POSITION DESCRIPTION
Family Caseworker I

INFORMATION
Job Class: Caseworker
Department: Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS)
Type of Position: Non-Exempt
Location of Work: Local TFYS office
Covered Position: Yes
Salary Grade(s): 8 ($26.97-35.20 DOE)
Hours of Work: M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Employment Category: Regular, Full-Time

PURPOSE
The incumbent works for Tlingit & Haida’s Tribal Family & Youth Services Department and provides case management to tribal citizens and their families who are involved with or at risk of being involved with the child welfare system.
The goal for families being served is to achieve safety and maintain connections to their family, community, and culture. Family Caseworkers strive to enhance the quality of life and well-being of tribal families through services established by tribal values and strengths-based practices. Family Caseworkers provide support and outreach through collaboration, service delivery, and advocacy to protect and maintain the integrity and rights of tribal children and families.


REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To: Child Welfare Coordinator
Supervises: N/A
Liaison To: Other tribal or community programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Support tribal citizens and provide case-management for families at risk or currently involved in the child welfare system
• Maintain confidentiality – as stated in policy, “TFYS employees with access to confidential information may not disclose any information that is legally protected or is non-public information. Employees will maintain the highest ethical standards in conduct, integrity, and confidentiality.”
• Review legal documents, including petitions involving state-dependent Indian children with supervisor, and participate in judicial determinations in accordance with ICWA.
• Apply working knowledge of state and federal ICWA laws.
• Engage in collaboration and coordination with other tribes, tribal organizations, community partners, local government, and state social service agencies
• Provide regular case updates and activity reports to supervisor
• Compile statistical information, and meet all reporting requirements such as timely documentation
• Regularly assess for child safety and take appropriate action when there are safety concerns
• Participate in case-planning, court hearings, home-visits, and case staffings
• Recruit prospective foster families and resource families
• May serve on special work-related committees
• 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 TFYS policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of community needs , resources, cultural customs and cultural standards.
• Ability to collaborate, coordinate, and advocate for tribal youth and their families.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and present clear reports and meet deadlines
• Ability to learn and navigate client management programs
• Knowledge of child protective services, social work practices, case planning, and case management
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Protect and maintain confidentiality of past and present clients
• Recognize when a case requires immediate escalation and notify supervisor promptly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or closely related field
• Valid Drivers License

Substitution for degree:
• 2 years experience as a Family Caseworker 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.