Child and Family Services Trainee

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska•Winnebago, NE

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Child and Family Services Trainee is an entry-level learner position in the Child and Family Services Specialist series. Under the immediate supervision of the Child and Family Services Lead Caseworker, the trainee learns to assess and support the safety, permanency, and well-being of children, youth, and vulnerable adults while completing required classroom, field, and on-the-job training. Training prepares new caseworkers to serve Child and Family Services customers and develop competencies needed for effective performance. After successfully completing mandated training, reviews, and assessments, the employee is expected to progress to the CFS Caseworker position. The trainee learns to provide counseling and case management services to children and families residing on the Winnebago reservation and/or under the jurisdiction of the Winnebago Tribal Court. The role includes learning case planning, court procedures, family services coordination, referrals, home visits, placement monitoring, recordkeeping, and client confidentiality. The position reports to the Child and Family Services Lead Caseworker and is based at the Human Services office at 218 Industrial Road, Winnebago, Nebraska. It is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position paying $22.74 (Grade G15-E). A 90-day probationary period may be extended until the employee can complete all aspects of the job.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or a related field with one year of experience providing direct services to children and families is preferred; alternatively, an Associate’s degree and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is accepted. Up to four years of required education may be substituted at one year of full-time professional work experience per year of education.
Knowledge of principles and practices in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health, education, criminal justice, or a related applied social or behavioral science field.
Willingness to learn Winnebago culture and traditions; knowledge of them is highly desirable.
Timely, dependable, courteous, and able to maintain a business-like appearance.
Able to use and understand electronic, written, and in-person communication to exchange case information and assessments.
Able to work effectively with community service providers, law enforcement, courts and legal systems, families, and advocates.
Able to organize and maintain case records and manage time and workflow to meet deadlines.
Able to treat people with dignity and respect regardless of behavior, exhibit fairness, and adapt to new or changing circumstances.
Keyboarding skills, computer literacy, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Interviewing skills to collect essential information and assess customer needs and progress.
Ability to learn and apply direct case-management principles, including assessment, analysis of critical information, and planning and implementing individual case plans.
Ability to learn the importance of supporting individuals’ and families’ normal life experiences consistent with age, gender, culture, and community, and respecting their right and ability to make decisions.
Valid driver’s license, valid insurance, and insurability under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
Good moral character; must pass a federal background check and pre-employment drug testing.
Fluent English reading, writing, and speaking ability, with professional verbal and written communication skills.
Must complete training assigned by the supervisor and engage in an employee development plan.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with Native Americans.
Knowledge of Winnebago culture and traditions.
Knowledge of direct case-management principles and practices, family-life issues and dynamics, and community services.
Knowledge of child, adolescent, and adult behavior, juvenile delinquent behavior, and vulnerable adult issues.
Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act, BIA Guidelines, State ICWA laws, and federal, state, and tribal laws concerning abuse and neglect and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
Attend required classroom and field training, including successful completion of State of Nebraska New Worker Training.
Participate in training modules to develop interpersonal skills and knowledge of children, vulnerable adults, families, courts, case planning, and community resources.
Develop case-management skills through on-the-job training, with close review and monitoring by the CFS Supervisor.
Attend assigned training to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for continued employment and advancement in the CFS Specialist class.
Learn to develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans and court reports.
Develop skills to authorize, coordinate, and provide family services.
Develop knowledge to make referrals and secure specialized services for children, adults, and families.
Develop skills to conduct home visits, monitor placements, and document activities.
Provide transportation to clients when necessary.
Work flexible hours and travel when required for work or training.
Attend work regularly and promptly and fulfill assigned duties.
Assist caseworkers with crisis intervention and emergency removals.
Enter assigned NFOCUS computer narratives.
Protect client confidentiality.
Serve on a rotating 24-hour on-call basis.
Complete other duties as assigned to support efficient and effective program operations.
Attend required company and departmental meetings.