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ICWA Tribal Representative

Department: Family and Social Services

Program: Family Services

Reports to: Family and Social Services Director

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA: Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

The ICWA Tribal Representative is responsible for the effective and efficient administration of the Indian Child Welfare Act. This administration ultimately leads to the adequate protection of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's at-risk children. The ICWA Tribal Representative is responsible for representing the Tribe and other Alaskan Native/American Indian children in State Court and with the Office of Children's Services (or State equivalent). Other judicial jurisdictions may be applicable and case specific. The ICWA Tribal Representative is responsible for coordinating with the Family Services case management team, as well as requesting orders from Tribal Court for the transfer of jurisdiction of State Court cases. The ICWA Tribal Representative monitors and reports on State of Alaska primarily, but also other State's compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act. The ICWA Tribal Representative will be expected to respond to ICWA notifications in a timely manner and participate in investigations, discovery, and planning for Kenaitze children as well as other Alaska Native and American Indian children for whom a tribal resolution to provide ICWA services has been obtained. The ICWA Tribal Representative will serve as ICWA liaison between agencies or committees, governing or judicial bodies, the Tribe and other tribes.

Essential Functions

• Obtain enrollment/eligibility documentation for Kenaitze children or enrollment/eligibility documentation and a tribal resolution for other Alaska Native/American Indian families for whom Kenaitze ICWA services are being requested.
• Participate in team decision making meetings, case conferences, case planning meetings, reviews and State Court hearings where Kenaitze Tribal children have been removed or may be removed; as well as represent the child's best interest to prevent unnecessary removal, placement or adoption.
• Serve as the Tribe's non-attorney representative in State Court proceedings by researching and interpreting law, reviewing discovery, preparing motions and other court filings, making opening and closing statements and questioning witnesses at trials and other court hearings.
• Monitor State compliance with active efforts and the provision of culturally relevant services
• Assist with identifying the child's family members or other ICWA compliant placements and advocate for the placement that is in the child's best interest.
• Responsible for assessing allegations of child abuse or neglect and taking necessary steps to protect children.
• Be willing to remove a child from a dangerous situation is highly challenging circumstances.
• Maintain regular and professional contact with the child and the placement family.
• Provide assistance and advocacy to other Alaska Native/American Indian families residing within our service area by offering the option of the Kenaitze Tribal Court in children's proceedings through a resolution form the child's tribe.
• Testify in State and Tribal Court proceedings
• Prepare monthly and annual ICWA reports to the Family Services Manager, Tribal Court, BIA & other funding sources.
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Taste/Smell (Detect, Distinguish, Determine)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Other: Dangerous situations, unsafe environments, hostile and threatening people

OSHA

• Category III - Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and as part of their employment, incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid

Equipment and Tools

Drives KIT or Personal Vehicle: Both

Travel

• Local
• In State
• Out of State

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services related field preferred or a combination of education and experience in a related field may be substituted for a degree

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in case management, court proceedings and at-risk child investigations.
• Knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education to conduct an independent, thorough, and impartial investigation, and to advocate effectively for the best interests of the child.
• Experience in the Alaska Native community and culture

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

License/Certification

• Current and valid Alaska Driver's License, and must be insurable under Kenaitze Indian Tribes policies.
• Pediatric CPR & First Aid certification and a Food Handler's Card must be obtained within 30 days of employment.
• Certification in the Indian Child Welfare Act is required within 3 months of employment

Special Skills

• Understanding of and ability to research State statutes, rules, and Supreme Court decisions related to Child Welfare proceedings.
• Knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse and treatment options.
• Knowledge of family dynamics.
• Knowledge of mental illness, FASD, and mental and physical disabilities affecting customers.
• Understanding of the impact of domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect on the child.
• Understanding of child development from infancy through adolescence.
• Understanding of the impact on the child of Child Welfare proceedings, out-of-home placement and termination of parental rights.
• Ability to research resources available to the child in the community in which they reside that would meet their unique needs.
• Demonstrated ability to investigate, research, draft and submit highly professional court reports and documents specific to the administration of ICWA.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a strong voice for at-risk children in judicial proceedings.
• Ability to research and develop special areas of knowledge as appropriate for each investigation and court case.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills.
• Ability to maintain objectivity, respectfulness, and composure when working with people who are hostile or threatening.
• Ability to foster community relationships.
• Ability to work independently and serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and timeliness.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Dedicated commitment to the intent of the Indian Child Welfare Act. (ICWA)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 10, including but not limited to Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which could include occasional weekend, early morning or evening hours.
• Ability to travel for case specific child welfare and investigative efforts.
• Knowledge and experience working with Alaska Native/American Indian people Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers and others
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position