Intergovernmental Liaison

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

8d•$62,714•Onsite

About The Position

The Tribal and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Liaison serves as the Department's primary resource for Tribal relations and ICWA implementation. The Liaison builds and maintains partnerships with Tribal governments and key organizations to support effective collaboration, consultation, and service delivery for Indian children and their families. The position oversees the Department's Tribal relations functions, including intergovernmental agreements, funding negotiations, compliance monitoring, reporting, and supervision of the Qualified Expert Witness (QEW).

Requirements

Tribal government structure and operations, including political, organizational, and decision-making processes, codes, and child welfare practices and procedures
Culturally appropriate approaches to interpersonal and formal communication with Tribal leadership and governments
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and applicable case law, state laws, rules, policies, and procedures that govern child welfare services, federal IV-B and IV-E requirements related to tribal consultation and compliance with ICWA
Child welfare and related federal and state laws, policies, and procedures
Child rearing practices among American Indian families and tribal community traditions including roles, functions, and family systems
Principles and practices of management and supervision
Tribal resources and culturally relevant services
Coordination and facilitation strategies
The use of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and calendar
Analyzing proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals
Effective communication, both verbal and written
Analyzing needs and situations and recommending innovative ways to address issues involving the Department and Tribal governments and communities
Building and maintaining collaborative government-to-government relationships
Group facilitation, organization
Coordinating across programs and governmental partners
Supervision techniques
Researching, analyzing, and applying federal and state statutes, regulations, rules and policies
Manage multiple, time-sensitive projects; prioritize competing demands; and complete work accurately, professionally, and on schedule
Work independently when appropriate and collaborate effectively as part of a diverse team and work environment
Provide staff with effective leadership, guidance, team building, and performance support while planning and organizing work procedures that promote accountability and high morale
Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff, external stakeholders, Tribal governments, and communities while supporting policy development, planning, and implementation
Demonstrate strong customer service, leadership, tact, integrity, initiative, resourcefulness, self-motivation, and innovation
Develop knowledge of the Department's organization, policies, procedures, mission, objectives, and the connections among its various program areas
Must obtain and maintain clearance of the DCS Central Registry.
Must obtain and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.
This position does require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in child welfare, tribal studies, social work or a related field with four years of advanced child welfare experience, including working with Tribal governments providing human services, social services, and/or child welfare services to the tribal populations OR; Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in child welfare, tribal studies, or social services; Extensive knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act and its application to Arizona's child welfare practice and other federal mandates.

Responsibilities

Represents the Department in program and public advocacy with Tribal government officials and community organizations, including participation in Tribal committees, forums, councils, and meetings with Tribes, government officials, DCS staff, and communities statewide.
Overlooks and provides technical assistance and training on Tribal consultation and ICWA policy to Department staff, Tribes, and other public or private entities. Facilitates Department compliance with the Tribal consultation policy and coordinate with Tribal representatives, DCS staff, and partner organizations in delivering child welfare services to Indian children and their families.
Supervises and manages DCS Tribal Relations staff to support compliance with child welfare and Tribal laws, policies, contracts, Intergovernmental Agreements, and statewide Qualified Expert Witness testimony.
Leads efforts to resolve contract issues with Tribes and negotiate Tribal/state child welfare agreements, Title IV-B and Title IV-E Intergovernmental Agreements, and Memoranda of Understanding.
Prepares reports and information for internal and external reporting needs, stakeholder requests, state and federal requirements, the Department's Title IV-B five-year plan and annual reports, and the annual Tribal Consultation Report.
Other duties as assigned as related to the position.