Tribal Social Worker
About The Position
The Social Worker provides social work and case management services through the Cahuilla Family & Social Services Department, with a primary focus on supporting children and families involved in child welfare matters. The Social Worker works directly with children, families, relatives, and caregivers to provide support, strengthen family connections, and promote the safety, wellbeing, and stability of children. The position plays an active role in the Tribe’s involvement in ICWA cases by supporting families, advocating for the Tribe’s interests, and promoting ICWA compliance and active efforts. The Social Worker collaborates with county child welfare agencies, Tribal and county attorneys, courts, caregivers, and other service providers involved in supporting children and families. The position engages in family finding and engagement activities to identify, build, and strengthen connections with relatives, kin, and other supportive individuals. The Social Worker also supports the recruitment and assessment of Tribally Approved Homes and the development of safe and culturally appropriate placement options for Cahuilla children. The Social Worker carries out these responsibilities while promoting family and cultural connections and respecting Cahuilla customs and traditions.
Requirements
- Knowledge of applicable Tribal, State, and Federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to child welfare and social services, with the ability to seek supervisory clarification when needed.
- Knowledge of child welfare practices, including family-centered practice, family finding and engagement, safety and risk assessment, and case planning.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, including the historical and intergenerational impacts of trauma on Native communities.
- Ability to assess client needs, safety, and risk and respond appropriately.
- Ability to manage multiple cases, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accurate and timely documentation.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with children, families, service providers, courts, Tribal and county agencies, and community members.
- Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional, client-centered relationships while protecting confidentiality.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals and organizations across all levels of the Tribe and with external service providers and agencies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field, such as Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Child and Family Studies, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working in child welfare or a closely related social services field.
- Working knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) guidelines, and Tribal and state court proceedings involving ICWA.
- Must possess a valid California driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
- Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation. This process includes mandatory fingerprinting.
- Must meet eligibility standards under the Cahuilla Band of Indians vehicle insurance requirements.
- Must complete and pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Nice To Haves
- A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is strongly preferred.
- A social work license or related professional credential is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client intake and needs assessments and coordinate access to social services, community resources, and support programs through referral, follow-up, and service navigation for Cahuilla children, adults, and elders.
- Provide ICWA case management and advocacy for Cahuilla children and families throughout the child welfare process, including prevention, investigations, family maintenance, reunification, placement, and permanency.
- Monitor and advocate for ICWA compliance and active efforts, including meaningful family involvement, access to appropriate services, and preservation of family, Tribal, and cultural connections.
- Conduct family finding and engagement activities to identify, locate, and strengthen connections with relatives, kin, and other supportive individuals for children and families.
- Assist with the implementation and coordination of CFSS programs and services, including the Tribal Nutrition Assistance Program (TNAP) and other family support programs.
- Collaborate with county child welfare agencies, Tribal and county attorneys, courts, caregivers, service providers, and other partners regarding the care and best interests of Cahuilla children.
- Participate in dependency court hearings, Child and Family Team meetings, case planning, placement discussions, and other meetings related to Cahuilla children and families.
- Coordinate timely responses to ICWA-030 notices and other ICWA-related inquiries and maintain communication regarding the Tribe’s involvement in child welfare matters.
- Provide or coordinate supervised visitation and other family visits as needed to support family relationships and connections.
- Assist with the recruitment, assessment, coordination, and retention of Tribally Approved Homes for foster and adoptive placement of Cahuilla children.
- Provide prevention, education, outreach, and family support services that promote the safety, wellbeing, and stability of Cahuilla children and families.
- Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential case records, documentation, and data in accordance with CFSS policies, applicable laws, and confidentiality requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
