Children's Services​/ICW - Child Welfare Caseworker

Child Welfare Caseworker I

To develop, implement and evaluate case plans for families who are working with Puyallup Tribe Children Services. Facilitates family reunification or other permanent placement planning as deemed necessary by the Tribal Court. Initiates life-changing decisions based solely on the best interest of the children.

Works collaboratively with assigned CPS investigators and families in developing initial case plans. Initiates, facilitates and assists in obtaining referrals to outside agencies and professional providers in establishing services necessary to achieve case plan goals in collaboration with parents and families. Consistently engage in active efforts throughout the life of the case with children, parents and families. Performs case consultation and collaboration with court personnel, professional therapists, medical personnel, school officials, legal professionals, and other community agencies for optimal outcomes of case plans.

Prepares detailed, comprehensive and fact based Social Service reports and testimony to court in accordance to the Child and Family Protection Code. Develops case summaries, and attends predetermined and emergency court proceedings. Stays informed of all court proceedings (i.e. Children in Need of Care, reviews, etc.). Adhere to all of the Child and Family Protection Code time frames which includes all court required filings.

Arranges and supervises (when necessary) visitations between children, parents, siblings and extended family members to maintain familial bond when safe and appropriate. Maintains up to date case records of case progress including, but not limited to; case notes, court documents, school and health records, correspondence, placement records, and visitations. Also responsible for administration of financial support records, service agreements, service episode information, tribal affiliation and enrollment.

Prepares and presents various case summaries for team, supervisor and the Puyallup Tribe Indian Child Welfare Act Committee when needed and applicable. Maintains and ensures extreme level of confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries regarding clients. Conducts regular and emergent home visits and monthly health and safety with children, parents and placement providers to maintain the wellbeing of children in the care of Puyallup Tribe Children's Services.

Participate in regular case staffing with supervisor and promptly inform of any significant changes in the case. Prioritize workload based on client needs. Transport clients to and from appointments as needed. Completes and prepares in-depth home studies for the purpose of adoption, guardianship and relative/kinship placements of children. Completes all appropriate background clearances prior to placing a child in a home.

Available to respond to after hours emergencies as needed. Ability to adapt and be flexible to constant changes in Tribal and State Children's Services systems. Adheres to the Child and Family Protection Code;
Duty to Report Child Abuse and Neglect. Participates in departmental staff meetings and trainings. Will continuously engage in professional development including but not limited to, cross training throughout the department and keeping up with the latest trends and best practices of child welfare service delivery. Participate in departmental community outreach. Responsible for rotating as back-up coverage for after hour emergencies.

Performs other duties as assigned.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Level I:
Bachelor's degree (B.A. in a related social services field or a B.S.W.) from a four-year college or university.;
Intermediate word processing skills (Microsoft Word) is required. Knowledge and experience using spreadsheet applications (Microsoft Excel) is preferred.

Level II:
All Level I requirements and two years of experience in child welfare case management working with a diverse population. Or an equivalent combination of a MSW degree and one year of case management experience working with a diverse population. Internship hours completed in a social work setting may count as experience.

Level III:
All Level I and II requirements and two years of experience in direct case management and/or training working with Native American children and their families. Or a Master's degree in a related field and one year of experience in direct case management and/or training working with Native American children and their families. Experience interviewing children and families is preferred.

Note:

Level I and II employees will move to the next level once they meet…