Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Specialist

Position:
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Specialist
Position Number:
292 Open
Division:
Tribal Affairs
Department:
Social Services
Reports To:
Social Service Director
Location:
Open
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Exempt
Salary:
Grade 9 ($45,697.00 - $69,676.10)
Classification:
Fulltime
Summary:
Incumbent will be responsible to implement the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) with regard to child custody proceedings and support services for Ponca children. Staff will manage ICWA cases outside of the Ponca Service Delivery Area while Social Services Case Managers will provide the primary case management within the Service Delivery Area. The ICWA Specialist is responsible for the legal enforcement of ICWA in all cases. Staff will advocate for children in all appropriate court systems.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Protect the Ponca member/client's rights to their Tribal and cultural heritage.
2. Strengthen the role of the Native American parent(s).
3. Provide advocacy for all Ponca children in state cases, court reports etc.
4. Identify ICWA related referrals and start a case plan placing only ICWA related language into the file.
5. Promote family reunification except in cases of possible harm to the child(ren).
6. Provide education and training to the parents and extended family members as needed.
7. Identify potential extended family members for relative placement as appropriate.
8. Identify potential adoptive parent(s).
9. Expedite court ordered emergency placement as needed.
10. Implement and develop ICWA case management.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Relationships and Authority:
This position has no supervisory duties. Staff will be required to travel extensively throughout the Service Delivery Area and occasionally travel outside the Service Delivery Area. Perform ICWA duties according to the Federal Law of the ICWA.
Working Environment and Physical Demands:
This position is located in professional office environment. Duties include, but not limited to; home visitation, tribal and county/state court appearances, family team meetings, and representation of PTN DSS with state agencies, service organizations, and community coalitions. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. This staff will sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently during work hours. This position will be subjected to potentially emotionally disturbing material as presented to staff, clients, and outside entities.
Qualifications:
Minimum:

1. Bachelor's degree in a human services or related field or four years of work experience in human services or related field or any combination of related coursework, training, education and employment experience may substitute for a Bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.
2. One or more years' experience working in foster care and/or adoption programs.
3. One or more years experience in legal advocacy on behalf of families and children in need.
4. One or more years experience with state and/or Tribal court systems.
5. Knowledge and understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
6. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access programs.
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
8. Valid driver's license and be insurable.
9. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.
10. Able and willing to travel.

Preferred:

1. Master's degree in a human services or related field or six years of work experience in a human services or related field or any combination of related coursework, training, education and employment experience may substitute for a Master's degree on a year for year basis.
2. One or more years experience of grant and budget management.
3. Current license/certified counselor, social worker or mental health practitioner.
4. One or more years experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
5. Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self-Determination Act, Tribal organizations and funding opportunities.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.
Tribal Council Approval: 02/21/16, 10/19/20, 08/07/22
Human Resources Final: 08/07/22