Indian Child Welfare Social Worker

Spokane Tribe • Wellpinit, WA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the DCFS Director, the Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Social Worker provides culturally responsive child welfare services to Spokane Tribal children and families in accordance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Washington Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA), the Spokane Tribal Youth Code, and applicable Tribal, state, and federal laws. The ICW Social Worker promotes child safety, family preservation, reunification, permanency, and the protection of Tribal sovereignty by providing assessment, case management, advocacy, court support, and coordination of services for children and families.

Requirements

• Knowledge of ICWA, WICWA, Tribal child welfare practices, and family preservation principles.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strength-based practice.
• Strong interviewing, assessment, crisis intervention, and case management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with families, Tribal leadership, community partners, and the courts.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services or a similar field.
• OR Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in child welfare, case management, family services, social services, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ICWA, WICWA, and the Spokane Tribal Youth Code.
• Ability to complete required child welfare training within six (6) months of hire.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and ability to travel.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Washington Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA), Tribal child welfare programs, or Native American families is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, and dependency involving Spokane Tribal children while assessing child safety and family needs.
• Provide culturally responsive case management services that support family preservation, reunification, permanency, and child well-being.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized case plans utilizing active efforts and family-centered practices.
• Coordinate services with Tribal programs, state agencies, schools, medical providers, behavioral health professionals, courts, and community partners.
• Conduct home visits, safety assessments, family meetings, visitation, and placement evaluations.
• Prepare case documentation, court reports, affidavits, and provide testimony in Tribal and state court proceedings.
• Ensure all case activities comply with ICWA, WICWA, Spokane Tribal Youth Code, and applicable Tribal, state, and federal laws.
• Participate in after-hours on-call rotations, multidisciplinary staffing, professional training, and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Indian Preference Applies – Indian Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.
• FBI Background – Positions involving regular contact with, or control over, Indian Children in accordance with the Federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, Public Law 101-630

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level