ICWA Advocate

Tanana Chiefs Conference -
Fairbanks, AK

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Job Details

Full-time

Qualifications

Confidential information handling
Abuse and neglect policy adherence
Writing skills
Driver's License
Working with families

Full Job Description

Job Title

ICWA Advocate

Location

Fairbanks, AK, US

Organization Name

Tribal Government & Client Services

Job Summary

Job Summary: Job incumbent works directly with tribes of the TCC region, tribal members, tribal staff, and state agencies to coordinate a wide range of services to assist children and families who are involved with the state child protection system. Incumbent will work closely with other social service and justice staff to coordinate services for families involved or at-risk of involvement with the Office of Children’s Services (OCS). Job incumbent also participates in planning, developing, and conducting ongoing training for tribal and department staff in issues relating to the state child protection system.

Adhere to the TCC Ch’eghwtsen’ model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbent(s).

Representative Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Tribal Social Services’ Lead ICWA Advocate job incumbent:

1. Provides information to parents regarding the Office of Children’s Services administrative procedures and the state court process.

2. Assists state social workers with developing written case plans for parents and children.

3. Assists with supervised visitation between children and their parents, conducts home visits dependent of staff availability. Assists parents with referrals and access to services.

4. Assists state social workers with completing relative searches to identify potential placements for children.

5. Participates in relevant meetings, hearings, and reviews held by the Office of Children’s Services.

6. Acts as a liaison between tribes and state(s) to monitor Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) compliance as needed with TFYS workers, TCC legal department and OCS staff.

7. Establishes and maintains current case files for ICWA cases.

8. Assists with Diligent Relative Searches, as needed.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Assists in classroom and teleconferencing training for TFYS, village-based service providers, and other staff relating to state child protection cases.

2. Stays current on child protection laws, and applicable policy.

3. Participates in collaborative efforts to identify and coordinate services for families involved in ICWA cases.

4. Assists with prevention activities as needed.

5. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field of study, OR equivalent combination of education and work experience.

2. Knowledge and understanding of the state child protection and state court systems.

3. One year of experience writing professional documents, such as treatment summaries or court reports.

4. One year of prior case management or counseling experience, to include assessing services for children and families.

5. Valid Alaska Driver’s license with a clean driving record

6. Must maintain strict confidentiality.

7. Must be tested for tuberculosis screening, prior to being hired. Screening is required due to working with children/adolescents.

8. Must pass background check pursuant to federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements and State of Alaska background check.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the ICWA and the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) and how they relate to child protection cases.

2. Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret sensitive information to clients and other professionals, while maintaining strict confidentiality.

3. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively in highly stressful and/or adverse situations.

4. Cross cultural experience working with Alaska Native families and tribes.

5. Proficiency in MS Word and Excel, and ability to operate standard office equipment.

6. Ability to prioritize workload and adapt to changing priorities.

7. Excellent problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to analyze situations and suggest appropriate action.

8. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

9. Ability to collaborate, coordinate, implement, and advocate for youth, adults, and families.

Supervision: No supervisory duties.

Supervision

Physical demands: Job incumbent will do normal office type work with extended hours of sitting and operation of standard office and computer equipment. Position may require working with irate or inebriated clients. Incumbent must be able to work accurately and efficiently in a busy and sometimes stressful environment.

Summation

Summation: Job incumbent has extensive contact with the public both in person and over the phone which requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Incumbent will be required to collect process and analyze information to assist clients in an effective manner. Job incumbent may be exposed to crisis driven situations and must posses’ excellent problem solving skills as well as have the ability to work effectively under stress. Incumbent will have access to highly sensitive information and must be able to maintain strict confidentiality.

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