ICW South - ICW Worker

This position is responsible for conducting investigations of suspected child abuse and neglect and for the protection and case management of children and families involved within the Kalispel Tribe’s jurisdiction. Understand and apply the Kalispel Tribal Law and Order Code, new and existing child welfare laws, as well as policies and procedures concerning child abuse and neglect and mandatory reporting. Conduct interviews and assess the situation with children and/or witnesses.

Prepare for and give court testimony and serve as expert witness in court cases. Ensure active efforts. It requires the ability to deal with difficult situations under pressure and to make appropriate decisions that affect child safety for Native children, families, relatives, community partners/providers, the court and the community. It requires a broad understanding of community/public relations and sensitivity to cultural and ethnic issues related to Native American families.

• Assess risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Ability to conduct investigations and child interviewing knowledge and skills. Collects and maintains client data through conducting routine home or school visits. Offer client assistance to other community resources and services; assist with transportation, if needed. Advocate for clients.
• Provide a timely response to referrals, investigate, interview and determine placement options, if necessary. Work closely with the Tribal Care Licensor in the placement process and paperwork duties when placing children in foster care.
• Prepare for, attends and testifies at court proceedings as the ICW Social Worker and/or qualified expert witness. Prepare and provide timely/complete legal documents for court appearances, including but not limited to, court reports, case plans, family protection plans, and/or safety plans.
• Communicate professionally with state workers, Prosecuting Attorneys, and other Tribal staff, as well as other community organizations on clients’ behalf.
• Ability to understand and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work as a team member or independently as necessary.
• Works in an ethical and professional manner with others at all times.
• Ability to prioritize own work, operate independently and be self-motivated.
• Implement effective techniques for caseload and time management. Be able to maintain, update and organize client files, including continuous and timely updates of progress notes, client-caseworker communication, child profile sheets, legal communication, school reports, mental health progress, etc.
• Understands and operates with a culturally sensitive and strength-based approach with clientele.
• Adhere to all applicable tribal, federal, or state privacy laws and regulations, including but not limited HIPPA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work, Human Services or behavioral science or an allied field is required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of Indian Child Welfare experience required or a combination of one (1) year direct ICW work experience and one (1) year of related experience.

• Must possess excellent people skills and a demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and maintain professionalism, diplomacy and tact with clients, employees, other Kalispel Tribe employees, departments, outside agency personnel and co-workers in a sensitive environment. The applicant must be able to effectively maintain composure in potentially intense, hostile, or controversial…