Description

Who We are as a TribeThe Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is a federally-recognized native sovereign nation. Our primary purposes relate to the overall wellbeing of our Tribal Members and our families. We have active programs and relationships with our Pomo tribal neighbors in Lake County California that will help us preserve our Pomo culture. Many of these activities help us rediscover lost traditions, spiritual beliefs and help revive our dying languages. Because we know that the world is a different place than when our ancestors were here, our Tribe works very hard to learn different ways of achieving economic self-sufficiency. We engage in a variety of economic development strategies which would not only benefit our families but also our neighbors. We strive to make sure that wherever we do business, it is done in a manner which respects our neighbor’s and larger community’s needs. In this vein, our Tribe looks forward to working with you.

Purpose of the Position
The Assistant Indian Child Welfare Advocate reports to the Health and Human Services Administrator and is responsible for assisting in the managing the filing, recordkeeping, and clerical response needs of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribal Members by providing the necessary services to ensure the safety and protection of our children and families through times of challenge.

Successful candidate must possess the Associate of Science/Arts degree as stated in Required section of this job description as job holder will closely support the Health and Human Services Administrator in administering ICWA programs. Advancement to becoming an Indian Child Welfare Advocate (ICWA) is possible to candidates who seek to achieve the Bachelor of Science/Arts degree required for ICWA proficiency and stated in the Preferred section of this position description. Tribal support for educational development may be available for well-suited candidates.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Knowledge and experience working with Native American communities, culture, customs, and tribal law.
• Working understanding and knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Management of all county referrals and research and management of all community services in areas that are within the HPUL Service Delivery Area.
• Input of case notes per HPUL files.
• Management of Legend cases.
• Transport tribal member(s) to and from court hearings as well as scheduled visits.
• May supervise scheduled visits.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to Tribal history, lifestyle, and culture.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• May conduct visits in a variety of settings, including homes, places of business, outdoor locations, etc.
• Professional interaction with the public, including Tribal members, their children, family members, Executive Council, Tribal staff, and outside agency staff.
• Verbal communication sufficient to exchange accurate ideas and information.
• Experience demonstrating the utmost discretion and confidentiality as they will have access to confidential information.
• Must be able to make objective assessments of each incident, regardless of the parties involved.
• Ability to work independently but also in a team setting with effective collaboration skills.
• Possess a high level of integrity, autonomy, and self-motivation.
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Associate of Science/Arts Degree from an accredited university with major in either a Human Services field, criminal justice, behavioral science, social science, or a related field; OR the equivalent level of coursework completion towards a Bachelor of Science/Arts Degree from an accredited university in the same areas of study. PLUS a minimum of three (3) years of work experience working in a Human Services field with a minimum of one (1) year in an ICWA program.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and must have an active driver’s license with a clean driving record in accordance with the Tribe’s insurance carrier and state of California driving requirements, meaning there are no major driving infractions such as DWI, DUI, excessive speeding, or frequent accidents.
• Completion of the 40-hour Domestic Violence training as approved by the State of California, or ability to successfully complete certification within six months of hire. 
• All offers are contingent upon signing a confidentiality agreement and satisfactory completion of drug screening and background checks, including a LiveScan Fingerprints check. Employer observes federal standards for controlled substances.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree (BS or BA) in Human Services field from an accredited college or university

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers to handle or feel work-related items.
• Prolonged periods in a stationary seated position, such as working on a computer.
• The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently move, transport, and manipulate computer equipment up to 15 pounds.

Indian Preference Native American Indian preference shall apply to the position in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(i)), regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (41 C.F.R. § 60-1.5(a)(7)), and/or other relevant laws. Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification of Indian eligibility with their application. 

Qualifications