Position: Indian Child Welfare Caseworker

Supervisor: ICW Program Manager/Human Services Director

Location: Human Services Department

Work Info: Full Time: 40 Hrs/Week (M-F)

Salary: DOQ/E ($22.00 - $26.25 hourly)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary goal of the Quileute Indian Child Welfare program is to prevent the breakup of Quileute and other Native families and to prevent the permanent removal of Tribal children from the custody of their parents. QICW strives to empower families in our community and keep children safe by investigating alleged child abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment. This position will also assist in making screening decisions on intakes/reports received and follow through to provide ongoing case management services to families in the Quileute Tribal Court system and families in crisis.

QICW provides intensive case management services to children who have been removed from their homes due to child abuse and/or neglect and to the parents of those children. This includes but is not limited to: Conducting individual and family assessments; developing, implementing, and evaluating family-centered case plans; locating agencies to assist families with reunification efforts; conducting home visits; reporting the family’s progress with their case plan and making recommendations regarding visitation, services, and reunification to the court; and facilitating family reunification or other permanent placement planning as deemed necessary by the Quileute Tribal Court.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

· Determine if a child has Native ancestry and if so, determine if the child is enrolled Quileute.

· Review all reports and determine appropriate jurisdiction.

· Ensure all placements follow guidelines established by the Quileute family code, WICWA, and ICWA.

· Review all Indian Child Welfare files to ensure compliance with Tribal and Federal Regulations.

· Perform investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment of children in the Quileute service area to determine if abusive or unsafe conditions exist and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of children.

· Determine suitable and safe living conditions for children and their families by conducting home visits/inspections with clients and placement providers.

• Arranges and supervises (when necessary) visits between children, parents, and extended family members (when appropriate) to evaluate whether parents can demonstrate learned skills and maintain a familial bond.

· Perform investigative, risk, SDM, and safety assessments and develop safety plans as necessary.

· Conducts individual and family assessments to determine the strengths and needs of children and their parents/custodians to develop, maintain and update strength-focused, family-centered case plans designed to reunify children with their families.

· Initiates, facilitates, and assists in locating and determining appropriate resources and services necessary to achieve case planning goals.

· Supports and encourages children, parents, and extended family members to participate in achieving case plan goals and works cooperatively with other departments and agencies to ensure that services provided are appropriate and culturally relevant.

· Provides case management for all QICW cases.

· Monitors children, families, and placements for compliance with case plans and court-ordered services on and off the reservation.

· Maintains regular contact with children and families via phone, virtual, face-to-face, or text and by conducting health and safety visits monthly in-home, school, work, or office.

· Attends Tribal and state court hearings where Quileute children are involved in dependency proceedings and provides testimony as needed.

· Provides written reports regarding the families’ progress on case plans and court-ordered services and makes recommendations to the Quileute Tribal Court regarding visitation, reunification, etc.

· Conducts in-depth home studies (including interviews and reference checks) for the purpose of placements with relative caregivers and suitable others, as well as guardianship and adoption proceedings.

• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships and partnerships with other Tribal departments and outside agencies to meet the needs of our children and families.

· Prepare case summaries and participate in QICW staff and Child Protection Team (CPT) meetings.

· Maintains and ensures an extreme level of confidentiality of all information regarding child abuse and/or neglect cases.

· Maintain efficient management of cases and case files and be highly organized with large amounts of paperwork.

· Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Must possess a history of excellent work attendance.

· Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

· Ability to meet with the children, families, the public, and co-workers in a courteous and professional manner using tact, diplomacy, and mature judgment in alignment with program standards.

· Ability to treat people with respect, keep commitments, inspire the trust of others, work ethically and with integrity, and uphold the Quileute Tribe’s and QICW’s organizational values.

· Ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness and complete work in a timely manner.

· Knowledge and experience working with children and families involved in the child welfare system due to child abuse and/or neglect issues.

· Ability to collect, organize and evaluate information to develop logical conclusions.

· Knowledge of case management principles and practices.

· Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and Tribal laws, rules, and regulations, including the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Washington (State) Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA).

· Knowledge of the judicial systems of state and Tribal courts, basic courtroom terminology, and procedures.

· Knowledge of Quileute culture, customs, resources, and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.

· Ability to prepare and proofread various reports and/or documentation.

· Good communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain confidence in co-workers, supervisors, management, Tribal Council, and the community.

· Ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instruction.

· Ability to prioritize workload, work independently, and manage crisis situations as they arise with minimal day-to-day supervision.

· Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work, child development stages, and emotional, physical, and mental needs of abused/neglected children.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· A Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Service-related field OR a minimum of an Associate Degree in Human Services and two years of experience in Indian Child Welfare Services, Child Protection, and/or Social Services.

· Must be willing to travel for training, client transport, and health and safety visits.

• Must complete the Regional Core Training with the Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence within six months of hire and be willing to continue participation in educational opportunities which will further and enhance professional development.

· Possess a comprehensive understanding of the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.

· Excellent computer skills.

· Must be able to pass a Tribal and/or Washington State Criminal background check.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $26.25 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• La Push, WA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person