Intergovernmental Liaison

The Tribal and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Liaison serves as the Department's primary resource for Tribal relations and ICWA implementation. The Liaison builds and maintains partnerships with Tribal governments and key organizations to support effective collaboration, consultation, and service delivery for Indian children and their families. The position oversees the Department's Tribal relations functions, including intergovernmental agreements, funding negotiations, compliance monitoring, reporting, and supervision of the Qualified Expert Witness (QEW).

• Represents the Department in program and public advocacy with Tribal government officials and community organizations, including participation in Tribal committees, forums, councils, and meetings with Tribes, government officials, DCS staff, and communities statewide.
• Overlooks and provides technical assistance and training on Tribal consultation and ICWA policy to Department staff, Tribes, and other public or private entities. Facilitates Department compliance with the Tribal consultation policy and coordinate with Tribal representatives, DCS staff, and partner organizations in delivering child welfare services to Indian children and their families.
• Supervises and manages DCS Tribal Relations staff to support compliance with child welfare and Tribal laws, policies, contracts, Intergovernmental Agreements, and statewide Qualified Expert Witness testimony.
• Leads efforts to resolve contract issues with Tribes and negotiate Tribal/state child welfare agreements, Title IV-B and Title IV-E Intergovernmental Agreements, and Memoranda of Understanding.
• Prepares reports and information for internal and external reporting needs, stakeholder requests, state and federal requirements, the Department's Title IV-B five-year plan and annual reports, and the annual Tribal Consultation Report.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• Tribal government structure and operations, including political, organizational, and decision-making processes, codes, and child welfare practices and procedures
• Culturally appropriate approaches to interpersonal and formal communication with Tribal leadership and governments
• The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and applicable case law, state laws, rules, policies, and procedures that govern child welfare services, federal IV-B and IV-E requirements related to tribal consultation and compliance with ICWA
• Child welfare and related federal and state laws, policies, and procedures
• Child rearing practices among American Indian families and tribal community traditions including roles, functions, and family systems
• Principles and practices of management and supervision
• Tribal resources and culturally relevant services
• Coordination and facilitation strategies

Skills in:

• The use of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and calendar
• Analyzing proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals
• Effective communication, both verbal and written
• Analyzing needs and situations and recommending innovative ways to address issues involving the Department and Tribal governments and communities
• Building and maintaining collaborative government-to-government relationships
• Group facilitation, organization
• Coordinating across programs and governmental partners
• Supervision techniques
• Researching, analyzing, and applying federal and state statutes, regulations, rules and policies

Ability to:

• Manage multiple, time-sensitive projects; prioritize competing demands; and complete work accurately, professionally, and on schedule
• Work independently when appropriate and collaborate effectively as part of a diverse team and work environment
• Provide staff with effective leadership, guidance, team building, and performance support while planning and organizing work procedures that promote accountability and high morale
• Build and maintain…