Indian Child Welfare Worker

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians•Dowagiac, MI

76d

About The Position

Assist with the management of child protective services to promote family stability and reunification and provide services in areas such as protective services, foster care, adoption, delinquency, and foster home licensing. Work closely with the Director of Social Services to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective solutions for all child protection aspects of the organization adhering to the Child Protection Code of the Pokagon Band Children’s Protection Code as applicable to the Department of social Services and Tribal Court proceedings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Child Welfare, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Family Services, or related field. Degree must be from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education.
Four (4) years of previous work experience in social work and child welfare required.
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; and psychological research methods required.
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for counseling and guidance required.
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins required.
Ability to alleviate stress and anxiety and be supportive of persons and work tactfully, collaboratively, diplomatically and with highest level of confidentiality required.
Familiarity with local, State, and Tribal child welfare agencies and what constitutes child abuse and neglect and proper procedures when children are deemed at risk or in need of care required.
Proficiency with MS Office Applications required.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions required.
Working knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act required.
Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Native American communities; knowledge of Native American traditional practices, values, and issues preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and consultation to the Tribal Government and Social Services Director in all areas of child protective services, policies, and programs.
Establish and implement short- and long-range program goals, objectives, policies, and procedures in alignment with the Pokagon Band’s Vision, Mission, Expected Outcomes and Strategic Initiatives and compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
Serve as monitoring agent, services coordinator, and liaison between service providers and State/Provincial Case Managers. Serve as Pokagon Band representative and contact person for State and Tribal service providers in development of service plans, provision of services and reporting of progress in all cases in Tribal Court and State Court. Present case information to the Family Welfare Commission and advocate for the Tribe through the General Counsel’s office and the attorneys representing the Tribe.
Provide information and facts and collaborate with Legal counsel in developing stance taken by Social Services on behalf of the Tribe in child protection and child welfare cases coming before the courts.
Represent the Social Services Department in child welfare proceedings in State Courts in person and by phone. Respond to inquiries requested under the ICWA regarding citizenship or eligibility for Band enrollment. Initiate interventions when a notice involves pending court action on a Pokagon child.
Compile data and other relevant information from Tribal service providers, caregivers, and the Family Welfare Commission, and develop reports for Director of Social Services and the Courts and advise in decision making meetings with the State and Tribe
Develop and maintain service plans and case materials as identified by the Bureau of Indian Affairs 638 Contract as required for continued funding of Social Services Programs.
Provide and coordinate social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the functioning of children. Monitor Pokagon Band children placed out of the home, consult with children, parents, caregivers and others involved in the provision of services,
Train and educate staff and State workers and Court workers in Indian Child Welfare Act.
Perform other related functions as assigned.