TCW Resource Family Specialist

Description

JOB TITLE: Resource Family Specialist DEPARTMENT: Tribal Child Welfare

REPORTS TO: Compact Services Coordinator POSITION STATUS: Non-exempt ;
Full Time

PAY GRADE
: 4 APPROVED
:
June 2025

Summary Job Goal: The Resource Family Specialist is responsible for helping the program meet its goal of 100% ICWA compliance for children in out-of-home placement. The Resource Family Specialist will work with OCS, AVCP ICWA Compacted Tribes, and families to conduct extensive relative searches for children in state custody; to identify ICWA preference placements for children in state custody; and to conduct safety evaluations prior to placing children in a home.

• Serve as primary contact for initial and ongoing diligent relative search referrals and safety evaluation walk through referrals from OCS.
• Call potential relatives of Tribal children in state custody to seek interest in caring for them.
• Conduct ICWA preference placement searches for AVCP ICWA compacted Tribes who have children in state custody.
• Travel periodically to villages within the AVCP region to perform home safety walk-throughs for the purpose of placing Tribal children with relatives.
• Utilize the State Online Resource for the Children of Alaska (ORCA) and other databases necessary to complete work within these scopes.
• Attend monthly out-of-preference placement meetings with OCS to provide updates on relative search efforts and to receive information about possible relative placement options for tribal children.
• Work closely with village-based staff and/or Tribal Administrators and/or Tribal Council Members to conduct relative searches and home safety walk-throughs.
• Electronically enter and track services and client data as required by program or OCS.
• Maintain organized electronic files and client information.
• Communicate effectively with program staff, families, and teams to find relatives and place children with relatives in a timely manner.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all case information
• Other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must possess strong written and verbal skills and be able to work and communicate in a multi-cultural setting.

Must be able to perform work independently. Must be able to make sound decisions and use best judgement to assess the safety of homes. Must be able to work cooperatively with others and problem solve.

High School Diploma or GED is required. Work experience in ICWA/child welfare, family advocacy, or social services preferred but not required. Knowledge of or familiarity with the culture of the Yukon Kuskokwim-Delta Region;
Experience working with American Indian/Alaska Native children and families; and fluency in Yup’ik or Cup’ik is strongly preferred but not required.