Child Welfare Specialist III-NNWS

Child Welfare Specialist III

Nak Nu We Sha (NNWS)

Department of Human Services

Hourly Wage: $26.94-$30.32/Regular/Full-Time

Performs senior-level advanced professional child welfare case management services for children and families experiencing significant safety risks. This position manages the most complex, high-risk, and legally intensive cases within the program, including severe abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, guardianship matters, chronic neglect, substance abuse involvement, and multi-system cases.

Conducts comprehensive level safety and risk assessments and develops immediate and long-term safety plans.

Exercises independent professional judgment in determining removal recommendations, permanency goals, and case direction consistent with tribal, federal, and state laws and policies.

Work involves 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.

Examples of Work Performed:

Prepare in-depth, comprehensive court reports that include: • Detailed case history and chronology. • Structured safety and risk analysis, • Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) active efforts documentation, • Service compliance and progress evaluations, • Permanency recommendations with supporting rationale, • Professional opinion supported by evidence and policy

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

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

Coordinates and oversees permanency planning efforts, including reunification, guardianship, long-term foster care, and adoption. Responsible for ensuring timely permanency in accordance with court mandates and policy requirements.

Serves in a delegated leadership capacity by: • Stepping into the Child Welfare Worker Supervisor role when assigned or in their absence, • Assisting with case staffing and case direction, • Providing guidance to staff on complex case, decisions, • Communicating critical case updates to the Supervisor and Program Manager, • Supporting workflow coordination and case prioritization, Coaching and guiding staff in the application and compliance of Title LXXX (80) Yakama Nation Children's Code, ensuring adherence to statutory timelines, active efforts requirements, court procedures, and documentation standards.

Participates in program case staffing, LICWAC, FTDM, and/or multi-agency case staffing.

Develop and implement appropriate service plans and agreements with clients that are goal directed.

Plans include specific behavioral objectives, which are measurable and time limited.

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

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

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

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

Coordinates and provides transportation to clients.

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

Provides consultation and mentorship to Child Welfare Specialist I and II staff on complex case issues, documentation standards, and compliance requirements.

Participates in advanced program and non-program training; mandated Regional Core Training (RCT), Indian Child Welfare Act training, and trainings applicable to the population NNWS serves.

Submits monthly client data and complex 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 that govern services to vulnerable children and families.

Comprehensive 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.

Advanced knowledge of risk assessment policies, procedures, and practices.

Knowledge of group dynamics as applied to family counseling and child development.

Knowledge of court procedures and ability to serve as an expert representative in court proceedings.

Knowledge of multi-disciplinary team processes.

Ability to manage complex and high-risk caseloads.

Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage a large and complex caseload on a daily basis.

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.

Ability to complete advanced case management duties and coordinate services for clients.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, or related field with Six (6) years of progressively responsible child welfare or related experience, including at least two (2) years managing complex or high-risk cases.

Must consult with a person with a Master's degree in social service or related field for one hour for every twenty hours, if required by certification standards.

Must demonstrate leadership ability and serve as a role model to children, families, and staff.

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.

Ensure 16 or more hours of child welfare training are completed yearly.

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 lead worker or supervisory experience.

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