ICWA Specialist

Under direct supervision of the Prevention & Wellbeing Manager, the ICWA Specialist protects Ohkay Owingeh children from arbitrary removal in all aspects. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work under the direct supervision of the Prevention & Wellbeing Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

NATURE OF WORK

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts investigations in cases of child neglect and abuse; following any applicable Criminal Code, Tribal Ordinances and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) 25 Code of Federal Regulations ICWA and/or State IFPA.
• Arranges removals and placements when necessary. Transports minor children to placement.
• Conducts immediate investigations from referrals from agencies in accordance with established protocol.
• Conducts home visits.
• Coordinates with Statewide Central Intake Child Protective Services; responds to requests for investigations.
• Conducts all activities and communications involved in cases of removals and placements.
• Advocates for the best interest of Ohkay Owingeh Children and represents the Pueblo in court and works with Tribal Court and other tribal, state, and federal courts.
• Handles child abuse and neglect cases involving tribal members.
• Works with attorneys, guardian ad litem, Children, Youth and Families Department and the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Develops comprehensive reports, narratives, and statistical reports based on caseload.
• Works with supervisor to develop and contribute to care plans identifying issues and challenges as well as short, intermediate and long-term goals and related objectives.
• Drafts reports with relevant, non-emotive, factually-based information about each case that is chronological in a timely manner.
• Tracks cases by meeting with clients and consulting with treatment facilities and reports to parents, tribal administration, legal guardians and courts.
• Performs work of a court officer, including giving recommendations to court, counseling youth, providing transport to treatment, petition the court and file affidavits.
• Maintains positive relations with community members, organizations, and agencies.
• Coordinates activities for Child Abuse Prevention month and other prevention events.
• Creates, updates and disseminates a resource directory of programs and service providers.
• Must be willing to work overnight shifts from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM Monday thru Thursday and/or 5:00 PM Friday Evening until 8:00 AM Monday morning.
• Attends trainings and workshops pertaining to the job.
• Provides trainings or workshops to educators, providers and youth.
• Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, SKILLS, AND

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act, Child Protection Teams, and State IFPA and Federal; programs and their codes/laws.
• Knowledge of Ohkay Owingeh’s children’s code, State and Federal by-laws pertaining to children.
• Skill in assessment summaries and case management.
• Knowledge in adolescent behavior.
• Ability to maintain a high confidentiality with clients and program personnel.
• Ability to work under heavy stress situations.
• Skill in effective interviewing, listening and writing.
• Skill in human relation as required working with children/youth and families.
• Ability to work closely with the Ohkay Owingeh Public Safety Department and the Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Courts on a daily basis.
• Ability to work closely with outside agencies.
• Ability to receive further training in and out of state.
• Ability to be on call after work hours (5:00 p.m.) seven days a week including holidays.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Skill in operating business…