ICWA Advocate

Department:    Social Services

Job Title:         ICWA Advocate (PDF)

Employment:   Full-time

FLSA Status:   Non-Exempt

Salary/Pay Rate: $26.37/hr+, DOE

Supervisor:          Social Services Director

Job Description: Serve as the Orutsararmiut Native Council’s representative in the community to carry out the intentions of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) by providing services to prevent the breakup of Native families of the ONC Tribe, to assist in reunification of families which have already experienced breakup, and to act as a liaison to represent the interests of the Tribal Council in court proceedings involving Child In Need Of Aid (CINA) cases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Understand the Indian Child Welfare Act and become a liaison between ONC, other service providers and families who are enrolled with the ONC Tribe.
Work with the Tribal Justice Committee to staff cases. Act as a “Mandated Reporter” of child abuse and neglect as specified in Alaska Statutes 47.17
Staff all referrals with referring agency, family and ONC Social Service Master Social Worker and/or Director. Do Intake with family and complete an assessment in order to determine treatment goals and do referrals for services. Conduct monthly home visits with families to provide support and monitoring for families. Work closely with families to insure that they succeed in meeting their case plan goals. Recruit native foster/adoptive homes. Become a recipient of all CINA notices.  Prepare court documents for legal intervention, and prepare reports to the court.
Be available for all court hearings and attend all case management meetings with DFYS. Maintain case files on all at risk families and CINA cases with up to date notes of all contacts regarding the case. Provide reports to the Council at meetings as requested.  Provide written quarterly reports to Supervisor.
Do Traditional Adoptions. Do ICWA Presentations. Respond to calls and all incoming mail in cases.  Immediately file all documents in client files. Provide one on one services to keep families intact and to prevent unnecessary removal of children once returned home. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Demonstrate successful experience working with the general public in a positive and attentive manner.
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Basic knowledge of computer programs.
An intimate knowledge of the Yupik culture and lifestyle. Fluency in the Yupik language preferred.
Knowledge of case management services to a clientele consisting of family members of all ages.
Ability to successfully carry out duties described above and be willing to complete training.
Experience in working with families, children, and community social services programs.
Must have excellent oral and writing skills.
Be willing to undergo criminal background check

Working Conditions: Light lifting up to 15 pounds. Occasional prolonged standing/walking, and sitting.

Closing Date: Open until filled.

To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume/CV to hr@nativecouncil.org, in-person: 117 Alex Hately Dr., Bethel, AK 99559; fax to (907)543-2639, or mail to: P.O. Box 927, Bethel, AK 99559.

Orutsararmiut Native Council exercises Alaskan Native/American Indian Preference under Public Law 93-638, Section 7(b). In the absence of any suitability qualified Indian applicant, all other applicants will receive equal opportunity for consideration of employment.