, Pueblos and Tribes and Native American citizens through policy innovation, funding opportunities, and community-driven collaboration. As a cabinet-level agency, we don¿t just work for change¿we lead it, advancing vital programs like behavioral health, Indigenous youth councils, environmental justice, and the new Turquoise Alert system prioritizing the safety of Native communities. Come support tribal access and transform lives¿this is where your energy meets purpose.

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?

This position leads the Department's behavioral health and suicide prevention priorities by providing program leadership, fostering intergovernmental collaboration, and engaging communities. The Specialist designs, implements, and evaluates strategies that increase access to culturally responsive behavioral health services, strengthen tribal capacity, and enhance prevention efforts in partnership with Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes (NPTs).

Serving as the Secretary's representative in statewide behavioral health governance, the Specialist co-chairs the Native American Subcommittee of the Behavioral Health Planning Council (BHPC) and plays a key role in shaping policy, guiding funding strategies, and advancing culturally competent service delivery across systems.
How does it get done?

The Program Services Division provides technical assistance, conducts outreach, facilitates communication between tribal governments and other agencies to ensure funding opportunities are administered, and resources are provided. This is achieved through direct collaboration with Nations, Pueblos and Tribes of NM, State agencies and key stakeholders.

This position is responsible for:

• Represent the Secretary as the agency's proxy on the BHPC's Native American Subcommittee (NASC), co-chairing the NASC and actively participating in statewide behavioral health planning efforts.
• Plan, develop, and implement program procedures that ensure efficient delivery of targeted, measurable services and outcomes.
• Direct logistical activities that promote the success of behavioral health and suicide prevention programs.
• Prepare and manage grants, grant proposals, and other funding-related requests.
• Update and maintain program operating manuals, guidelines, and policies.
• Partner with NPTs to build and sustain capacity for behavioral health and suicide prevention initiatives.
• Ensure expanded outreach, engagement, and collaboration with NPTs to address community needs and priorities.

Who are the customers?

This role serves NPTs across New Mexico by strengthening access, resources and funding opportunities to culturally responsive behavioral health services and suicide prevention resources. The work benefits Native citizens and NPTs through technical assistance, funding opportunities, and program development.
Ideal Candidate

This role serves NPTs across New Mexico by strengthening access, resources and funding opportunities to culturally responsive behavioral health services and suicide prevention resources. The work benefits Native citizens and NPTs through technical assistance, funding opportunities, and program development.
Minimum Qualification

Associate's Degree and three (3) years of experience in program administration or project management in areas related to the purpose of the position. Any combination of education and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling five (5) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and 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 within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
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. This position requires minimal in-state travel to engage with partners and communities for meetings, outreach, and program activities.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Karmela Martinez, (505) 469-7057, 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.