Licensing And Support Specialist

Open Until Filled Licensing and Support Specialist Reports to: Preserving Native Families Program Manager Salary (Grade): $19.64 (G15-E) Status: Reg., Full-time (Non-exempt) Location: Human Services Department in Winnebago, NE Job Purpose & Position Overview Under the direct supervision of the Preserving Native Families Program Manager, the Licensing and Support Specialist will provide recruitment, training, Licensing and Supportive services for resource families who serve children in out of home placement. The Licensing and Support Specialist will collaborate with Child and Family Services staff for all out of home placement activities and be responsible for keeping them informed of all current resources to families available. The Licensing and Support Specialist will also work with and provide resources for parents and families whose children are in out of home care as needed.

This position will require evening and weekend work hours. Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities: Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribe's core mission, vision, and values. Recruit Native American resource families for Native children in out of home placement.

Work closely with resource families and birth parents to determine and provide needed support services. Assist in the development and implementation of foster care licensing standards consistent with tribal, state, and federal IV-E requirements. Identify evidence-based resource family recruiting strategies appropriate for the service area, and implement said strategies to increase the availability of Native American resource families for children.

Obtain certification as TIPS-MAPP NA and Caring for Our Own leaders and facilitate TIPS-MAPP NA/Caring for Our Own training seminars for resource families. Conduct Licensing and home studies for foster parents. Conduct meetings with foster parents regarding placements for tribal wards.

Resolve licensing issues, and enter information about licensed homes into the N-FOCUS system. Consult and coordinate with Child and Family Services staff in locating out of home placements, placement follow up, documenting placement efforts, and identifying and resolving barriers to placement. Coordinate with CFS staff to update monthly foster care list and ensure resource families receive accurate and timely payments Research gather and maintain information on community resources and available placements.

Develop and conduct additional trainings for resource families and families involved with CFS, according to need. Promote community awareness about available resources and programs. Collect and provide data as needed.

Conducts monthly home visits and provides timely and complete documentation for CFS workers. Ensures relative and foster parents are well-trained and Supported to achieve positive outcomes for children. Duties listed are only an illustration of various types of work performed.

The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment. Required Qualifications/Skills: Associate degree, or two years of accredited course work with two years of experience in child or youth care, teaching, foster care, delinquency prevention, juvenile court systems, community work related to children and youth, mental health systems, nursing or other areas involving contact or interaction with youth or families OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time professional work experience for each year of the required education. Knowledge of Winnebago customs, kinship/clanship systems, and traditional beliefs surrounding children and families is desired and a willingness to learn is required.

Must have the ability to obtain TIPS-MAPP NA Leader Certification. Must have the ability to obtain Caring for Our Own Leader Certification. One-year experience working with Native Americans is required.

Must have excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Must be self-motivated, able to work effectively with minimal direct supervision, able to work effectively on a team, and possess a customer service focus. Must be timely, dependable, courteous, and maintain a business-like appearance.

Must possess public speaking skills. A background in facilitating evidence based curricula is highly desirable. Must have the ability to collect, maintain and analyze data.

Must be able to interact and build rapport with peers and clients, remain non-judgmental, value and accept differences in people, and to observe and assess behavior. Must possess keyboarding skills for data entry, and be proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook). Must be able to maintain the strictest confidentiality, and will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Knowledge of Federal, State and Tribal Law on abuse and neglect of individuals, Confidentiality Laws and Regulations, and the Indian Child Welfare Act are highly desirable and a willingness to learn is required. Knowledge of agency philosophy, community resources and other systems as they relate to children and families is highly desirable and a willingness to learn is required. Knowledge of Winnebago culture and traditions is highly desirable and a willingness to learn is required.

Must possess a valid driver's license, maintain valid insurance, and be insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy. Must be of good moral character. Will be required to pass a federal background check and submit to pre-employment drug testing.

Training Requirements: Must attend all meetings and training courses as outlined and directed by the Preserving Native Families Program Manager Physical Requirements: Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs. Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment. While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.

Mental Requirements: Reading, writing, calculating Above average social interaction skills Reasoning/Analysis Works with minimal to no supervision Language Requirements: Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills. Certificates, Licenses & Registrations: All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit an application at www.winnebagotribe.com, a resume, cover letter, and two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Applications submitted after the closing date or without proper documents will not be considered. If claiming Native American or Veteran preference, please include pertinent documentation.

Call Human Resources at 402-878-2272 for further information. As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.