Family Caseworker - Tribal Family & Youth Services - Hydaburg - Open Until Filled

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Family Caseworker I 

INFORMATION
Job Class: Caseworker

Department: Tribal Family & Youth Services

Type of Position: Non-Exempt
Location of Work: Hydaburg

Covered Position: Yes
Salary Grade(s): 8

Hours of Work: M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm 
Employment Category: Regular, Full-Time

PURPOSE
The incumbent, assigned to a specific geographic area, works for Tlingit & Haida (T&H) Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) Department. Provides case management to tribal members and their families and makes appropriate referrals to community resources to meet the needs of clients.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To: Depends on funding source
Supervises: N/A
Liaison To: Employment & Training and other Social Services Agencies

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Provide para-professional case management
• Recruit prospective foster and adoptive parents
• Conduct foster care licensing studies
• Conduct adoption home studies
• Review notifications and petitions involving dependent Indian children and take appropriate Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) action including participation in judicial determinations
• Response for interdepartmental and interagency coordination (i.e. State Social Service agencies, school district personnel and other tribal organizations) on foster care, adoption and ICWA related child and family matters
• Explain the T&H foster care, adoption and ICWA programs to individuals, agencies, and the community
• Provide regular activity reports to supervisor as requested; may serve on special work-related committees
• Maintain confidential case records, compile statistical information, and meet all reporting requirements
• Distribute, receive, and review financial assistance applications to ensure they are complete, and attachments are present. Will forward completed applications to appropriate person personnel for determinations
• Other duties as assigned

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY
Spending Authority: N/A
Other Authority: N/A

NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of Federal Indian Child Welfare Act (Public Law 95-608) and its significance, history and implementation
• Knowledge of all applicable state and federal laws and regulations
• Ability to abide by the basic regulations, operating policies and procedures regarding TFYS programs
• Knowledge of community needs problems and resources, sensitivity to diverse cultures and community standards
• Ability to collaborate, coordinate, implement, and advocate for youth, adults, and families
• Communication skills, both verbal and written, ability to develop and present clear reports and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of child protective services, social work practices, case planning, and case management
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships as necessitated by work assignments
• Protect and maintain confidentiality of clients

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)
Family Caseworker I
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or closely related field
• Valid Alaska Driver’s License

Substitution for degree:
• 2 years’ experience as a Family Service Worker I or equivalent may be substituted

UNUSUAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTIONS
The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs. Travel on small aircraft or ferry may be required.

CONDITIONS OF HIRE:

• All employment at Tlingit & Haida is “at will”. This means that the employee or Tlingit & Haida may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no term of employment is expressed or implied for this position.
• Tlingit & Haida is a no tolerance workplace. All regular employees may be required to pass a pre-employment and subsequent random drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• Tlingit & Haida requires a criminal background check be conducted on all employees. All employment offers are conditional until federal criminal background check results verify your eligibility to work for Tlingit & Haida.