Child Protection Specialist

OSAGE NATION

About The Position

This Social Worker is responsible for investigating child welfare intakes for the Osage Nation Social Services office; they shall handle information requests, reports of child maltreatment, referral to appropriate services, etc. This individual may need to initiate procedures to remove the child(ren) from the home if in immediate danger; coordinates actions with law enforcement entities and the Osage Nation Attorney General; and initiates the placement process. The employee will communicate with clients in a respectful and professional manner while providing excellent customer service. This Social Worker may be required to provide back-up to the Intake Child Protection Specialist and may complete child welfare reports of suspected or known child abuse and neglect. Employee will be required to prepare and coordinate legal documents for presentation to the court; attend court hearings and provide testimony; inform court of department policies and procedures; and may serve as an expert witness. Employee will be required to work after hours frequently.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or other related Behavioral Science field required
At least three (3) years direct work experience with families and children preferred
Knowledge of family interactions, childhood development, assessment in the risks of abuse and neglect with families and children
Possess the ability to prioritize workload, maintain confidentiality, work independently and upon own initiative
Must possess direct working knowledge and experience with children and families involved with child abuse and neglect problems
Must be knowledgeable of community and tribal services and resources available for families involved in the child welfare system
Must be familiar with the child welfare system, state and tribal, as well as the judicial system of state and tribal courts that handle juvenile court proceedings
Must be experienced using Microsoft Office Suite in an effective manner and with no supervision
Will be required to document work using the Social Services Child Welfare Information System
Must maintain a professional attitude and appearance that positively represents the Nation
Requires a high level of personal integrity and ethics
Requires a high level of problem solving skills
Requires the willingness and ability to learn new skills, including travel to conferences and training sessions
Requires good interpersonal communication and team work skills
Must be able to pass a criminal background check
Must be able to pass drug/alcohol testing
Must never have been convicted or pleaded guilty to a crime of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual offense or a crime of violence (felony)
Must not be delinquent on any pending child support action or any established child support action/payment
Must have no involvement with any child or social service protection agency as a client
Must have no alcohol or drug abuse charges or domestic violence charges within the past five (5) years (mandatory)
Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record – may be required to drive GSA or tribal vehicles

Nice To Haves

At least three (3) years direct work experience with families and children preferred

Responsibilities

Investigating child welfare intakes
Handling information requests
Handling reports of child maltreatment
Referring to appropriate services
Initiating procedures to remove children from the home if in immediate danger
Coordinating actions with law enforcement entities and the Osage Nation Attorney General
Initiating the placement process
Communicating with clients in a respectful and professional manner
Providing excellent customer service
Providing back-up to the Intake Child Protection Specialist
Completing child welfare reports of suspected or known child abuse and neglect
Preparing and coordinating legal documents for presentation to the court
Attending court hearings and providing testimony
Informing court of department policies and procedures
Serving as an expert witness