Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position:

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Specialist

Division:

Tribal Affairs

Department:

Human Services

Reports To:

Child Welfare Supervisor

Location:

Open

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

Exempt

Salary:

Grade 9 ($45,697.00 - $69,676.10)

Classification:

Fulltime

Summary:

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a 'Service Delivery Area' comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

The ICWA Specialist will be responsible to implement the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) regarding child welfare proceedings and support services for Ponca children. The ICWA Specialist will manage ICWA cases throughout the United States. The ICWA Specialist is responsible for providing ICWA case management supervision and oversight to include but not limited to: determination of enrollment or eligibility for enrollment, determination that placement preferences are followed, determination of jurisdiction, ensure compliance with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Law and Order Code, and will maintain any involvement with state and county child welfare agencies to ensure compliance with state and federal ICWA.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Promote Tribal and cultural heritage by connecting Ponca members with services, resources, and programs available.
2. Advocate for family reunification while ensuring health and well-being of all children.
3. Ensure compliance of the Indian Child Welfare Act and monitor for ICWA notices.
4. Conduct home visits, to include a safety assessment of the child and placement.
5. Facilitate team meetings using ICWA related language to ensure appropriate referrals and resources are available to the children and families.
6. Attend all court hearings as directed by the supervisor or director.
7. Partner with Tribal enrollment to identify placement and permanency options.
8. Review and/or prepare court reports as determined by the case status.
9. Provide case management and document services offered, available, or provided to families involved with the child welfare system.
10. Complete monthly reports outlining program goals, objectives, service plans, and achievements.
11. Conduct frequent interviews with families, their team of providers and informal supports to ensure the best interest of Ponca children.
12. Expedite court ordered emergency placement as needed.
13. Collaborate with family, Culture Department, and ICWA Advisory Board to identify individualized cultural needs.
14. Ensures compliance with the Ponca Law and Order Code as well as the Code of Federal Regulations.
15. Maintain accurate client and program files within approved software systems.
16. Practice strict confidentiality in accordance with all applicable Ponca Tribe of Nebraska policies.
17. Other duties as assigned.

Relationships and Authority:

This position has no supervisory duties.

Works closely with other departments including Behavioral Health, Child Welfare, Youth Services, Domestic Violence, Workforce Development, Education, Health Services, Culture, ICWA Specialist, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska employees, as well as external organizations and agencies.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

This position is located in a professional office environment. Duties include, but not limited to; home visitation, tribal and county/state court appearances, family team meetings, and representation of Ponca Tribe of Nebraska with state agencies, service organizations, and community coalitions.

This position requires frequent verbal and written communication including face-to-face, virtual, and telephone interactions. At times staff may be required to work with clients who are in crisis and demonstrate empathy, understanding, respect, and advocacy while remaining calm in stressful situations.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, scanners, and photocopiers. This staff will sit, stand, bend, lift, and move intermittently during work hours. This position will be subject to potentially emotionally disturbing material as presented to staff, clients, and outside entities.

Will be required to work outside normal business hours to include evenings and weekends.

Staff will be required to travel extensively throughout the Ponca Service Delivery Area and occasionally travel outside the Service Delivery Area.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

1. Bachelor's degree in human services or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education.
2. Two years experience working in child welfare, legal advocacy, and/or state or tribal court systems.
3. Knowledge and understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
4. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
6. Valid driver's license and be insurable.
7. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background** checks.
8. Able and willing to travel in and out of the Ponca Service Delivery Area.

Preferred:

1. Master's degree in human services or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education.
2. One year of experience with Title IV-E foster care and adoption subsidy.
3. One year experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
4. Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self-Determination Act, Tribal organizations, and funding opportunities.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

**This position must comply with Public Law 101-630, Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and 25 CFR Part 63 Indian Child Protection Act.

Tribal Council Approval: 04/16/2024

Job Tags

Similar Jobs