Youth and Family Services Case Worker II

Nooksack Indian Tribe•Deming, WA

8d•$32 - $33

About The Position

The Youth & Family Services Case Worker II performs advanced case management for Nooksack children who are in dependency or at risk of removal from their homes. The role follows tribal customs, practices, policies, and procedures, and requires knowledge and application of Nooksack Code Title 15 (Youth Code) and the Indian Child Welfare Act. The Case Worker II provides guidance and expertise to Case Workers, supports families in crisis, and advocates for and connects children and families with services that promote their health, safety, and well-being. The position involves engaging with children and families under difficult circumstances, remaining calm in high-stress situations, managing competing priorities, and working both independently and as part of a team across a variety of settings. The employee must be willing and able to work flexible hours and participate in an after-hours on-call rotation. The role is regular, full-time, hourly, and non-exempt. Work is performed in a normal office setting with limited exposure to loud noise, along with field duties as needed. Other office and field duties may also be assigned in support of the Tribe's community service and member well-being commitments.

Requirements

Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: a BA in Human Services or a related field from an accredited college or university with child welfare experience; an AA in Human Services or a related field plus at least four years of child welfare experience, including at least one year of direct client case management; or six years of human services professional experience including direct child welfare experience and the specified case management knowledge, skills, and direct experience.
For the BA pathway, the posting states child welfare experience as 'at least two (4+) years'; Indian Child Welfare experience is preferred.
For the six-year experience pathway, demonstrate professional client-centered practice, client involvement in case management, problem-solving and service coordination, knowledge of resources, collaboration and communication with system partners, ability to manage a reasonable caseload and evaluate casework, and professionalism and cooperation with colleagues.
Know case management principles and practices, risk assessment and decision-making, interviewing techniques, community resources, and individual and social development.
Have Indian Child Welfare knowledge and experience.
Work cooperatively with groups and individuals; organize and prioritize work; manage a large caseload effectively; and demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
Present clear and concise information in a courtroom setting and work under strict timelines.
Be dependable, hardworking, punctual, and trustworthy, as demonstrated through positive employment history.
Be familiar with Microsoft Suite programs such as Word and Excel.
Understand secondary trauma and techniques for avoiding burnout and compassion fatigue.
Maintain high ethical standards and strict confidentiality.
Pass alcohol and drug testing at hire and throughout employment.
Successfully complete an extensive criminal background check and CAMIS/FamLink background check, with periodic checks thereafter.
Complete Child Welfare Core Training within six months of hire.
Maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License and meet the Tribe's insurability requirements; provide a driving abstract at hire.
Complete Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Training within six months of hire.
Obtain and maintain Adult/Child First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.
Meet the position's physical requirements, including frequent sitting; occasional standing, walking, lifting 1–20 pounds, and pushing or pulling 5–20 pounds; bending; and frequent use of hands and arms for office and computer work.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Welfare or a related field with at least two years of child welfare experience; Indian Child Welfare experience is preferred.
Workforce Core Training in Child Welfare.
Vicarious Trauma Training.

Responsibilities

Meet casework management directives established by Nooksack Tribal Codes and laws, Youth & Family Services policies, and applicable state and federal jurisdictions.
Assist the Youth & Family Services Administrator Manager with creating and revising department systems, including the database, filing, and forms.
Cover even weeks on the after-hours on-call line and assist with Child Protective Services intake and referral determinations with Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Stay informed about state and tribal resources and services available to children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Help Case Workers prepare and organize for monthly Child Protective Team (CPT) meetings and attend meetings as directed by the Administrative Manager.
Regularly staff cases managed by Youth & Family Services with the Administrative Manager and Director.
Provide case management, including helping develop child case plans, preparing Individual Social Service Plans, making service referrals, and monitoring children's progress.
Conduct health and safety interviews to assess each child's health, safety, and well-being in accordance with applicable tribal, state, and federal requirements.
Coordinate with Washington DCYF and accompany the agency on CPS investigations when appropriate.
Document and report children's and parents' activities for case files and court purposes, and enter case information accurately and promptly in the department database.
Assist in developing parental service plans and monitor parents' compliance with those plans.
Investigate child abuse and neglect allegations, assess complex family situations, and develop plans to protect children in their homes or in out-of-home care.
Recognize and respect family strengths.
Supervise or arrange visits between children and their parents, siblings, and extended family members.
Consult with attorneys and court-appointed personnel and prepare and present testimony and statements at hearings.
Transport children and parents when necessary.
Work closely with DCYF and complete paperwork required by DCYF or other agencies to access services.
Submit appropriate court documents to legal counsel and the court before scheduled hearings.
Submit regular narrative and statistical reports to the supervisor detailing contacts, tasks, and work accomplished.
Perform other related duties as assigned, including occasional office and field duties beyond regular responsibilities.