Child Welfare Specialist II-NNWS

Child Welfare Specialist II

Nak Nu We Sha (NNWS)

Department of Human Services

Hourly Wage: $24.44-$27.51/Regular/Full-Time

Performs professional-level child welfare case management services for children and families experiencing safety and risk concerns. This position manages moderate to complex cases, including abuse and neglect matters, family conflict, substance use concerns, and cases requiring court involvement. Conducts safety and risk assessments and develops safety plans to ensure child protection.

Examples of Work Performed:

Exercises professional judgment in case planning and service delivery consistent with tribal, federal, and state laws and policies.

Prepare court reports that include: Case history and relevant background, Safety and risk assessment summaries, Documentation of Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) active efforts, Service plan compliance and progress updates, Recommendations regarding case direction and permanency.

Provides written and oral testimony in Yakama Nation Children's Court as required.

Participate in Family Team Decision Making (FTDM) meetings, Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee (LICWAC), and multi-disciplinary staffing. Ensures culturally responsive practice consistent with Yakama Nation traditions and values.

Coordinates permanency planning efforts, including reunification, guardianship, long-term foster care, and other permanency arrangements. Works toward timely permanency in accordance with court mandates and policy requirements.

Work may involve unusual hours and after-hours crisis response and may include overnight situations. Must maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to Yakama Nation Personnel Policies and chain of command.

Develops and implements appropriate, goal-directed service plans and agreements with clients.

Plans include specific behavioral objectives that are measurable and time limited.

Prepares court reports and, upon consultation with the Yakama Tribal Prosecuting Attorney, prepares cases for court proceedings and presents written and oral testimony with supporting documentation.

Maintains case management services to facilitate out-of-home placement and services needed for continued care, including guardianship, long-term foster care, or other arrangements.

Refers clients for psychological, psychiatric, substance abuse, and medical evaluations and treatment and provides information on community services.

Coordinates regular family and sibling visitation and may supervise visitation as needed.

Coordinates and provides transportation to clients.

Conducts health and safety visits to children on assigned caseload every 30 days and/or as Yakama Nation Children's Court order mandates.

Participates in advanced program and non-program training, including mandated Regional Core Training (RCT), Indian Child Welfare Act training and other relevant trainings.

Submits monthly client data and case updates to Program Manager and Case Manager Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of Yakama Nation Culture and Traditions.

Knowledge of principles, practices, and professional standards of social work case management.

Knowledge of Yakama Tribal systems utilized to deliver services to children and families.

Knowledge of Tribal, federal, and state laws, policies, and guidelines governing services to vulnerable children and families.

Working knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act, Native American Children's Safety Act, Adam Walsh Act, and Title LXXX (80) Yakama Nation Children's Code.

Knowledge of risk assessment policies, procedures, and practices.

Knowledge of court procedures and role as a professional representative in court proceedings.

Knowledge of multi-disciplinary team processes.

Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work assignments effectively.

Ability to present material effectively in written and oral form.

Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment.

Ability to work in stressful and crisis situations.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Ability to follow Chain of Command and Yakama Nation Personnel Policies.

Minimum Requirements:

Three (3) years of progressively responsible child welfare or related experience. OR

Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, or related field with one (1) year of child welfare experience.

Must demonstrate professional judgment and ability to manage moderate to complex cases.

Must possess a valid CPR/HIV card or ability to obtain one within six months of hire.

Must complete CORE Social Worker Certification.

Must be 21 years or older.

Must complete at least 16 hours of child welfare training annually.

Required to pass a pre-employment background check.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit with Defensive Driving Course Certificate (to be updated every 2 years).

Preferred Requirements:

Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field.

Prior experience testifying in court.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.