Child Welfare Worker

Pueblo of San Felipe; Algodones (NM); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Pueblo of San Felipe seeks a child welfare worker to respond to referrals, coordinate CAN investigations, and arrange emergency foster care and kinship placements in accordance with ICWA standards.

This role involves collaboration with BIA LE, tribal officers, and external agencies, including transporting clients to centers for interviews and behavioral health services, with 24/7 crisis availability.

Qualifications

• 3+ years work experience in human services, social services or related field.
• 3+ years in working with a tribe or tribal organization in a social work/human services field.
• Prefer a valid driver’s license and child welfare certifications.

Responsibilities

• Responds to child abuse/neglect referrals.
• Files SCAN reports and cross reports within 36 hours.
• Joint investigations with BIA LE, Tribal Officers and other investigative agencies.
• Maintains a caseload of child welfare cases.
• Keeps monthly records of referrals and child and family services reports.
• Coordinates with service providers and agencies for investigations.
• Transports clients to UNICA Children’s Advocacy Center and Solace Treatment Centers.
• Testifies in Tribal Court/State Court for child welfare matters.
• Attends and presents at meetings related to BIA social services, domestic violence and NM CYFD initiatives.

Skills

3+ years experience

Tribal experience

Education

HS Diploma or Equivalent

AA in Social Work/Human Services

BSW recommended

Job description

Job Summary

The position is under the supervision of the MSW Director and Tribal Administrator. Child welfare worker responds to child abuse/neglect referrals, coordinates with investigative agencies for CAN investigations, makes emergency foster care and/or kinship relative placements, coordinates appropriate client services with collaborative agencies in accordance with 25 CFR child welfare, tribal and ICWA standards.

Essential Duties

• Responds to child abuse/neglect referrals
• Files Suspected Child Abuse Neglect (SCAN) reports and cross reports to BIA Law Enforcement and other investigative agencies within 36 hours
• Joint investigations with BIA Law Enforcement, Tribal Officers and other investigative agencies immediately on child abuse/neglect cases.
• Maintains a caseload of child welfare cases.
• Keeps a record of all incoming child abuse and neglect referrals and child and family services reports on a monthly basis.
• Conducts child safety assessments and welfare checks
• coordinates and collaborates with service providers, Tribal Officers, BIA LE investigative and other tribal partners/agencies in relative to child abuse/neglect investigations.
• Coordinates with outside agencies for treatment foster care placements.
• Transports clients to UNICA Children’s Advocacy Center and/or Solace Treatment Centers for child forensic interview
• Transports client to UNM Emergency Psychiatric Services for behavioral health crisis, UNM Children Psychiatric Hospital for inpatient, and coordinates with Behavioral Health Program
• Works closely with the FBI and BIA victim specialists on child sexual abuse cases for case management and supportive services to victims and family.
• Conducts home studies for Kinship relative and foster care placements
• Attends case meetings/hearings with Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) office for CAN prosecution preparation.
• Maintains client file records and case notes on a weekly basis.
• Places children in foster care/kinship relative homes on emergency basis per Law Enforcement recommendation or by Tribal Court order.
• Makes referrals for client services and/or case management and works closely with service providers for client advocacy.
• testifies and/or appears in Tribal Court/State Court for child welfare matters
• Works closely with Tribal Courts and outside courts for other child welfare cases involving other tribes
• Works closely with ICWA Specialist and Child & Family Case Manager for case coordination
• Attends review hearings with Contemporary Tribal Court involving child welfare matters.
• Conducts home visits for follow up purposes
• Member of the Child Protection Team and facilitates the CPT meetings.
• Be available to meet with the Tribal Leaders when called upon for case presentation.
• Conducts presentations on prevention of child abuse/neglect and reporting procedures
• Works closely with the Domestic Violence Prevention Program for domestic violence and family violence crisis calls involving children who witness violence
• Facilitates the Circle of Keepers Foster Care Trainings with staff who are trained
• Serves as a Keres interpreter in Tribal Court
• Attends trainings, meetings or conferences related to BIA social services, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, and NM State CYFD initiatives for ICWA.
• Attends monthly New Mexico Tribal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) consortium meetings and other related meetings such as “Indian Families Protection Act (IFPA)” initiatives, etc.
• On call 24/7 for crisis response
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: HS Diploma or equivalent preferred; AA in Social Work or Human Services; BSW recommended.
• Experience/Basic Knowledge: 3 years or more work experience in human services, social services or related field; 3 years or more in working with a tribe or tribal organization in a social work/human services field.
• Required Licenses/Certifications: Prefer a valid driver’s license and child welfare certifications, etc.
• Physical Requirements: Must have manual dexterity to enter and retrieve data from a computer. Ability to sit and stand for long periods. Bends and stoops regularly.
• Preferences: Keres speaking is desirable; San Felipe Preference and Veteran’s Preference; must pass a background check. No DUI record or domestic violence charges.