ICW Tribal Social Worker

Hiring Preference:

The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Descendant or Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free work place. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation.

Summary of Functions

This position is responsible to conduct investigations of suspected child abuse and neglect and for the protection and case management of children and families involved within the Kalispel Tribe’s jurisdiction. Understand and apply the Kalispel Tribal Law and Order Code, new and existing child welfare laws, as well as policies and procedures concerning child abuse and neglect and mandatory reporting.  Conduct interviews and assess the situation with children and/or witnesses. Prepare for and give court testimony and serve as expert witness in court cases. Ensure active efforts.  It requires the ability to deal with difficult situations under pressure and to make appropriate decisions that affect child safety for Native children, families, relatives, community partners/providers, the court and the community. It requires a broad understanding of community/public relations and sensitivity to cultural and ethnic issues related to Native American families.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Ability to conduct investigations and child interviewing knowledge and skills. Collects and maintains client data through conducting routine home or school visits. Offer client assistance to other community resources and services; assist with transportation, if needed. Advocate for clients.
• Provide a timely response to referrals, investigate, interview and determine placement options, if necessary. Work closely with the Tribal Care Licensor in the placement process and paperwork duties when placing children in foster care.
• Prepare for, attends and testifies at court proceedings as the ICW Social Worker and/or qualified expert witness. Prepare and provide timely/complete legal documents for court appearances, including but not limited to, court reports, case plans, family protection plans, and/or safety plans.
• Communicate professionally with state workers, Prosecuting Attorneys, and other Tribal staff, as well as other community organizations on clients’ behalf.
• Ability to understand and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work as a team member or independently as necessary. Works in an ethical and professional manner with others at all times.
• Ability to prioritize own work, operate independently and be self motivated
• Implement effective techniques for caseload and time management. Be able to maintain, update and organize client files, including continuous and timely updates of progress notes, client-caseworker communication, child profile sheets, legal communication, school reports, mental health progress, etc.
• Understands and operates with a culturally sensitive and strength based approach with clientele.
• Adhere to all applicable tribal, federal, or state privacy laws and regulations, including but not limited HIPPA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• This position requires the ability to bend, stoop, lift, carry, and move items weighting up to 10 pounds.
• This position requires significant amounts of standing or walking.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to tobacco smoke, moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.  The worker is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes, and is occasionally subject to outside environmental conditions and to wet and/or humid conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Disclaimer: Certain Licenses and Certification requirements can be obtained once hired.