Youth and Family Services Case Worker II
Description
NOOKSACK INDIAN TRIBE
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Youth & Family Services Case Worker II
Department: Youth & Family Services
Reports To: Youth & Family Services Director
Job Status: Regular Full Time
Type: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Grade: I
JOB SUMMARY:
The Youth & Family Services Case Worker II will be responsible for additional duties beyond the Case Worker position. The Case Worker II will provide guidance and expertise to the Case Worker in various areas of child welfare. The Case Worker II also performs advanced level case management services for Nooksack children in dependence or at risk of being removed from their homes in accordance with tribal customs, practice, policies and procedures established by the department. The Case Worker II works with families in crisis and works to advocate and connect children and families with services to promote the health, safety, and well-being of children & families. The Case Worker II will engage children and families under difficult circumstances and must possess the ability to remain calm when in high-stress situations. The Case Worker II manages competing priorities well and works as part of a cohesive team while also working independently in a variety of settings. The Case worker II must understand and apply the tenants of Nooksack Code Title 15 (Youth Code) and the Indian Child Welfare Act. The Case worker II must be willing and able to work flexible hours.
MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Meet all casework management directives required by Nooksack Tribal Codes, Laws, Youth & Family Services Policies, State and Federal jurisdictions
- Assist the Youth & Family Services Administrator Manager with creating and revising Youth & Family Services systems, including the database, filing and forms
- Manage even weeks for the “On-Call” afterhours line and assist with Child Protective Services-CPS intake and referral determinations with the Washington Division of Children, Youth and Families-DCYR, 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Keep abreast of resources and services available to children and families involved in the children welfare system, whether State and/or Tribal (e.g., EFC, RGAP, CHINS, ARY, etc)
- Ensure Case Workers are well prepared and organized for monthly CPT meetings
- Attend monthly CPT in at the direction of the Administrative Manager
- Regularly staff all cases managed by Youth and Family Services with the Administrative Manager and Director
- Attend monthly Tribal Child Protective Team-CPT meetings
- Regularly staff all cases managed by Youth and Family Services with the Administrative Manager and Director
- Provide case management services such as, but not limited to:
- Assisting in the development of the child’s case plan
- Preparing and filling individual Social Service Plans (ISSP’s)
- Referring the child for needed services
- Monitoring the child’s progress in all services
- Conducting Health and Safety interviews for each child to assess their health, safety, and well-being in accordance with Tribal Codes, Nooksack Family services policies, State and Federal Regulations
- Coordinate with Washington Department of Children and Family Services (DCYF), accompanying when appropriate on CPS investigations
- Documenting/reporting all child’s activity for case file and court purposes
- Assisting in the development of parental service plans
- Monitoring parental compliance with service plans
- Documenting/reporting all parental activity for case file and court purposes
- Investigate child abuse and neglect allegations, assess complex family satiations & develop plans to protect children either in their own homes or out of home care
- Focus on understanding and respecting the strengths of families
- Supervise and/or arrange for visitations between children and their parents, siblings, and extended family members
- Provide accurate and timely entries into the Youth & Family Services database system
- Consult with attorneys and court appointed personnel, and prepare and present testimony and statement at hearings
- Transport children and parents when necessary
- Works closely with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and complete all paperwork for DCYF and/ or other agencies as required for accessing services
- Submit appropriate court documents to legal counsel and court prior to scheduled court hearing
- Submit regular report to supervisor, both narrative and statistical, detailing the number and types of contacts and general tasks accomplished
- Other related duties may be assigned
OTHER DUTIES:
Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.
PREFERENCE:
Indian Preference Policy applies to this and all positions with the Nooksack Indian Tribe.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following qualifications are required for the incumbent to have, in order to be considered for the position.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION:
- BA degree in Human Services or related field from an accredited College or University with at least two (4+) years child welfare experience, preferably “Indian Child Welfare”
OR
- AA degree in Human Services or related field from an accredited College or University combined with at least four (4) years child welfare experience that includes at least one (1) year direct client case management
OR
- Six (6) years in Human Service professional experience that includes at lease two (4) years direct child welfare experience and who possesses the knowledge, skills and at least (1) year direct experience necessary to perform case management activities that must include;
- Use of professional skills and competence to serve the client whose interests are of primary concern
- Promote client’s involvement in the phases of case management practice to the greatest extent possible
- Ability to problem solve and intervene at the client level to provide and/or coordinate identified delivery of services
- Knowledge about resources availability and parameters carrying out case management tasks and functions appropriate to client services delivery
- Demonstrate strong communication skills and collaboration with systems partners to expand the supply of and improve access to needed services
- Ability to carry a reasonable caseload that may include other coverage for case workers while able to effectively plan, provide, and evaluate case management tasks related client services and system interventions
- Maintain professionalism and ability to treat colleagues with courtesy and respect and strive to enhance interpersonal and interprofessional cooperation on behalf of the client
REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION:
- Knowledge of case management principles and practices; risk assessment and decision making; interviewing techniques; community resources; principles of individual and social development.
- Indian Child Welfare knowledge and experience.
- Ability to work cooperatively with groups and individuals; organize and prioritize workload; manage a large caseload in an efficient and effective manner; possess excellent oral and written skills.
- Have the ability to present clear and concise information in a courtroom setting.
- Have the ability to work under strict timelines.
- Be dependable, hardworking, punctual, and trustworthy, as may be demonstrated through positive employment history.
- Familiar working with Microsoft Suite Programs (e.g. Word, Excel, etc.)
- Awareness of secondary trauma and techniques to avoid burn out and compassion fatigue
- Ability to maintain high ethical standards and maintain strict confidentiality
REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Must pass alcohol/drug test at time of hire and throughout employment.
- This position requires regular contact with children and is therefore subject to successful and extensive criminal background check, CAMIS/FamLink background check and periodically thereafter
REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:
- Complete Child Welfare Core Training within six (6) months of hire date
- Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet the insurability requirements of the Tribe. (Must Provide Driving Abstract at time of hire)
- Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Training within six (6) months of hire date
- Must obtain and maintain First Aid Adult/Child CPR and AED certification
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.):
- Work is performed in normal office setting with little exposure to loud noises.
- Occasional standing/walking while performing office duties: walking short distances throughout shift on tile, carpet or concrete.
- Frequent/constant sitting.
- Ability to occasionally lift 1-20 pounds.
- Occasionally required to push/pull using both arms/hands with required force of 5-20 pounds to open doors/file drawers and filing documents.
- Frequently required to bend at waist/knees/neck to and from seated position while working at desk, filing and records handling.
- Constant use of both hands/fingers and arms to reach/handle or grasp while keyboarding, using phone, calculator, copier and other office equipment.
- Ability to use computers, answer phone and communicate with clients and co-workers.
DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION
The following qualifications are preferred/helpful for the incumbent who has these skills/knowledge or abilities for this position.
- Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Welfare or related field with at least two (2+) years child welfare experience, preferably “Indian Child Welfare.”
- Workforce Core Training in Child Welfare
- Vicarious Trauma Training
I have read and understand the position requirements as stated above I further, understand that occasionally I may be instructed to perform duties that are not listed above but are relative to my position.
The Tribe hopes that the employment relationship will be long and productive, however the Tribe is an employer at-will therefore you may terminate the employment relationship at any time and likewise the Tribe may terminate the employment relationship at any time. Neither you nor the Tribe needs to provide a reason for a decision to terminate the employment relationship.
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Employee’s Signature Date
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Supervisor’s Signature Date