NATURE OF WORK: The Nisqually Children and Family Services Investigator/Caseworker is responsible for conducting initial and ongoing investigations of cases involving allegations of abuse and/or neglect of Indian Children under Nisqually Tribal jurisdiction as mandated by Title 50 of the Tribal Code.

DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Perform thorough investigations from reports of child abuse and/or neglect inclusive of volatile community, home and school environment in conjunction with Law Enforcement; collaborate with Nisqually Children and Family Services coworkers and at times with DCYF investigators.
• Assess risk and safety of children in familial homes and other placements; Complete safety assessments, which may result in an out-of-home placement, safety contract, or filing a dependency petition; monitor the progress of parents involved and make referrals to service providers as identified in contract.
• Facilitate out-of-home placement, when necessary, in collaboration with law enforcement and/or the court; determine placement resources and alternatives for children.
• Initiate court actions through appropriate petitions and motions in conjunction with Tribal presenting officer.
• Testify and present evidence and case plan in tribal court.
• Complete comprehensive reports to court.
• Make appropriate collateral contacts when conducting investigations in reported cases of child abuse/neglect.
• Maintain complete case records of the investigation; including but not limited to court documents, collateral contacts, face-to-face interviews, medical records, police reports, all CPS history available and any financial records collected. Maintains case information in database.
• Maintain and ensure highest level of confidentiality regarding client issues.
• Establish Family Preservation plans for clients and families who have open cases within the Nisqually Children and Family Services Department.
• Supervise visitation with children and their parents.
• Identify and develop resources designed to enhance each child's potential as a responsible member of the community.
• Attend Indian Child Welfare Committee meetings.
• Maintain effective communication and teamwork within the department and with other programs and agencies.
• May be required to promptly respond to after-hours CPS situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of tribal, local, state and federal resources available to program clients and families.
• Knowledge of Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Knowledge of or the ability to become knowledgeable with the Nisqually Tribal Youth Code.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Community.
• Knowledge of and the ability to operate a personal computer, MS Office Suite, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively with Nisqually children and families.
• Ability to communicate effectively with community members, visitors and staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to explain complicated information in layperson terms.
• Ability to travel and be on call in order to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to offer ideas and suggestions and work as a team within the Children and Family Services Department.
• Ability to demonstrate the personal initiative needed to establish and maintain a high level of confidence with coworkers, clients and community.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain a highly organized work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or closely related field from an accredited institution AND two years' work experience delivering social services to children and families OR a comparable combination of experience and/or education.
• Must have experience working with Tribes to deliver social services.
• Must have Investigations training and/or related certification.
• Must have a valid driver's license and must be insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy.
• Must be willing to travel regularly and transport clients.
• In accordance with Tribal policy, individuals who are employed in or are being considered for employment in positions that will have regular contact with or control over children or adults at risk are required to submit to a character investigation which includes providing a signed declaration of all pending and prior criminal arrests and charges, state and national background checks, fingerprint records check, personal and other information provided by the applicant. The signature below represents that I have read and understand all the prerequisites for the above position, and I acknowledge that I am capable of performing the essential functions, physical requirements and acknowledgements that I fulfill the prerequisites required for the position.