TITLE: ICWA SPECIALIST
REPORTS TO: TRIBAL FAMILY SERVICES DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT: TRIBAL FAMILY SERVICES
GRADE LEVEL: TBD
STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of the Tribal Family Services Director, provides case management and program support of a highly responsible and confidential nature to achieve the goals and objectives of the Tribal Family Services Department under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and state and federal guidelines.
Upholds the organization’s mission, and values as well as demonstrates an understanding of and compliance with organization’s policies and procedures.
Promotes the organization’s mission and vision and demonstrates integrity, professionalism, accountability, cooperation with and consideration of others.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Participates in Tribal, state and federal ICWA case proceedings, investigations, court hearings, reviews, conferences, and other proceedings representing and advocating the Native Village of Kotzebue’s (NVOK) position.
- Collaborates on case concerns and developments with Tribal Family Services Director.
- Participates in Team Decision Making Meetings (TDM) to articulate the NVOK’s position and problem-solve issues regarding placement, reunification, or parental non-compliance.
- Engages in the development and management of state parent and child case plans for Child in Need of Aid (CINA) to ensure member children are safe and in healthy environments; ensures case plan goals are realistic and achievable.
- Develops Tribal In-Home case plans as needed to prevent the breakup of tribal families and provide support services to help families alleviate barriers to keeping children safe.
- Assists, coordinates, and facilitates Tribal Council reviews, adoptions, or meetings.
- Maintains statistical information and assists in the preparation of program and other required reports as needed.
- Coordinates meetings, case reviews, court hearings, and internal scheduling needs.
- Maintains confidential client records per required file management standards.
- Creates and maintains a listing of foster homes and potential adoptive families to ensure ICWA compliance in placement of tribal children; assists prospective foster parents with completion of the State application and licensure processes.
- Conducts Diligent and Ongoing Relative Searches (DORS) to identify potential relative placements for tribal children in out-of-home care in compliance with the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 and applicable policies and procedures.
- Completes and maintains written documentation of all search efforts and contacts including data collection and reporting, with applicable database systems.
- Prepares all required intervention documentation for filing in state court; obtains and maintains case party information and serves parties as required; enters statistical information appropriately and initiates the notification process.
- Conducts home visits and supervision of families as needed; conducts safety evaluations of unlicensed relatives per established State of Alaska standards and policies.
- Assists tribal members in acquiring supportive services to ensure compliance with state or Tribal case plan requirements; makes referrals to pertinent services and resource programs; and conducts follow-up to ensure that services have been delivered in an appropriate and timely manner.
- Testifies as a qualified Indian expert witness in state court.
- Participates in regular meetings to ensure effective communications about program matters.
- Builds and fosters effective working relationships with others.
- Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSBILITY:
- None
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate’s degree in Social or Human Services or related field.
- Two (2) years of experience in a family/human services field.
- A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
- Ability to speak/understand Inupiaq preferred.
- Valid driver’s license is required.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation and drug test.
- Must successfully pass a criminal background check under the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C., 3301. Cannot have been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
- Traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
- Applicable federal and tribal laws, regulations, requirements, principles, and practices of child protective services, family services, rural human service programs, the OCS, BIA General Assistance, ICWA regulations, the Alaska court systems, and other agencies.
- Policies, functions, and responsibilities of the Native Village of Kotzebue and Alaskan Native culture, traditions, history, and needs.
- Modern office functions, procedures, and equipment.
- Case management.
Skill in:
- Preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational reports.
- Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
- Office software and industry-related applications.
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Effective interviewing, listening, and writing.
Ability to:
- Maintain confidentiality and privacy.
- Interpret applicable federal, state, tribal, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
- Make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
- Thrive in a team environment.
- Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
- Speak persuasively before groups.
- Interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds, including families and children of all ages.
- Make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
- Work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
- Uphold strong ethics and integrity.
- Remain in compliance with Tribal Drug Free Policy.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to move throughout the site. Employee may be exposed occasionally to high risk / potentially dangerous situations; and dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work is typical. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.
Native Preference will be given in recruiting and hiring, consistent with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, P.L. 93-638, as amended.
The Native Village of Kotzebue is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran protected status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
