ICWA Social Service Worker

Coordinates, links and monitors the department’s delivery of child welfare services to Tribal families. Exercises independent judgment and discretion in assessing child and family welfare needs. Collaborates with Utah Child and Adult Protective Services (CPS/APS) to investigate abuse, exploitation and/or neglect referrals and recommend appropriate actions per the Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Utah Department of Human Services. Ensures ICWA requirements are adhered to in determining substitute care for children and youth, which may include services from other Tribes, agencies, daycare or foster care. Documents client progress, compiles case histories and prepares other related reports. Provides related family services such as case management and refers for education and employment guidance. Assists with Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications. Help disseminate information to our tribal community on Tribal programs and community resources, and provides psychoeducation such as parenting, substance abuse, family relations, and coordinating family services activities. Educates community agencies on Tribal programs and services.

Responsibilities

1. Assists to provide an array of Native American child and family social services programs (i.e. childcare assistance, adult assistance, general assistance, burial assistance, service only/case management).
2. Develop and maintain policies and procedures for the PITU ICWA program.
3. Serves as an advocate for families to ensure the compliance of the PITU ICWA program.
4. Educates internal/external agencies and community on ICWA.
5. Monitors and ensures compliance with ICWA notices.
6. Assists the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and/or Adult Protective Services (APS) in field investigations of abuse, exploitation and neglect referrals; assesses risks, strengths and barriers; determines actions or makes decisions governing a client’s situation.
7. Recruits and qualifies eligible foster parents and emergency homes.
8. Maintains a caseload of Tribal/Descendent families, conducts routine home visits, assesses needs, and develops individualized case plans to address child welfare concerns.
9. Monitor the provision and quality of services provided to the family as a liaison when new services/resources are required.
10. Provides or arranges for transportation for clients to placement, crisis or respite services, etc., if needed.
11. Develop appropriate safety and/or service plans with innovative strategies to alleviate risk, provide protection, etc.
12. Assesses client needs and develops a service plan that includes related services to meet those needs. Monitors the effectiveness of plan and makes changes and updates as needed, or at least every 90 days.
13. Screens and selects appropriate substitute care for clients in need of out-of-home services.
14. Thoroughly investigates allegations of neglect and/or abuse in a timely manner.
15. Conduct forensic interviews on children that may have experienced abuse.
16. Supports the Puow’wan Program in recruiting, training, licensing, and ongoing support of foster families in the Indian Homes for Indian Children foster care program.
17. Monitors out-of-home services to ensure physical, mental, educational, and developmental needs are met.
18. Works with individuals with disabilities and mental illness. Coordinates treatment and related services.
19. Provides clients with information concerning rights, options, benefits, services, goals and expectations.
20. Completes all required paperwork in a strength-based manner and maintains accurate information online, ensuring that family demographic information is up to date.
21. Coordinates and occasionally supervises visits between parents and children to monitor behavior and report to appropriate professional/clinical staff; updates case files with notes and concerns/problems observed during the visit.
22. Coordinates and refers services of community resources, placement providers, collateral agencies, the court and/or other community partners with families and clients receiving services.
23. Assists individuals with Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications and helps determine program eligibility.
24. Collaborates with other necessary individuals and establishes effective working relationships with County Case Managers, Probation Officers, Judges, District Attorneys, Attorneys, Teachers, Physicians, etc. for the youth and families' best interests.
25. Always be accountable and follow through on court order conditions.
26. Attends staffing meetings, via telephone or in person, to obtain progress reports, case specific instructions, mentoring, etc. Provides feedback to involved parties and makes recommendations that may influence the direction of the case.
27. Testifies in court or at hearings regarding actions, findings, procedures, protocols, etc. 
28. Prepares detailed court reports, case notes, risk assessments, social summaries, needs assessments, service plans, 90-day case reviews, correspondence, etc. Ensures that all case related activity is documented in a timely manner in accordance with department policy.
29. Works closely with other PITU departments and programs to coordinate intradepartmental services and tracking of cases.
30. Coordinates and participates in various community-based events, activities, and groups as approved by direct supervisor.
31. Sits on various community committees, coalitions, and/or boards as a representative of the Puow’wan Program when appropriate and when approved, and when it does not interfere with, or take place of, completing essential case management duties listed above.
32. Travels on a regular basis to service areas and/or other areas as required of the position.
33. Supports coworkers as a member of the Puow’wan Program.
34. Must dress in a respectful manner and always maintain a respectful demeanor and presentation.
35. Sharing in the after-hours on-call availability of the Puow’wan Program Staff.
36. Other duties as assigned to support the efficient operations of the Tribe.

Requirements

General Requirements:

• Must be insurable through the Tribe’s vehicle insurance required.
• Must pass a criminal and fingerprint background check according to P.L. 101-630 standards required.
• Must pass a pre-employment alcohol/drug screening required.
• Must pass the Social Service Worker credentialing process required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field required.
• Previous experience as a social worker with Native American children and families in a public or private social service agency required.

License & Certification:

• Must possess, maintain, and provide proof of a valid Utah Driver’s License.
• Must possess, maintain, and provide proof of a valid Utah State Social Service Worker (SSW) license required.

Benefits

• Group Health Care Plan (Health, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability). Employer paid premiums for Employee, Spouse and Dependents
• Supplemental/Voluntary Benefits (Life/AD&D and Short-Term Disability)
• HSA Bank Account - Monthly employer contributions
• Retirement Plan (401k, Roth) - Dollar for dollar match up to 6%
• Paid Vacation/Annual Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays (Federal, State and Tribal) - Paid according to set work schedule only
• Paid Birthday Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education Assistance Program
• Wellness Program - Earn up to $1,000 into your HSA account per year