Intake and Investigation Specialist

Golden Eagle Casino•Horton, KS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Intake and Investigation Specialist is a full-time position in the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Social Services Department, serving the Child and Family Services and Tribal Victim Services programs. The position is directly supervised by the Social Services Director and completes intake procedures for people seeking services throughout the department. It is also an integral part of the collaborative response to child abuse investigations, interventions, and prosecutions. The specialist reviews reports of alleged or suspected child abuse or neglect received by email, in person, or by phone; assesses immediate danger; and assigns a priority level using established criteria. Depending on that priority level, the specialist conducts or coordinates investigations in accordance with Social Services policies and procedures. For people or families seeking program services, the specialist completes a comprehensive intake, assesses eligibility and suitability, makes community-resource referrals, and assigns eligible participants to a program worker. In consultation and coordination with the Social Services Director and other personnel, the specialist helps create, support, and maintain services consistent with the culture, practices, and values of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas. The role requires confidentiality and cultural humility, collaboration with community and criminal-justice partners, accurate case documentation, and availability for emergency responses after hours through the department’s on-call rotation. Tribal preference applies in hiring decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, human services, Native studies, psychology, social work, or a related field; alternatively, an associate’s degree and at least five years of work experience in child protection or child welfare.
At least one year of work experience within a court system, social welfare agency, or domestic violence program.
Familiarity with child welfare guidelines, including criteria establishing child abuse and neglect.
Familiarity with child welfare history, practices, and context within Tribal communities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining constructive working relationships.
Availability for after-hours emergency response under the department’s on-call rotation.
Ability to use electronic communication methods, databases, record-keeping systems, and Microsoft Suite programs.
Ability and willingness to learn about and appreciate Tribal culture and customs.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to follow instructions.
Knowledge of human behavior, applied psychology, trauma-informed interviewing, common trauma responses, and effects of trauma.
Knowledge of advanced interviewing techniques, basic research and investigative methods, communication principles, report writing, written composition, and general computer operations.
Ability to interview children and adults and obtain factual information in stressful situations; listen for content and presentation; investigate and interpret criminal-history and background information; and apply complex laws, policies, and procedures using sound judgment.
Ability to handle difficult situations and pressure, and to develop and maintain working relationships with a wide range of people.
Must be drug-free and pass a background check and drug screening; employment includes participation in the employee drug-testing program.
Must hold and maintain a valid, unrestricted Kansas driver’s license.
Must have no felony convictions and no criminal conviction involving violence, dishonesty, or fraud.
Must understand applicable confidentiality and privacy requirements and attest to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and privacy for service participants.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with or for a Native American Tribe or Tribal community.
Three to five years of experience in a child welfare-related position.
Master’s or other advanced degree in social work or a related field.
Valid behavioral-science license or certification, such as LMSW, CADC, or LPC.

Responsibilities

Greet and engage people entering the Social Services Department respectfully.
Collaborate with Social Services colleagues, other KTIK departments, and the Tribal community to create and maintain programs rooted in traditional Kickapoo values.
Identify local and regional resources for participants, conduct outreach, and build partnerships with Native Nations, public agencies, and community providers.
Develop an operational plan for intake and investigation services across Social Services programs in accordance with department policies and procedures.
Review reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, assess immediate danger, assign priority levels, and determine appropriate next steps in consultation with the Social Services Director as needed.
Conduct thorough child abuse and neglect investigations, interviewing caregivers, children, reporting parties, and other relevant people and collateral sources.
Complete intake procedures, assess program eligibility and suitability, make referrals, and assign eligible individuals or families to program workers.
Complete risk, safety, needs, and other assessments to evaluate safety, risks, needs, and family functioning.
Interview children and adults using approved, appropriate, and culturally responsive techniques to gather information, assess needs, and address problems and barriers.
Reach and document a finding for each investigation and take appropriate action, such as safety planning, service connections, child removal, or foster care coordination.
Coordinate joint investigations and work with law enforcement, the Tribal Prosecutor, child advocacy staff, and other partners; prepare and submit investigative documents and follow up as needed.
Schedule forensic interviews through accredited child advocacy centers or certified programs when appropriate.
Administer and supervise authorized drug or alcohol testing for caregivers involved in active investigations.
Assist with case planning conferences and other program services as requested.
Plan office activities, training events, and field visits related to intake and investigations.
Maintain accurate, current written and electronic case records; complete data entry, forms, reports, case notes, and tracking documents promptly.
Submit a monthly status report to the Social Services Director covering every active case, including investigations and intakes.
Schedule collaborative meetings with personnel assigned to intake cases and lead Criminal Justice Coordination Meetings at least monthly.
Maintain confidentiality and cultural humility, follow professional ethics and the KTIK Code of Conduct, and meet high-performance standards.
Respond promptly to calls, emails, voicemails, and other contacts from partners, colleagues, participants, and community members.
Represent the Social Services Department at meetings and events and participate in public-relations activities when directed or requested.
Perform other duties assigned by the Social Services Director.
Respond to emergency situations after hours according to the Social Services Department on-call rotation.