Child Welfare Worker

The position is under the supervision of the MSW Director and Tribal Administrator. Child welfare worker responds to child abuse/neglect referrals, coordinates with investigative agencies for CAN investigations, makes emergency foster care and/or kinship relative placements, coordinates appropriate client services with collaborative agencies in accordance with 25 CFR child welfare, tribal and ICWA standards.

• Responds to child abuse/neglect referrals
• Files Suspected Child Abuse Neglect (SCAN) reports and cross reports to BIA Law Enforcement and other investigative agencies within 36 hours
• Joint investigations with BIA Law Enforcement, Tribal Officers and other investigative agencies immediately on child abuse/neglect cases.
• Maintains a caseload of child welfare cases.
• Keeps a record of all incoming child abuse and neglect referrals and child and family services reports on a monthly basis.
• Conducts child safety assessments and welfare checks
• coordinates and collaborates with service providers, Tribal Officers, BIA LE investigative and other tribal partners/agencies in relative to child abuse/neglect investigations.
• Coordinates with outside agencies for treatment foster care placements.
• Transports clients to UNICA Children’s Advocacy Center and/or Solace Treatment Centers for child forensic interview
• Transports client to UNM Emergency Psychiatric Services for behavioral health crisis, UNM Children Psychiatric Hospital for inpatient, and coordinates with Behavioral Health Program
• Works closely with the FBI and BIA victim specialists on child sexual abuse cases for case management and supportive services to victims and family.
• Conducts home studies for Kinship relative and foster care placements
• Attends case meetings/hearings with Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) office for CAN prosecution preparation.
• Maintains client file records and case notes on a weekly basis.
• Places children in foster care/kinship relative homes on emergency basis per Law Enforcement recommendation or by Tribal Court order.
• Makes referrals for client services and/or case management and works closely with service providers for client advocacy.
• testifies and/or appears in Tribal Court/State Court for child welfare matters
• Works closely with Tribal Courts and outside courts for other child welfare cases involving other tribes
• Works closely with ICWA Specialist and Child & Family Case Manager for case coordination
• Attends review hearings with Contemporary Tribal Court involving child welfare matters.
• Conducts home visits for follow up purposes
• Member of the Child Protection Team and facilitates the CPT meetings.
• Be available to meet with the Tribal Leaders when called upon for case presentation.
• Conducts presentations on prevention of child abuse/neglect and reporting procedures
• Works closely with the Domestic Violence Prevention Program for domestic violence and family violence crisis calls involving children who witness violence
• Facilitates the Circle of Keepers Foster Care Trainings with staff who are trained
• Serves as a Keres interpreter in Tribal Court
• Attends trainings, meetings or conferences related to BIA social services, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, and NM State CYFD initiatives for ICWA.
• Attends monthly New Mexico Tribal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) consortium meetings and other related meetings such as “Indian Families Protection Act (IFPA)” initiatives, etc.
• On call 24/7 for crisis response
• Other duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  HS Diploma or equivalent preferred; AA in Social Work or Human Services; BSW recommended.
• Experience/Basic Knowledge: 3 years or more work experience in human services, social services or related field; 3 years or more in working with a tribe or tribal organization in a social work/human services field.
• Required
  
  Licenses/Certifications:
  
  Prefer a valid driver’s license and child welfare certifications, etc.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Must have manual dexterity to enter and retrieve data from a computer. Ability to sit and stand for long periods. Bends and stoops regularly.
• Preferences:
  Keres speaking is desirable;
  San Felipe Preference and Veteran’s Preference; must pass a background check. No DUI record or domestic violence charges.