Field Training Officer

Winnebago Tribe•Winnebago, NE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Field Training Officer provides hands-on training, supervision, coaching, and support to new and developing child welfare professionals at Winnebago Child and Family Services. Under the general supervision of the Child and Family Services Program Manager, the role bridges academic, preservice, and in-service training with full-time child welfare casework, helping trainees gain practical experience in child protection and family services. The officer designs, coordinates, and implements structured field training aligned with state, federal, tribal, and agency child welfare standards. The position supports staff development in areas such as case planning, court report preparation, face-to-face contact, documentation, compliance, and culturally responsive practice. It also maintains training records and evaluates trainee progress and readiness for assigned responsibilities. The position is based at Winnebago Child and Family Services in Winnebago, Nebraska. Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and travel for training, field observation, or other duties may be required. The role provides training and feedback to assigned trainees and developing staff, but does not independently make final employment or disciplinary decisions unless authorized by agency leadership. Compensation is $25.00 per hour, and the position is regular full-time and exempt.

Requirements

At least one year of experience working with the Winnebago Tribe community is required.
Knowledge of the child welfare system, child protection practices, family services, and case management is required.
Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed practices, and family systems is required.
Knowledge of agency policies, documentation requirements, confidentiality standards, and professional practice expectations is required.
Sensitivity to and appreciation for Winnebago culture and traditions is required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal, coaching, organizational, and leadership skills.
Ability to provide constructive feedback and support staff development professionally.
Ability to work in high-stress, sensitive, and confidential environments.
Proficiency in case management, documentation, and recordkeeping.
Keyboarding skills and computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Timeliness, dependability, courtesy, and a businesslike appearance.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and sign a confidentiality agreement.
Valid driver’s license, valid insurance, and eligibility to be insured under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
Good moral character; successful federal background check and pre-employment drug testing are required.
Must have a telephone number.
Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently and communicate professionally in writing and verbally.
Ability to prepare clear training materials, documentation, reports, feedback, and correspondence.
Ability to read, write, calculate, reason, and analyze; above-average social interaction skills.
Ability to train, coach, evaluate, and support staff in sensitive child welfare matters and work with minimal supervision.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, training requirements, and documentation responsibilities.
Must meet applicable criminal-record declaration and background-check requirements under 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31(C) and (D), PL 101-630, and PL 101-637.
Must complete required Winnebago Child and Family Services training, DHHS-related training as assigned, and assigned meetings, committees, and professional development trainings.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in social work, child welfare, human services, criminal justice, psychology, education, or a related field is preferred; relevant experience may be considered.
Experience in child welfare, family services, social services, case management, training, supervision, or staff development is preferred.
Knowledge of federal, state, and tribal laws related to child protection and family services is preferred.
Basic knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act is preferred.
Knowledge of Winnebago culture and traditions is highly desirable.
Additional child welfare, DHHS, or agency-required certifications may be required as assigned.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values and act as a responsible representative of the Tribe.
Provide hands-on training, supervision, coaching, and support to new and developing child welfare professionals.
Design and implement preservice and in-service training programs for caseworkers, investigators, case aides, and other assigned staff.
Coordinate training required by DHHS and conduct in-house training as assigned.
Oversee ongoing professional development for assigned Child and Family Services staff.
Provide structured field placements aligned with state, federal, tribal, and agency child welfare standards.
Ensure compliance with Winnebago Child and Family Services policies and procedures.
Supervise trainees in direct service roles and monitor their progress throughout the training program.
Assign and monitor training tasks aligned with trainees’ targeted job titles and expected duties.
Provide regular feedback, coaching, and evaluations concerning job performance, documentation, professionalism, and readiness for assigned responsibilities.
Ensure trainees meet educational, experiential, and skill-based requirements throughout the training program.
Maintain training records, evaluations, attendance logs, and compliance documentation.
Manage simulation-based staff development, skills practice, testing, and evaluation.
Train staff in case planning, court report preparation, appropriate face-to-face meetings, documentation standards, and agency expectations.
Support staff understanding of child welfare practice, family engagement, safety planning, permanency planning, and service coordination.
Guide staff on confidentiality, professional boundaries, mandated reporting, documentation, and ethical practice.
Liaise between staff and administration regarding training needs, field readiness, and professional development concerns.
Coordinate with agency leadership, supervisors, and other departments to identify training needs and improve staff development.
Help develop training schedules, materials, checklists, field observation tools, and evaluation forms.
Provide support in high-stress and sensitive child welfare situations as appropriate for training and staff development.
Promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and family-centered practice.
Support staff understanding of child development, family systems, child protection laws, and agency policies.
Identify areas where staff may need additional coaching, mentoring, or corrective training.
Participate in meetings, staffing, committees, and trainings as assigned.
Maintain strict confidentiality concerning clients, families, staff performance, and agency matters.
Comply with department and tribal policies and perform other similar, related, or logically assigned duties.
Successfully complete required Winnebago Child and Family Services and DHHS-related training, and remain current on relevant practice standards and requirements.