POSITION TITLE: Case Worker - ICW
DEPARTMENT: HHS -- Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Program
LOCATION: Vancouver, WA
REPORTS TO: Program Manager - ICW
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt; Full-time
WAGE RANGE: $33.40 - $40.10 per hour

CLOSING DATE: February 18, 2025

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Provides and coordinates the necessary services to help prevent the breakup of Native families. Ensures the efficient and effective delivery of Indian Child Welfare (ICW) program services by coordinating and participating in culturally relevant child and family welfare services with Cowlitz Tribal families, legal department, state courts, and state department social service specialists on behalf of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. The ICW Case Worker maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Adheres to confidentiality and grant contract requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Program.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides child and family welfare services to Tribal members that have come to the attention of CPS.
• Monitors cases to ensure the implementation of culturally relevant services to families; manages case progress towards the goal of family reunification.
• Remains in regular contact with state worker regarding cases; reviews court reports; provides update to CIT legal; attend court hearings.
• Ensures state case workers are adhering to Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) requirements and all efforts intended to maintain or reunite a child with his/her family.
• Coordinates with Enrollment Department to determine eligibility of child(ren) for the purposes of ICWA; documents eligibility decision in all files.
• Ensures compliance with Tribal ICW policies and procedures.
• Works closely with Cowlitz Legal Department on all case related information for legal ICWA cases Provides updates to legal department on states compliance with ICWA prior to all court dates .
• Participates in recruitment and retention of tribal foster homes; helps facilitate and engage in relative search for Cowlitz placement preferences as needed.
• Engages families with CIT services and resources or other culturally relevant services as needed.
• Provides resources and information to state case worker regarding tribal or culturally relevant services for families; develops and maintains working relationships with HHS and CIT departments and external social services agencies.
• Develops and maintains staffing and related documents for ICW Committee; participates in regular and emergent staffing.
• Maintains accurate database and case documentation of all services, contacts, referrals, and court compliance reports for each case in a timely manner.
• Adheres to Cowlitz Indian Tribe Placement Preferences per tribal resolution; attends all meetings facilitated by the state for Cowlitz cases.
• Facilitates Positive Indian Parenting classes for tribal community as needed.
• Provides prevention related services for cases not in a dependency to Cowlitz families when needed.
• Maintains confidentiality of child(ren) and family.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Program and the Tribal, Federal, and State laws that govern the Indian Child Welfare Program.
• Knowledge of working within Tribal customs, government and Tribal family structures.
• Knowledge of HHS programs, outreach services, resources, and activities in the local community.
• Knowledge of the CPS, ICW, State and Tribal court systems, and legal advocacy.
• Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act. .
• Knowledge of case management.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet and database software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skill in treating community members, providers, and other professionals with empathy, tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with the Native American population and the general public.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Productive and effective time management, flexibility in responding to a variety of work tasks.
• Ability to exercise good judgment at all times, including under stressful, high-pressure situations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required.
• Three years of direct experience with children and families involved in the child welfare system.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Working knowledge of the judicial system of state and tribal courts and the Indian Child Welfare Act. Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.
• A combination of post high school education and experience working as an Indian Child Welfare worker may be used to meet the education and experience requirements. Note: A full year of work is considered 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent doing appropriate work/activities. Applicants wishing to receive consideration for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.
• FamLink Child Abuse and Neglect check to ensure no history of findings

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office or home setting with a moderate noise level. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Work may involve high risk / potentially dangerous situations. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.