ICSS Senior Tribal Representative

Southern Indian Health Council, Inc•Alpine, CA

16h•$30 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The ICSS Senior Tribal Representative provides specialized case management, child welfare advocacy, prevention, and coordination services to tribal families and children. The position serves as a designated representative of participating Tribes in child welfare matters and works collaboratively with County Child and Family Well-Being, courts, attorneys, services provers, behavioral health professionals, and other community partners to promote child safety, family preservation, reunification, and compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The position provides advanced case consultation and support to ICSS Case Managers, assists with complex or high-risk cases, and supports coordination between ICSS staff, Tribal representatives, County partners, and community agencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or other Behavioral Science field preferred.
Comprehensive experience working with children, youth and families.
Education, training, and/or experience which clearly demonstrates possession of the knowledge and skills stated above.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Familiar and comfortable using computer programs including Microsoft Office components or equivalent.
Demonstrate past success in working with multi-cultural communities, preferably Native American.
Ability to work with tribal officials, county agencies, tribal community members, funding agencies, and all Southern Indian Health Council departments.
Ability to adapt to changing situations and circumstances and handle pressure with dignity, in all circumstances maintaining confidentiality.
Ability to act professionally at all times in the workplace and community.
Ability to work flexible hours as required to meet department needs and work collaboratively in a team approach.
A valid driver license required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
Must be insurable under SIHC vehicle insurance policy at the time of hire and throughout employment.
Certifications and/or licenses appropriate to the positions required education and profession must also be valid and maintained.
Reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.
Responsible and able to exercise good judgment.
Accept administrative supervision.
Pay attention to detail.
Follow instructions.
Ability to interact effectively and communicate with people in a professional and courteous manner.
Highly confidential and respect confidentiality to all limits of the governing laws and ethics.
Ability to work as a team with other staff.
Sensitive to client’s needs.
Knowledgeable about the local Indian community.
Strong team building, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective peer relationships with coworkers within the Department, clinic-wide, and the public.
Must be able to express ideas clearly, concisely, address audiences effectively, and exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Willing to be part of a team and cooperate in accomplishing department goals and objectives.
Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, take initiative, be proactive, and function in a rapidly changing environment.
Ability to work with people of all social and ethnic backgrounds, resolves conflicts, negotiates situations, and facilitates consensus.
Normal clinic/office environment.
Sit or stand for long periods of time.
Reach, bend, climb, stoop, lift up to 25 lbs.
Repetitive hand movement; use and view PC.
Reliable transportation and car insurance as required by the state.
Travel as needed.
Ability to understand the implications and complexities of all compliance policies.
Participation in all compliance training is mandatory.
Heightened awareness of policies and regulations specific to one’s department and position.
Ability to report violations or suspected violations of compliance policies or regulations.
Thorough knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing substance abuse treatment, patient records, and reporting procedures.
Versed in crisis intervention techniques and the cultural practices of Native Americans.
Must successfully pass a tuberculin skin test or x-ray, and blood/urine screening test.
Health must be adequate to perform all duties of the position.
Complete an SIHC application and submit it to Human Resources.

Nice To Haves

Indian Preference: To receive Indian preference for any SIHC position, the applicant must be enrolled, or be eligible for enrollment, as an American Indian with their Tribe, or must be certified as an American Indian from the designated Tribal Representative. Applicants claiming Indian preference must attach verification of their claim to the SIHC application, including Certification of form BIA-4432, which is available from the SIHC Human Resources Department. If verification is not or cannot be verified, the applicant will not receive Indian preference for purposes of the interview.

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of families and face-to-face contacts with the youth and family.
Serve as a designated Tribal Representative in child welfare matters involving children and families affiliated with participating Tribes, including dependency proceedings, investigations, case planning, placement, reunification, and permanency.
Represent and communicate the Tribe’s position and recommendations during child welfare proceedings, Child and Family Team meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, case consultations, and other formal case-planning processes, as authorized by the Tribe.
Monitor compliance with ICWA, including active efforts, placement preferences, Tribal notification and participation, culturally appropriate services, and efforts to prevent unnecessary removal of Indian Children.
Maintain assigned caseload while providing advanced case management and consultation for complex, high-risk, or court-involved families.
Accompany County Child and Family Well-Being staff during investigations, interviews, home visits, forensic interviews, and other child welfare activities involving Tribal children and families.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of family strengths, safety concerns, immediate needs, natural supports, cultural connections, and barriers to family stability and develop individualized service plans.
Coordinate and advocate for services related to behavioral health, substance use treatment, domestic violence, parenting, housing support, transportation referrals, basic needs, medical care, education, and other identified needs.
Participate in dependency court proceedings and track court orders, case-plan requirements, reunification timelines, placement issues, and permanency outcomes.
Provide case consultation, guidance, and support to ICSS case managers, particularly regarding ICWA, Tribal protocols, complex child welfare cases, court proceedings, and community resources.
Develop and support culturally responsive safety plans and prevention strategies intended to safely maintain children within their families, extended families, Tribes, and communities.
Participate in community outreach, prevention activities, trainings, and presentations related to ICWA, Tribal child welfare, family preservation, and ICSS services.
Maintain ongoing communication with Tribal leadership and designated Tribal representatives regarding significant case developments and obtain Tribal direction when necessary.
Assist the ICSS Program Coordinator with staff training, case reviews, quality assurance, program procedures, and implementation of ICSS/ICWA practice standards.
Monitor the provision and quality of services provided to the family as the liaison when new services/resources need to be sought or developed.
Provide crisis intervention and coordinate emergency resources, including placement, transportation, shelter, food, clothing, and other immediate family needs.
Ensure timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of case activity, services, court involvement, outcomes, and grant-related requirements.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with County staff, Tribal programs, attorneys, courts, behavioral health providers, schools, law enforcement, and community based organizations.
Participate in program data collection, reporting, quality improvement, and monitoring of grant objectives and deliverables.
May provide coverage, consultation, or direction to ICSS staff in the absence of the Program Coordinator, within the scope of delegated authority.
Maintain professional conduct, confidentiality, cultural humility, and respectful engagement with Tribal families, Tribal governments, and partner agencies.
Dress professionally and conduct themselves in a respectful manner and demeanor at all times.
Manage time effectively.
Availability during after-hours may be necessitated by duties.
Follow the project narrative, budget, and all terms and conditions of the awarded grant.
Comply with all SIHC policies & procedures.
Ability to work flexible schedule may be required based on need.
Perform other duties as assigned.