We are currently looking for a Full Time Assistant General Counsel ICWS to join our Prosecution Section team located at the 1500 Hoppe working 8:00AM-5:00PM - Mo Tu We Th Fr.
Summary:
Performs professional legal work in Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases. preparation of court cases. Staffs, researches, prepares, appears, and presents testimony and argument in ICWA related court proceedings to ensure ICWA compliance. Provides staff with ICWA training and guidance in court and classroom settings.
Responsibilities:
- Perform ICWA-related consultation with Child Welfare Services Director through regular meetings
- Prepares letters, memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents for ICWA cases to ensure ICWA compliance
- Drafts and files petitions, motions, and other pleadings in ICWA cases
- Works with Child Welfare Services (CWS) team, staff and caseworkers by attending CWS meetings, staffing's, and teleconferences. Collaborates with CWS leadership to achieve the overall goals and directives of the CWS team as it relates to ICWA compliance.
- Meets with caseworkers to review ICWA case details and histories and develop effective strategies for ensuring ICWA compliance in those cases
- Attends select ICWA court hearings with Child Welfare Services workers to ensure ICWA compliance
- Provides legal consultation concerning ICWA compliance to social workers, as needed
- Provides training and updates to CWS staff and leadership regarding ICWA, and ICWA-related laws affecting Indian children
- Participates in the appeals of ICWA cases to higher courts as needed; and assists in preparation of written and oral arguments of fact and law
- Approves daily work product (legal documents, pleadings, motions, applications, etc.) of legal assistants and participates in annual review and evaluation of legal assistants, as needed
- Provides regular case law updates and reports to Child Welfare Services CWS and Office of Tribal Justice (OTJA) leadership
- Maintains all records of court cases in a confidential manner
- Advocates on behalf of the Chickasaw Nation pursuant to the ICWA provisions in both in-state and out-of-state courts
- Participates in the direct and cross-examination of witnesses and the presentation of facts and applicable statutory law and case law to the court in ICWA cases to ensure ICWA compliance
- Maintains case data and statistics for OTJA and CWS for reporting
- Performs all other duties as assigned
Competencies:
Essential:
- Able to follow instructions, both written and oral
- Able to adhere to all scheduling and attendance requirements
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in all matters
- Ability to work independently
- Honesty, truthfulness, reliability, accountability
- Prioritizes, meets deadlines and works independently in a high-pressure environment and uses appropriate judgement in upward communication regarding assignments
- Able to read, understand, apply, and retain knowledge of Chickasaw Nation, departmental, divisional and all other rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines
- Ability to multitask
- Relates problems and translates understandable solutions
- Works well within a team
- Organizational and time-management
- Able to verbally communicate in a professional and positive manner with other team members, departments, guests and management
- Writes effective communications with team, departments, guests and management
- Prepares role specific reports
Skills:
Essential:
- Basic Computer skills
- Must be familiar with the Microsoft Office Suite of products
Experience:
Essential:
- 2 years directly related experience
Education:
Essential:
- High School, GED or Equivalent
- Juris Doctorate
- Bachelors Degree in directly related field
Essential:
- Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any field and a juris doctorate
Credentials:
Essential:
- Standard Driver's License
- Pass general background check
- Oklahoma Bar Association
Essential:
- Active membership in good standing in the Oklahoma Bar Association
Working Conditions:
Essential:
- Pass pre-employment drug test
- Works in an office setting
- Extended Travel
Training
- It is the responsibility of each employee to attend required training for their position or profession as determined by their line of support (LOS) or the leadership of the Chickasaw Nation. It is the responsibility of those who supervise, manage or otherwise lead employees or teams to ensure each employee has access to and receives all required training.
Mission, Vision & Core Values
Mission:
- To enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people.
Vision:
- To be a nation of successful and united people with a strong cultural identity.
Core Values:
- The Chickasaw People
- Cultural Identity
- Servant Leadership
- Selflessness
- Can Do Attitude
- Perseverance
- Stewardship
- Trust and Respect
- Loyalty
- Honesty and Integrity
- Teamwork
