Child and Family Services Trainee

Winnebago Tribe•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 in-service, classroom, and field training. The position prepares new caseworkers to serve children and families through competency development and close review and monitoring. Advancement to the next classification requires successful completion of mandated training, reviews, and supervisor assessments. The trainee learns to provide counseling and case management to children and families residing on the Winnebago reservation and/or under Winnebago Tribal Court jurisdiction. The role is based at the Human Services office in Winnebago, Nebraska. It is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position with a stated salary of $22.74 per hour. A 90-day probationary period may be extended until the employee can complete all aspects of the job. The position requires flexible hours, work-related travel when needed, and rotating 24-hour on-call coverage. The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska describes its mission as maintaining, improving, and protecting the Tribe; preserving its resources and cultural heritage; creating opportunities for members to thrive and become economically and socially self-sufficient; and promoting traditional values and beliefs for future generations. Qualified Native American applicants receive preference as provided by federal law.

Requirements

A 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.
Education may be substituted by equivalent full-time professional work experience at one year of experience for each year of required education, to a maximum substitution of four years.
Knowledge of principles and practices of social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health, education, criminal justice, or a related applied social or behavioral science field.
Willingness to learn about Winnebago culture and traditions; knowledge of them is highly desirable.
One year of experience working with Native Americans is preferred.
Must be timely, dependable, courteous, and maintain a business-like appearance.
Must communicate effectively in electronic, written, and in-person exchanges of case information and assessments with coworkers, customers, supervisors, and staff.
Must work effectively with community service providers, law enforcement, courts and legal systems, families, and advocates.
Must organize and maintain case records and manage time and workflow to meet deadlines.
Must treat people with dignity and respect regardless of behavior, exhibit fairness, and adapt to new or changing circumstances.
Must have keyboarding skills, be computer literate, and be proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Must have interviewing skills to collect essential information and assess customer needs and progress.
Must be able to learn and apply direct case-management principles, including assessment, analysis of critical information, and planning, establishing, and implementing individual case plans.
Must be able to learn the importance of commitment to individuals and families, their ability to have normal life experiences consistent with age, gender, culture, and community, and the value of their right and ability to make decisions.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain valid insurance, and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
Must be of good moral character.
Must pass a federal background check and submit to pre-employment drug testing.
Must read, write, and speak English fluently and effectively use professional verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with Native Americans.
Knowledge of Winnebago culture and traditions.
Knowledge of direct case management principles and processes, 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; willingness to learn is required.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
Attend required classroom and field training, including successful completion of the 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 under close review and monitoring from the CFS Supervisor.
Attend assigned training and acquire 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.
Learn 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.
Be on call for 24 hours on a rotating basis.
Complete other duties assigned to support efficient and effective program operations.
Attend required company and departmental meetings.
Complete training assigned by the supervisor and engage in an employee development plan.