Reservation Attorney-Child Welfare

National Congress of American Indians; Tulalip Bay (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

National Congress of American Indians seeks a Child Welfare Reservation Attorney to collaborate with department attorneys and provide legal counsel to the Tulalip Tribes government in judicial and administrative forums, and in government relations with external entities.

Experience with tribal government functioning and day-to-day legal counsel on governmental action is required; WA bar membership and tribal court eligibility are part of the prerequisites.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.

Responsibilities

• Providing legal services to the Tribal government, Executives, Boards and committees.
• Appear in Tribal and State Courts on behalf of the Tulalip Tribes in child welfare proceedings.
• Read, analyze, and interpret complex documents; respond confidentially.
• Write memos, correspondence and articles with original or innovative style.
• Make speeches and presentations to Tribal Leadership and agencies.
• May interact with youth and families; drive between work sites.
• Attend training as required.

Skills

Tribal law

Child welfare

Legal counsel

Litigation

ABA guidelines

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Juris Doctorate

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Child Welfare Reservation Attorney shall collaborate with other Attorneys in the department to represent and provide legal counsel to the Tulalip Tribes government in all judicial and administrative forums and in the Tribes’ governmental and business relations with outside entities. They should have experience with the legal functioning of a tribal government and be prepared to provide day-to-day legal counsel on all aspects of governmental action.

The Child Welfare Reservation Attorney shall collaborate with other Attorneys in the department to represent and provide legal counsel to the Tulalip Tribes government in all judicial and administrative forums and in the Tribes’ governmental and business relations with outside entities. They should have experience with the legal functioning of a tribal government and be prepared to provide day-to-day legal counsel on all aspects of governmental action.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Child Welfare Reservation Attorney shall collaborate with other Attorneys in the department to represent and provide legal counsel to the Tulalip Tribes government in all judicial and administrative forums and in the Tribes’ governmental and business relations with outside entities. They should have experience with the legal functioning of a tribal government and be prepared to provide day-to-day legal counsel on all aspects of governmental action.

Skills & Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.

MINIMUM RELATED EXPERIENCE

• One (1) year of experience practicing law or equivalent experience advocating for or providing counsel to Indian tribes or tribal communities.
• Three (3) years of experience representing or working with Indian tribes.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/PREREQUISITES

• WA State Driver License. (Personal Auto Insurance)
• Must be a Washington State Bar Association Member.
• Tulalip Tribal Court Bar. *Will allow six (6) months to obtain.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• MS Office Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Internet etc.
• Maintain confidentiality and communicate with tact and discretion in accordance with Washington State Bar standards.
• Basic filing system principles and data management.
• Basic understanding of the Native American Community.
• Applicable Tribal, Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or statutes.
• Indian Child Welfare Act.

ABLE TO

• Practice in the area of child welfare.
• Prepare and review legal documents and correspondence with minimal supervision.
• Handle upset, angry, frustrated, and emotional clients, customers, or community members.
• Attend training as required.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Evaluate department needs and carry them out with little or no supervision.
• Exhibit professional and ethical behavior at all times.
• Handle stressful and fast paced working environment.
• Organize, plan, coordinate, and carry-out assigned tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Dexterity for the operation of a computer, office machines, and routine paperwork.
• Stamina to sit, stand, and/or walk for prolonged periods.
• Mobility to bend, stoop, and/or climb stairs on an everyday basis.
• Ability to sit extended periods, up to eight hours per day.
• Tolerance for exposure to computer screens, for up to eight hours per day.
• Strength to lift objects weighing up to 40lbs. occasionally

Duties & Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Providing legal services to the Tribal government, Executive Directors, CEOs, Board of Directors, and various other departments, enterprises, commissions, and committees.
• Appear in Tribal and State Courts on behalf of the Tulalip Tribes in child welfare proceedings.
• Maintain the ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
• To respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or issues in a confidential manner.
• Write memos, correspondence and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
• Make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to Tribal Leadership, management, public groups, and/or other governmental agencies.
• May have interaction or direct contact with youth and families through work related job duties.
• Operates personal vehicle to drive between various work sites.
• Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
• Other related job duties as assigned.