Case Worker

Sac and Fox Tribe of Iowa•Tama, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position performs overall case management functions for Meskwaki Child Support Services (MNCSS). The Case Worker will gain excellent knowledge of federal child support rules and laws, and learn and follow the MNCSS Policy & Procedure Manual, relevant Meskwaki Nation laws, and relevant federal and state regulations. The role involves reviewing and processing applications for Child Support services, responding to inquiries, and conducting interviews. The Case Worker has primary responsibility for MNCSS Tribal cases and must be able to arrange for genetic testing for paternity establishment. They will review child support cases, take appropriate action, and utilize collection actions to minimize family conflict. Consultation with the Case Management Supervisor is required for referrals to the Meskwaki Elders Circle for counseling and mediation. The position also involves preparing paperwork for various child support actions, including locate activities, service of process, genetic testing, court hearings, establishment, enforcement, and modification of orders. The Case Worker will review debt obligations with the Financial Specialist, inform the Financial Specialist of new or modified orders, and assist the Staff Attorney by preparing files and requesting payment history reports. Close work with Tribal Court Staff is necessary for scheduling cases, and attendance at child support hearings may be required, potentially as a witness. Notification of parties regarding court hearing changes is also a responsibility. The role demands strict adherence to confidentiality agreements and meticulous maintenance of child support files, including automated records. Cooperation with the MNCSS Financial Specialist for collection notices and maintaining positive working relationships with other tribal programs, employers, and state TANF/FIP counterparts are essential. Effective communication with other jurisdictions on intergovernmental cases and with other Tribes, States, and County Child Support staff on transferred cases is required. The Case Worker will provide community outreach and educational awareness regarding MNCSS services and attend relevant trainings. Excellent customer service skills, tact, diplomacy, and flexibility are necessary when dealing with diverse clients and stressful situations. A strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail are important. The Case Worker will assist the MNCSS Director with reports and maintain high ethical standards, adhering to strict confidentiality. Performs other duties as needed or assigned.

Requirements

BA/BS in Liberal Arts with 2 years' experience in human service or child support field.
Experience with Tribal or District Court systems.
Must be or able to obtain Notary in the State of Iowa.
Must be bondable.
Must be able to efficiently operate office equipment, including a computer workstation, computer software, 10-key adding machine, copy and fax machines, printers and telephones.
Must have a working practice of Microsoft Office applications.
Must be able to record information accurately and efficiently, maintain computerized records.
Must possess excellent customer service skills with the general public, including maintaining tact, diplomacy and flexibility when dealing with different personality of clients who call or appear in person at MNCSS, stressful situations and potentially hostile people.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Possess strong work ethic and organizational skills with special attention to detail.
Travel as required, local, regional and national for conferences, meetings, and trainings.
Must possess a valid Driver's License and have a good driving record.
Pre-employment drug testing is mandatory for all Meskwaki Nation positions.
Must submit to and successfully pass a background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Experience working the Meskwaki Indian children or families.
Native American Preference, knowledge of Meskwaki culture and tradition.

Responsibilities

Perform overall case management functions for MNCSS.
Maintain a professional environment in the MNCSS office.
Gain excellent knowledge of federal child support rules and laws.
Learn and follow the MNCSS Policy & Procedure Manual, relevant Meskwaki Nation laws, and relevant federal and state regulations.
Review and process all applications for Child Support services.
Respond courteously and in a timely manner to inquiries.
Conduct in-office and telephone interviews with custodial and non-custodial parents.
Arrange for buccal swabs for genetic testing when indicated for paternity establishment.
Review child support cases and take the next appropriate action in a timely manner.
Identify and utilize all collection actions on cases with the goal of minimizing family conflict.
Consult with the Case Management Supervisor to refer cases to Meskwaki Elders Circle for counseling and mediation.
Prepare necessary paperwork for locate activities, service of process, genetic testing and paternity actions, court hearings, establishment of child support orders, enforcement of child support orders, modification of child support orders, and recognition of orders from foreign jurisdictions.
Review current and past due debt obligations with the assistance of MNCSS Financial Specialist.
Inform the Financial Specialist about new or modified child support orders.
Assist the Staff Attorney by preparing files for court and requesting current payment history reports.
Work closely with the Tribal Court Staff to schedule child support court cases.
Attend child support hearings at the Tribal Court when requested; may be required to appear as a witness.
Notify all parties concerned regarding continuances, cancellations and rescheduling of court hearings.
Ensure strict adherence to MNCSS, federal and state confidentiality agreements.
Meticulously maintain child support files by keeping clear records of actions, conversations, and correspondence; effective maintenance of automated records may also be required.
Cooperate with the MNCSS Financial Specialist to provide child support collection notices when requested.
Maintain a positive working relationship with other tribal programs and local and regional employers.
Work with State TANF/FIP counterparts to provide status updates whenever requested.
Cooperate and effectively communicate with the Child Support and court staff of other jurisdictions on intergovernmental child support cases.
Refer cases to other Child Support programs when necessary using the approved federal transmittal forms.
Work closely with other Tribes, States and County Child Support staff on cases that have been transferred to MNCSS.
Provide community outreach and educational awareness to the Meskwaki community regarding MNCSS and the services it offers.
Attend trainings that pertain to child support case management.
Possess excellent customer service skills with the general public.
Maintain tact, diplomacy, and flexibility when dealing with different personality of clients, stressful situations and potential hostile people.
Possess strong work ethic and organizational skills with special attention to detail.
Assist MNCSS Director in the preparation of narrative and statistical reports.
Maintain high ethical standards for himself/herself and MNCSS by adhering to strict confidentiality standards.
Comply with the law of the Tribe and, at all times, act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of MNCSS.
Perform other duties as needed or assigned by the immediate supervisor.