NM Social Work [Workforce] Consortium
Present: P. West-Okiri, J. Harrison, J. Corley, K. Ellis, E. Costilla, K. Knox, J. Torres-Groover, J. Baca, C. Carmony, A. Vilas, C. Tollett, L. Howard, A. Sallee, Rep. E. Chavez, J. Panhorst, T. Arguello, M. Moyer
Call to Order – 9:05
Approval of Minutes – Corley/Chavez
Approval of Agenda – Chavez/Tollett + Knox
Treasurer’s Report
Jerry Harrison on behalf of Mary Nienow
No change from the prior report. Spent approximately $26k but have pending invoices from PKB Consulting. PKB Consulting is anticipating a final invoice. The Consortium cannot afford to retain PKB Consulting for the legislative session. Alvin can assist with legislative presence if needed
Committees
- Capacity building – Kim Knox
We did not meet last week; we are scheduled to meet today. The primary update is that Sec Nair is scheduled to meet with the Committee Jan 8. The goal is to determine how the Consortium can support and interface with Sec. Nair’s work in Workforce development. - Licensing -Mary Nienow
Board of SOWK presentation was last week, will continue to maintain this connection. Mary is in SF for the session and will continue to monitor licensure issues from there. - Professional isolation and advocacy – Carolyn Tollett
No report. This committee is not very active and receives low participation. Despite forming this committee based on professional survey issues from the field, this committee has struggled to gain traction. How do we make, build, and maintain connections as social workers in the state, especially in the absence of NASW in that setting. If you are interested in this area, connecting with others. Please consider contacting Carolyn if you are interested. The committee is seeking some guidance as to the directive of the committee now that the website will soon be launching. Janelle S. Torres-Groover is interested in joining this committee.
Executive Committee Report – Patti West-Okiri
- Member-at-Large
Last meeting we called for nominations for a new position, specifically from the field, to gain voice from the practice community.
Ali Silas from Future Focused Education was nominated by a member. She has been contacted and confirmed interest and ability to participate. (8)
Kaity Ellis has self-nominated based on her direct practice work. (5) - Live poll sent out in the meeting to participants
- Ali was selected by vote.
- Social Work Board Presentation Update
It went so well! Pamela was invaluable in her support and preparation of the meeting. She brought ideas into a cohesive presentation, and it was well received. The Board took in all points and allowed time for extended conversation. Practice challenges were discussed related to
the title protection act (renaming of social work practice to avoid hiring social workers)
the barriers and challenges associated with locating clinical supervisors and obtaining hours – to include the list and the regular revising of it. The Board has agreed to explore revisiting the clinical supervision/licensure process! The issues related to the usefulness and currency of the list were openly discussed and will be followed up on
the commoditization of supervsion was also discussed as an unintended consequence of requiring a certified supervisor provide clinical supervision
We talked as how we see our role as complementary, not a conflict of their work. We have agreed to present practice issues as we encounter them in our work and have been invited to present at least bi-annually, if not quarterly.
Legislative, Policy, Regulatory Updates
Rep. Chavez
- The bill for a Commission over CYFD is in draft now; she is awaiting the final version. This bill would replace the politically appointed structure with a 3-member commission who would interview and hire the Sec; child welfare experience will be required. If it clears both chambers, it will go to votes in 2026. This position will encompass JJS as well as CPS – there is a bill to separate these two entities, but Rep. Chavez is not in favor of this. This Commission would also have some oversight over the Secretary. The three members would be appointed by the Administrative Office of the Court and a process that mirrors how other commissions have been formed.
- The other bill of interest is the Social Work Compact Act.
- Are we interested in taking a position on either of these bills?
Motion to support the Commission Bill: Sallee, Moyer (2nd) – live poll held in the meeting and passed unanimously. The Consortium will support this bill, officially.
Motion to table consideration of the Compact – requesting a report from Mary Nienow. This leaves us neutral on this at this time until we are able to revisit at the January visit. Can the licensure committee visit on the pros and cons of the compact that was drafted to be shared with the Consortium to review. Moyer will send out this list for the Consortium to view before the meeting once it is received.
- Are we interested in taking a position on either of these bills?
- There has been a lot of conversation around CYFD not hiring social workers. Last week the CYFD Sec and Brenda Donald approached Rep Chavez about recruiting social workers – there is a meeting set. Jerry and Alvin will be attending as well for their experience of growing the social work workforce under the consent decree in the past. Any ideas for recruitment are welcome, please email Rep. Chavez.
Two ideas for recruitment of social workers @ CYFD – differential pay for licensed social workers (vs. non-social workers), incentives/support to encourage becoming a social worker (college scholarships, release time, etc.)
A concern impacting recruitment shared was the culture and values of the agency falling out of alignment with Social Work practice values. Leadership that demonstrated ability to create a cultural shift and build excitement to create positive change could really impact social work recruitment. - A conversation on the legislative focus question was raised – do we have a narrow focus or much broader? The primary purpose is on bills that impact our workforce, but we are welcome to talk advocacy on all bills that can impact our practice as a matter of connection and action as a profession. If we elect to support a bill and are asked to speak on behalf of the consortium, so long as this is done with respect to the consensus of the group. Ideally, the member will notify the Exec Committee prior to their comment as well as the planned content. Members are welcome to contact the Exec Committee (emails in the group): Patti-West-Okiri (Chair), Eleanor Chavez, Carolyn Tollett, Kim Knox, Melissa Moyer, Mary Nienow, Ali Silas
- Access to services concerns: Gender-affirming care for minors is under scrutiny related to Medicaid services. Is there a conversation on this now? Rep. Chavez is unaware of this but would like to have a conversation on this as to impact on New Mexicans. She is aware Medicaid access to legal immigrants will no longer be able to access services.
- A bill related to involuntary commitment is out there to watch is one redefining harm to self or others which can negatively impact practice – this is on the Governor’s agenda, just an FYI. Panhorst will look into this as well as EQNM’s meeting this evening.
Consultant’s Report
Pamela Blackwell (unable to attend this meeting)
Website presentation provided by Jamii Corley
Available to view: https://nmswc.org
Please do not share outside of the Consortium until a final version is confirmed.
Practice Community Input
- There are several bills Kaity Ellis is watching closely to protect IDEA and can provide updates in future meetings but they are making great headway!
- Please see above comments in the legislative section for additional bills raised by providers
Announcements
- Enjoy the holiday season! Take this time to fill your cup
- The Center for Excellence is organizing SANA!
Registration for SANA Day at the Legislature on Feb. 6, 2026: https://bit.ly/SANAday2026
New Members and emails for listserv addition – no additions this month – move this to the top for collection and introductions
Adjourned @ 10:31 – Corley/Moyer
Upcoming meeting: January 15th – 9-10:30 am via zoom
Dr. Melissa Moyer, LCSW