ICWA Tribal Representative

ICWA Tribal Representative

Department:
Family and Social Services

Program:
Family Services

Reports to:

Family and Social Services Director

Employment Status:
Full-Time

FLSA:
Exempt

Schedule:

40 Hours/52 Weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

The ICWA Tribal Representative is responsible for the effective and efficient administration of the Indian Child Welfare Act. This administration ultimately leads to the adequate protection of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's at-risk children. The ICWA Tribal Representative is responsible for representing the Tribe and other Alaskan Native/American Indian children in State Court and with the Office of Children's Services (or State equivalent).

Other judicial jurisdictions may be applicable and case specific. The ICWA Tribal Representative is responsible for coordinating with the Family Services case management team, as well as requesting orders from Tribal Court for the transfer of jurisdiction of State Court cases. The ICWA Tribal Representative monitors and reports on State of Alaska primarily, but also other State's compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act.

The ICWA Tribal Representative will be expected to respond to ICWA notifications in a timely manner and participate in investigations, discovery, and planning for Kenaitze children as well as other Alaska Native and American Indian children for whom a tribal resolution to provide ICWA services has been obtained. The ICWA Tribal Representative will serve as ICWA liaison between agencies or committees, governing or judicial bodies, the Tribe and other tribes.

Essential Functions

• Obtain enrollment/eligibility documentation for Kenaitze children or enrollment/eligibility documentation and a tribal resolution for other Alaska Native/American Indian families for whom Kenaitze ICWA services are being requested.
• Participate in team decision making meetings, case conferences, case planning meetings, reviews and State Court hearings where Kenaitze Tribal children have been removed or may be removed; as well as represent the child's best interest to prevent unnecessary removal, placement or adoption.
• Serve as the Tribe's non-attorney representative in State Court proceedings by researching and interpreting law, reviewing discovery, preparing motions and other court filings, making opening and closing statements and questioning witnesses at trials and other court hearings.
• Monitor State compliance with active efforts and the provision of culturally relevant services
• Assist with identifying the child's family members or other ICWA compliant placements and advocate for the placement that is in the child's best interest.
• Responsible for assessing allegations of child abuse or neglect and taking necessary steps to protect children.
• Be willing to remove a child from a dangerous situation is highly challenging circumstances.
• Maintain regular and professional contact with the child and the placement family.
• Provide assistance and advocacy to other Alaska Native/American Indian families residing within our service area by offering the option of the Kenaitze Tribal Court in children's proceedings through a resolution form the child's tribe.
• Testify in State and Tribal Court proceedings
• Prepare monthly and annual ICWA reports to the Family Services Manager, Tribal Court, BIA & other funding sources.
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• 
  Medium work
  - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use,…