Caseworker IV; Childrens Services

OBJECTIVE: Provide Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) casework. Local prevention activities, ICWA case management, service development and administrative duties fit within a comprehensive range of social service programs in accordance with the Family Services Department: Children’s Services Division Mission Statement the Caseworker provides services to Tribal members and Bristol Bay residents (individuals, children, families, Tribes, and communities) to promote in-home family unification and enhance family and community well-being.

QUALIFICATIONS: This position description is structured as a platform for simultaneous recruitment of entry level as well as advanced skills within Bristol Bay’s diverse workforce. Duties and responsibilities will be assigned a Level between I-IV, based on the caseworker’s education, experience, and responsibilities. The platform allows consideration of entry level (Caseworker I) appointments which typically involve family prevention activities, helping people with assistance applications and on the job training through gradual introduction to casework (Caseworker II). Levels III and IV require a higher level of experience / education to perform complex casework and management responsibilities. Recruitment outcomes will vary by the qualifications of candidates that apply as well as the needs of each individual tribe.

Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria of the Alaska Barrier Crimes regulations as a prerequisite to hiring and continued employment. Requires background check including fingerprints.

Education / Experience:

Caseworker I: High School Graduate/GED;

Caseworker II: AA Degree or 2 years of progressive experience with casework.

Casework III: AA or specialized certificate or training and at least a year of casework experience or achieved 3 years of progressive casework experience.

Caseworker IV: BA or 4 years of progressive experience in field and supervisory experience.

At BBNA’s discretion a certain education/experience may not be required if, in the opinion of BBNA a particular candidate possesses significant offsetting characteristics, such as past accomplishments or estimate of future potential. Familiarity with Bristol Bay region, people, and cultures. Other: Demonstrated ability to achieve Job Results as described in attachments for levels I -IV.

JOB RESULTS:

Developing and maintaining a knowledge of important linkages to ICWA Casework.

• Understanding the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act regulations, State of Alaska regulations concerning child abuse/neglect and the child in need of aid court proceedings; Mandatory reporting regulations; State of Alaska foster care licensing regulations
• Understanding the structure of the Family Services Department programs: Aging & Disabilities Division (Aging & Disabilities Resource Center, Elderly Nutrition, Respite, Homemaker/Chore); Children’s Services Division, (ICWA, Title IV-B Sub-Parts 1 & 2, Title IV-E, Alaska Child Welfare Compact); Family Wellness Division, (Grants to Indian Tribal Governments, Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence, Family Violence Prevention, Regional Food Bank, SeaShare, American Seafoods, Wellness: A Circle of Life Program, Men’s Services Program, and Re-Entry Program) and the local area
• Becoming familiar with Title IV-B and IV-E programs, Domestic Violence Prevention, Food Bank, Wellness: A Circle of Life, Child Welfare Compact, the ‘Net’ concept, and other social service programs.
• Knowing the programs and services available within the region: Work Force Development programs- TANF, LIHEAP, Childcare, General Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation, Higher Education, BBAHC services- Jake’s Place, Bristol Bay Counseling Center, Child Advocacy Center; SAFE; and other services and programs
• Participating in required trainings/workshops which focus on adult sexual assault and domestic violence: Basic Orientation for Advocacy Training (BOAT)/Cross Training.
• Understanding the Code of Ethics as established by the National Association of Social Workers as these are used as a department guideline.

Keeps Management Informed by

• Each Caseworker position has an important role in recordkeeping and reporting to document services for funding agencies and for efficient service delivery. Caseworkers will help ensure client files have all the necessary documentation and are in the proper order so accurate information can be retrieved quickly and reliably.

Travel In/Out of region

• Travelling if directed, to communities for home visits with children and families of open ICWA cases to work with children in care and with families with placement, including parents who are on a trial home visit, open for services, licensed foster parents, relative placements, and/or tribally approved placements.
• Traveling for mandatory face-to-face meetings/trainings. (1-2 X per year)
• Fully participating in a manner of professional conduct while in travel status.
• Ensuring that any travel is well-planned and scheduled according to BBNA policy.

Protect program integrity and client privacy by

• Agreeing with BBNA’s policy on confidentiality, keeping confidential information gained through employment secure, during and after this employment.
• Delivering services in a manner that is respectful of culture, ethics, and professionalism.

Contributes to overall team effort by

• Welcoming new and different work requirements; exploring new opportunities to add value to the organization; helping others accomplish related job results as and where needed.

WAGE:

• Caseworker IV – $24.15/hr. ($47,092/yr) – $48.84/hr. ($95,238/yr)

REPORTS TO: Children’s Services Division Manager

DUTY STATION: Dillingham