Child Welfare Specialist

Child Welfare Specialist

Job Title: Child Welfare Specialist
Department: Social Services
Reports To: Social Services Director
FLSA Status: Full Time- Non-Exempt
Opens: 4/16/2025
Closes: Until filled
Salary: GS 8/10 DOE

 

 

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Social Services Director, the Child Welfare Specialist will develop a process for foster home certification on the reservation as well as strengthen and stabilize the family unit through comprehensive case management, home visiting, prevention and education, referral, and court advocacy services. This position will assist in protecting the children’s rights, promote healthy placement and unity, and develop intervention programs as well as provide investigation and permanency for clients involved in child welfare on the Burns Paiute Reservation.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Interpret the Indian Child Welfare Act and Law & Order Child Dependency Code.
  2. Manage and assist in the development of foster homes for identified families as assigned.
  3. Participate in staff meetings, Child Protective Team meetings, LICWAC and any other required meetings. Attend state and county collaboration meetings. Interacts with family of client to consult and educate on services being received, such as foster care, mental health services, and referrals to outside agencies.
  4. Complete child abuse investigations, reports to tribal court as well as the development of plans and case management services to meet the safety and wellness needs for the child.
  5. Participates in unit meetings, staff meetings and individual supervisory conferences.
  6. Coordinates and links families and clients to community resources, placement providers, collateral agencies, the court and/or other community
  7. Testifies in court or hearings regarding actions, findings, procedures, protocols, etc. Provides reports as required and needed.
  8. Responds promptly to phone calls and emails from community, State, Tribal and Federal agencies.
  9. Represents the tribe in a professional manner and builds partnerships with community, state, tribal, and federal agencies.
  10. Work closely with the Social Services Director to review cases and determine appropriate services.
  11. Interview and assess families interested in becoming foster parents, document home conditions, family dynamics and complete home and safety
  12. Seek foster home care placement services with extended family Establish tribal foster homes.
  13. Provide transportation for clients when
  14. Maintain accurate, confidential files on all Prepare program reports as needed.
  15. Attend relevant ICWA trainings and
  16. Recruit foster families and coordinate appropriate training certification and community involvement to build relationships and trust.
  17. Other duties as assigned.

 

Required Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required.

 

Education or Experience Requirements

Preferred experience with ICWA. Ability and willingness to take on-line or other courses to reached needed level of knowledge. At a minimum, must have a high school diploma and relevant combination of experience and training which would indicate possession of the required knowledge, abilities, and skills listed in this job description. Demonstrates knowledge of the Indian community, the Indian family, and resources available to meet the identified needs of Indian people. Will be required to complete the “CORE” training through ODHS to gain additional knowledge on child development,abuse and neglect, this is a month long training. Must accept confidentiality, ethics, and HIPPA as a strict condition of employment. Flexibility to work evening and week-end hours if needed. Must have reliable transportation and possess a valid Oregon driver’s license without limitations, or sanctions, must be able to provide a clean DMV report for insurance purposes. Able to pass a criminal and personal background check and pass a drug test.

 

Other Desired Qualifications

Flexibility to work evening and week-end hours if needed. Must have reliable transportation and possess a valid Oregon driver’s license without limitations, or sanctions, must be able to provide a clean DMV report for insurance purposes. Must obtain expert witness training to meet the needs for ICWA within one year. Must attend community events and activities, especially cultural events in order to better understand the community and child rearing practices.

 

Indian Preference

Indian preference will be given to candidates showing proof of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe. In the absence of Indian applications meeting the qualifications as listed above, all applicants not entitled to or who fail to claim Indian Preference, will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, political preference, age, religion, or national origin.

 

 

Please submit an application with a cover letter and any other pertinent information to:

Burns Paiute Tribe
Human Resources Department
100 Pasigo
Burns, OR 97720

Fax: 541-573-2323

Email: [email protected]