POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Executive Director of ICWA, the Tribal Foster Care Social Worker (TFCSW) is responsible for supporting the well-being and stability of Native American children within the tribal community. This dynamic position involves collaborating with tribal authorities, families, and external agencies to ensure the delivery of culturally sensitive and trauma-informed foster care services. You will be responsible for assessing the needs of children in crisis, facilitating placements within the tribal foster care system, and implementing comprehensive case plans that prioritize the preservation of cultural identity and family connections.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for interviewing, assessing, and reporting prospective sponsors for potential placement of children within the guidelines and allotted time frames established by the Department of Indian Child Welfare.
• Screen prospective caregiver families; including the completion of caregiver references; face-to-face individual, couple, and family interviews; and home inspections.
• Provide feedback, evaluation, motivation, and direction to prospective caregivers during the evaluation process.
• Continually assess ongoing changes in behavior, circumstances, or conditions that may affect child safety.
• In consultation with his/her supervisor, make decisions affecting the safety and permanency of the child.
• Engaging and involving the client and the sponsor in casework processes
• Provide written home study reports within the required time frames to the assigned Executive Director of Indian Child Welfare
• Maintain regular contact with clients and treatment team members through documented phone calls and face-to-face visits.
• Demonstrating client progress toward risk reduction and recommendations for positive case outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records, files, forms, statistics, and additional relevant information by agency policy, licensing, and/or funding requirements.
• Prepare, compile, and submit accurate home study case files.
• Participate in weekly supervision meetings with the Executive Director of Indian Child Welfare and Public Nurse as needed.
• Participate in workshops, seminars, education programs, and other activities that promote growth and development.
• Accepts casework referral and case assignments from supervisor.
• Works closely in concert with child welfare caseworkers providing family reunification services to Indian families.
• Receives case referrals to prevent removal and out-of-home placement of dependent children.
• Provides referral of appropriate services to families including medical, dental, and mental health needs.
• Assists parents in parenting skills and related considerations.
• Encourages parental education in early child development.
• Advocates school attendance.
• Performs home visits working directly with families.
• Monitors and maintains case record files on individual client’s progress.
• Reports suspicion of child abuse and neglect.
• Prepares monthly reports as requested by the Director
• Understand program policies and procedures and update policy as needed
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Performs other duties as required.

Additional Information: This position is grant-funded and subject to the availability of grant funds. The successful candidate will be appointed for the grant period and must adhere to all reporting and compliance requirements associated with the grant.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required or master’s degree preferred in social work, psychology, or related field plus two years experience or equivalent
• Experience in foster care, child welfare, or related social work roles.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act, Child Protection Teams, and State and Federal programs and their codes/laws.
• Must have knowledge of State and Federal by-laws about children.
• Must know adolescent behavior.
• Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in English.
• Must be capable of performing effectively in high-stress situations.
• Proficient in conducting impactful interviews, adept at active listening, and skilled in concise and articulate written communication.
• Proficient in human relations, specifically working with children, youth, and families.
• Must be able to work closely with the Law Enforcement Department, outside agencies, and Tribal Courts daily.
• Must establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Proficient in writing thorough assessment summaries and case management.
• Proficient in operating business computers and office machinery, particularly within a Windows environment. Demonstrated expertise in utilizing essential software applications, including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, Access, and presentation tools like PowerPoint.

NATIVE PREFERENCE POLICY

Among qualified applicants, preference is given to Wilton Rancheria Tribal Members, then to spouses of Wilton Rancheria Tribal Members, and other Native Americans. All applicants claiming preference must submit verification of their Indian heritage.