Case Worker - ICW

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE•DuPont, WA

7d•$34 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

Provides and coordinates the necessary services to help prevent the breakup of Native families. Ensures the efficient and effective delivery of Indian Child Welfare (ICW) program services by coordinating and participating in culturally relevant child and family welfare services with Cowlitz Tribal families, legal department, state courts, and state department social service specialists on behalf of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. The ICW Case Worker maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Adheres to confidentiality and grant contract requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required.
Three years of direct experience with children and families involved in the child welfare system.
A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
Working knowledge of the judicial system of state and tribal courts and the Indian Child Welfare Act.
Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation.
Pre-employment drug screen.
Reference checks, education and employment verification.
Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
Has not 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.
FamLink Child Abuse and Neglect check to ensure no history of findings.

Nice To Haves

A combination of post high school education and experience working as an Indian Child Welfare worker may be used to meet the education and experience requirements.
Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions.
All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Responsibilities

Provides child and family welfare services to Tribal members that have come to the attention of CPS.
Monitors cases to ensure the implementation of culturally relevant services to families; manages case progress towards the goal of family reunification.
Remains in regular contact with state worker regarding cases; reviews court reports; provides update to CIT legal; attend court hearings.
Ensures state case workers are adhering to Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) requirements and all efforts intended to maintain or reunite a child with his/her family.
Coordinates with Enrollment Department to determine eligibility of child(ren) for the purposes of ICWA; documents eligibility decision in all files.
Ensures compliance with Tribal ICW policies and procedures.
Works closely with Cowlitz Legal Department on all case related information for legal ICWA cases
Provides updates to legal department on states compliance with ICWA prior to all court dates.
Participates in recruitment and retention of tribal foster homes; helps facilitate and engage in relative search for Cowlitz placement preferences as needed.
Engages families with CIT services and resources or other culturally relevant services as needed.
Provides resources and information to state case worker regarding tribal or culturally relevant services for families; develops and maintains working relationships with HHS and CIT departments and external social services agencies.
Develops and maintains staffing and related documents for ICW Committee; participates in regular and emergent staffing.
Maintains accurate database and case documentation of all services, contacts, referrals, and court compliance reports for each case in a timely manner.
Adheres to Cowlitz Indian Tribe Placement Preferences per tribal resolution; attends all meetings facilitated by the state for Cowlitz cases.
Facilitates Positive Indian Parenting classes for tribal community as needed.
Provides prevention related services for cases not in a dependency to Cowlitz families when needed.
Maintains confidentiality of child(ren) and family.
Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.