ICWA Family Services Specialist I

Association of Village Council Presidents; Bethel (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The CFSS I position with Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) supports ICWA and tribal child welfare work. You will collaborate with ICWA Advocates, Tribal attorneys, Tribes, and families in CINA proceedings, representing the local Tribal Council’s position.

Based in Bethel, AK, this entry-level role requires cultural awareness, strong communication, and willingness to travel regionally within rural Alaska, with Native Preference per P.L. 93‑638.

Qualifications

• Case management and interviewing.
• Assessing needs and resources for families.
• Ability to work in a cross‑cultural environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in Yup’ik or Cup’ik is preferred.
• Familiarity with Yup’ik lifestyles and the AVCP region is preferred.
• Treats people with respect.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Includes appropriate people in decision‑making process.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in case or safety planning meetings and provide input reflecting cultural values and the Tribe’s position.
• Participate in home visits and investigations with OCS, acting as liaison between OCS, Advocate and family.
• Maintain communication with families to coordinate referrals and support case plans.
• Prepare court documents in partnership with Advocates/ Tribal Legal Attorney.
• Share case information with Tribal Council for intervention guidance and status updates.
• Monitor family progress and help meet case plan requirements/goals.
• Provide information to the community to recruit Native foster/adoptive homes.
• Coordinate prevention activities and engage with community events to promote wellness.

Skills

Case management

Interviewing

Cross-cultural work

Communication skills

Yup’ik/Cup’ik

Regional knowledge

Respect and judgment

Inclusive decision-making

Community engagement

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

The CFSS I position with Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) supports ICWA and tribal child welfare work. You will collaborate with ICWA Advocates, Tribal attorneys, Tribes, and families in CINA proceedings, representing the local Tribal Council’s position.

Based in Bethel, AK, this entry-level role requires cultural awareness, strong communication, and willingness to travel regionally within rural Alaska, with Native Preference per P.L. 93‑638.