Field Training Officer

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska•Winnebago, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Field Training Officer provides hands-on training, field supervision, coaching, and support to new and developing child welfare professionals at Winnebago Child and Family Services. 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 training aligned with state, federal, tribal, and agency standards. The position supports staff development in areas including case planning, court report preparation, face-to-face contacts, documentation, compliance, and culturally responsive practice. It coordinates required DHHS training, oversees professional development, monitors trainee progress, maintains training records, and provides feedback and evaluations. The role may require flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and travel for training, field observation, or other assigned duties. The position reports to the Child and Family Services Program Manager. It is a regular, full-time, exempt role located at Winnebago Child and Family Services, 218 Industrial Road, Winnebago, Nebraska 68071. The listed salary is $25.00 per hour. The closing date is November 3, 2026.

Requirements

At least one year of experience working with the Winnebago Tribe community.
Knowledge of the child welfare system, child protection practices, family services, and case management.
Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed practices, and family systems.
Knowledge of agency policies, documentation requirements, confidentiality standards, and professional practice expectations.
Sensitivity to and appreciation for Winnebago culture and traditions.
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 and data-entry skills; computer literacy and proficiency in 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 insurability under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
Good moral character; ability to pass a federal background check and pre-employment drug testing.
Must have a telephone number.
Must complete required declarations and criminal-record checks under the cited federal requirements, including 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31(C) and (D), PL 101-630, and PL 101-637.
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; work with minimal supervision; and manage multiple priorities, deadlines, training requirements, and documentation responsibilities.
Ability to perform normal to light office work, lift up to 10 pounds, walk, stand, and sit for extended periods, operate a keyboard, phone, and office equipment, and talk and hear regularly.
Physical and mental stamina for home visits, community work, field observation, and training-related activities.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in child welfare, family services, social services, case management, training, supervision, or staff development.
Knowledge of federal, state, and tribal laws related to child protection and family services.
Basic knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
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.
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 staff, including caseworkers, investigators, and case aides.
Coordinate required DHHS training 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 training.
Assign and monitor training tasks related to the targeted job title and expected duties.
Provide regular feedback, coaching, and evaluations on 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 on case planning, court report preparation, 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.
Provide guidance on confidentiality, professional boundaries, mandated reporting, documentation, and ethical practice.
Liaise between staff and administration about training needs, field readiness, and professional development concerns.
Coordinate with agency leadership, supervisors, and other departments to identify training needs and improve staff development.
Assist with developing training schedules, materials, checklists, field observation tools, and evaluation forms.
Support staff 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 regarding clients, families, staff performance, and agency matters.
Represent the Winnebago Tribe responsibly and comply with department and tribal policies.
Perform other similar, related, or logically assigned duties.
Provide training, field supervision, coaching, and performance feedback to assigned trainees and developing staff.
Provide supervisors and administration with input regarding trainee progress, training completion, and readiness for assigned duties; final employment or disciplinary decisions are not made independently unless authorized by agency leadership.
Complete required Winnebago Child and Family Services and DHHS-related training, remain current on relevant practice standards and policies, and attend assigned meetings and professional development trainings.