What are the responsibilities and job description for the Foster Care Program Manager position at Coeur d'Alene Tribe?
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for the management and coordination of program activities of the Foster Care Program. The coordinator must function in a professional and efficient manner and in coordination with the Indian Child Welfare staff to meet the needs of children needing temporary home placement that is safe, loving, and nurturing. The coordinator is responsible for ensuring potential foster parent (s) receive the necessary training for licensing & certification, performing background checks, substance abuse testing, and obtaining references on the person (s) interested in becoming a foster parent.
Knowledge of foster care programming preferred. Knowledge of Indian Child Welfare guidelines is necessary for this position.
Duties include:
This position is responsible for the management and coordination of program activities of the Foster Care Program. The coordinator must function in a professional and efficient manner and in coordination with the Indian Child Welfare staff to meet the needs of children needing temporary home placement that is safe, loving, and nurturing. The coordinator is responsible for ensuring potential foster parent (s) receive the necessary training for licensing & certification, performing background checks, substance abuse testing, and obtaining references on the person (s) interested in becoming a foster parent.
Knowledge of foster care programming preferred. Knowledge of Indian Child Welfare guidelines is necessary for this position.
Duties include:
- Must be able to work with Indian Child Welfare staff, law enforcement, and tribal court;
- Must be able to withstand scrutiny and criticism of the community when dealing with the placement of children within the tribal community;
- Must have relevant experience in program development and evaluation;
- Must have experience developing and maintaining budgets;
- Must be knowledgeable in socio-economic factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect;
- Must be computer literate and able to navigate through various computer programs;
- Must be able to complete tasks, handle large volumes of work, and meet deadlines;
- Must be flexible and willing to complete tasks within the ICW Program;
- Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in written format;
- Must possess knowledge of federal/state/tribal laws regarding Native American children and families, such as the Indian Child Welfare Act, or other various Acts and applying it to the job;
- Must be willing to travel for trainings pertinent to job duties;
- Must have ability to work with the court systems at the tribal/state/federal levels;
- Must be able to work with families in crisis and coordinate with other service providers;
- Must conduct monthly follow-up home visits of child and family & document concerns and/or progress;
- Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality;
- Must be able to follow the chain of command and comply with tribal codes and personnel policies;
- Must possess qualities of solid work ethics, such as dependability, reliability, attendance, courtesy, respect and team work.
- Must not display any form of racism or discrimination to others;
- Must be able to develop policies and implement protocols within the program;
- Must be able to collect data into software program;
- Must obtain CPR, First Aid, Child Seat Belt certification within six (6) months of employment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, Social Work preferred or related field; or at least one year experience in foster care programming, program managerial experience, social services, law enforcement, or registered nurse.
- Must have experience working with youth; child protection or case management.
- Possess a comprehensive understanding of the Federal, Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 & Tribal Agreement.
- Must be experienced working with tribal programs and various sources of funding agencies and be proficient in following program guidelines and meeting reporting deadlines.
- Must have budgetary experience, experience with Tribe’s budget software a plus.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable at the time of application and during the course of employment.
- Must pass a criminal background check and be free from any criminal convictions against children, crimes of domestic violence, or crimes of dishonesty/deception/theft/fraud.
- Must not have an open case with ICW Program as a client.
- Must be willing to document written skills level.
- If in recovery, must be able to document sobriety/recovery of at least five years.
- Must not have any misdemeanor or felony offenses involving controlled substances, alcohol or any illegal drugs within past ten (10) years.
- Must not have any misdemeanor or felony offenses related to abuse, neglect, or endangerment of a child or elder.
- Must be able to meet expectations and performance as listed in job duties and responsibilities.
- Must be able to reach, squat, or lift when dealing with young children.
- Must be able to cope with the emotional issues involving children being removed from their home and placed in alternative environment.
- Must be available for occasional evening work hours.
- Must have knowledge of the car seat and seat belt laws relating to children.
Please Note: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties and responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the function.
Tribal Employment Policy
An applicant may be asked to participate in an interview to establish whether they meet minimum qualifications. Interviews do not create a right to employment and provide no promise or guarantee of any employment position with the Tribe.
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy. Positions with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe are subject to a 6-month orientation period.