VACANCY ANN#: STOI- 25-086

TITLE: INDIAN CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKER

DEPARTMENT: HHS

LOCATION: WELLPINIT, WA

STATUS: FULL-TIME

RATE OF PAY: $27 PER HOUR

OPENING DATE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2025

INTRODUCTION:

The ICW Social Worker works under the guidance of the DCFS Director to provide culturally appropriate support to Spokane Tribal children and families. This role must follow the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA), and the Spokane Tribal Youth Code. The main goal is to help keep Native children in their homes when it is safe and prevent unnecessary separation from their families and culture. The social worker investigates reports of child abuse or neglect, writes care plans for families, manages cases, and works closely with courts and outside agencies. Regular court appearances, paperwork, and working with extended family, service providers, and tribal leaders are all important parts of this job.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Quickly look into reports of child abuse or neglect on the Spokane Reservation. Decide if emergency action is needed to keep a child safe.
• Provide and keep records of “active efforts” – meaningful help to keep families together or bring them back together safely.
• Make sure all foster, pre-adoptive, and adoptive placements follow legal rules that prioritize keeping Native children with their relatives or within their tribe.
• Work with the Tribe’s legal team and act as, or find, Qualified Expert Witnesses for cases involving Spokane Tribal children.
• Create personalized care plans that build on the family's strengths, include tribal traditions, and connect them to services like counseling, housing help, parenting support, and financial assistance.
• Arrange and supervise family visits and make sure they follow the safety plan and court orders.
• Perform background checks and safety checks for people who want to care for children. Help train and support foster families.
• Go to Tribal Court and state court as needed. Write reports, provide testimony, and explain recommendations clearly.
• Keep complete, private case records in the Tribe’s data system and follow all privacy laws.
• Join team meetings and planning sessions for families and participate in child protection reviews.
• Be available for emergencies after hours and provide on-call support about one week per month.
• Stay up to date on training, including state-required courses and annual ICWA/WICWA updates.
• Maintain certification as a Mandatory Reporter.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Good understanding of ICWA and WICWA laws, especially around placement rules, notice, active efforts, and expert witnesses.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally respectful child welfare work, child development, and how families function.
• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with children, parents, families, tribal leaders, and professionals.
• Strong problem-solving, investigation, and decision-making skills, especially in stressful situations.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills. Must be able to create detailed court reports and explain things clearly in court.
• Good at organizing time and handling multiple cases while meeting deadlines.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, case management software, and secure online tools.
• Must keep all information private and follow laws like HIPAA, FERPA, and tribal privacy rules.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a similar field with at least 4 years of experience in child welfare, including 2 years working specifically with ICWA or WICWA.
• Must complete the Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence Regional Core Training within 6 months of being hired.
• Must understand Federal ICWA and Washington WICWA rules.
• Must have a valid Washington driver’s license and be able to travel as needed.
• Must pass a background check according to tribal and federal rules.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited program.
• Certified as an Indian Child Welfare or Tribal Social Work Specialist (such as through NICWA).
• Experience testifying as a Qualified Expert Witness in ICWA/WICWA cases.

• 
  Tribal Preference Applies - Tribal Preference grants preference in employment to qualified enrolled Spokane Tribal Citizens, Spouses of Spokane Tribal Citizens, First Line Descendants of Spokane Tribal Citizens, and Citizens of other Tribes and Other Applicants, in that order.

• 
  Safety Sensitive Background – Requires a higher standard of performance and behavior.

Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor their e-mail for interview notifications.

Contact: Donnie Lebret, DCWMHC HR Director

E-mail: donnie.lebret@dcwmhc.com

Phone: 509-258-4517 ext.767

Applications must be received in the Human Resource Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date.

The Spokane Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy

All Applicants are subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Test

All Positions with the Spokane tribe of Indians are subject to a 90-day orientation period