About Job

This position will remain open until filled.

SUMMARY:
The Foster Care Coordinator plays a crucial role in the Child Welfare System, primarily working with foster children and their foster parents, ensuring that the children are safe, and the parents have the resources that they need to support the children in their care. This position will also be responsible for the implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

Organize Foster Care awareness and recruitment events
Recruit, interview and assess potential foster families
Coordinate training for foster parents and provide foster families with continuous support
Collaborate with Family Services Specialist and other professionals on child welfare cases
Ensure compliance with the Foster Care Tribal Code and Federal Foster Care Regulations
Maintain accurate and up to date documentation on all foster homes and foster care cases
Assist in assessing the needs of each child and coordinate placement into a suitable foster home
Conduct home visits and inspections as needed to monitor the safety and well-being of foster children
Provide referral and support services to licensed foster families as needed
Assist with the transition of a foster child into a foster home and/or back to their biological parents
Network with area service agencies to provide necessary services to individuals and families
Attend regional and local training sessions in the Indian Child Welfare Act and other sessions which affect foster care
Permanency Case Management
Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a closely related field (ie, Sociology, Psychology)
Knowledge of ICWA
Experience interviewing and gathering data and information
Commitment to a healthy way of life
The ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings/weekends and be part of a rotating schedule for the Prairie Island Family Services Dept. Crisis line.
Ability to pass a health examination
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality for all participants and their families
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision
Ability to work well within the existing team and government structure
Sensitive to Native American Culture
Must pass drug screen (UA) and a federal criminal background check in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Foster Care or a Social Services related field

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: *

Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Must be able to sit for long periods of time with occasional amounts of standing or walking

REQUIRED TRAINING:

Effectively Handling Harassment training
Any position-related training as determined by department manager

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in an office setting, but may include occasional outdoor activities

DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship

The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.