Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Specialist SALARY: Pay Range: 10 $50,000-$57,397 annual DOE/DOQ DEPARTMENT: Department of Children and Family Services LOCATION: Position located at Nixyáawii Governance Center, Mission, Oregon Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time with benefits package Covered Status (Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) - Extensive Background Check required) Nonexempt SUPERVISED BY: Family Preservation Program Manager OPENING DATE: December 7, 2023 CLOSING DATE: December 21, 2023 CTUIR MISSION STATEMENT Exercise the Tribe?s sovereign authority to achieve the maximum protection of resources identified in the Treaty of 1855, to protect newly acquired lands wherein the Tribe has a vested interest, to protect the lands of all the citizens and residents of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This position will protect human life, water, land, air, and wildlife by exercising professional skills and abilities in the protection of the resources of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES The ICWA Caseworker will provide peer support services and case management to Indian children and families served by the Department of Children and Family Services. The Specialist will be required to attend and testify in state and tribal court hearings on a frequent basis. The Specialist must be able to establish and maintain excellent working relationships/partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to meet the needs of those served by CTUIR. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Indian Child Welfare Act Case Management Ensure that active efforts are provided by state child protective agencies to prevent the break-up of Indian families. Identify and advocate for family or tribal placements that meet the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act. Maintain regular contact with state agency social workers, family placements, other involved agencies or parties, and the child, if appropriate. Document case contacts and maintain case files. Develop a concurrent case plan that addresses the education, safety, health, and emotional needs of the child. State Court Case Participation Appear at court hearings with Office of Legal Counsel on behalf of CTUIR to promote ICWA-compliant child placements, active efforts to prevent the break-up of Indian Families, advocate for children?s native culture and identity, and to potentially recommend transfer to Tribal Court. Participate in all state case reviews as scheduled. Request discovery and records from state agencies and other parties as needed. Review and organize discovery in a timely and efficient manner. Meetings, CTUIR Reporting, Professional Conduct Keep the Supervisor informed concerning work progress, including present and potential problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing problems. Maintaining close communication with supervisor daily and participating in regular staff meetings of the DCFS. Participate in regular weekly client meetings with DCFS. Attend CTUIR staff meetings. Participate in CTUIR all staff events which may occur after hours or on weekends, including but not limited to the Annual Picnic, Annual meeting, Annual Native American Heritage Month parade, and other staff events that arise throughout the year. Prepare monthly reports of activities for inclusion in the CTUIR General Council regular Meeting Packet. Meet all requirements of Title IV-E reporting including maintaining a daily client contact sheet, preparing a monthly individual time study, and assisting Office of Legal Counsel compile statistics for other necessary reporting. Recognize and understand the highly emotional nature of Indian Child Welfare Act cases and respond to questions and client concerns in a compassionate, courteous, and timely manner. This position requires a broad knowledge related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978. Must be familiar with and be able to interpret the federal laws and administrative rules related to ICWA. Provides care coordination case management services, child protection services, and child welfare prevention and coordination of mental health services. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: N/A SIGNATORY AUTHORITY: N/A ACCESS TO SENSITIVE AREAS: Sensitive areas of the department and program containing sensitive documentation and material such as access to the DCFS records during the proper performance of duties.