ICWA/Social Worker - Lower Sioux Health and Human Services

Position Title: ICWA/Social Worker

Location: Lower Sioux Indian Community, Morton, MN

Reports to: Lower Sioux Social Services Director and Director/CEO of Health, Social Services & Clinic

Salary: Commensurate upon experience

Opening Date: April 18, 2016

Closing Date: May 6, 2016

Any employment offer is contingent on results of a drug and alcohol test as a condition of obtaining employment
Position is contingent on the continued funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services Disparities Grant
American Indian/Alaska Native preference applies
Position may qualify as an Indian Health Service student loan repayment program site

SUMMARY:

The ICWA/Social Worker provides care coordination case management services, child protection services, and child welfare prevention and coordination of mental health services to Lower Sioux families and individuals. Serves clients located on the reservation, within the tribe’s service areas and some cases in out-state Minnesota.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field is required; masters preferred.
Current Minnesota State Social Work license (LSW, LCSW, LICSW) is strongly preferred; or must be eligible and obtain licensure as a LSW within six months of hire date.
Previous experience as a social worker with children and families in a public or private social service agency is preferred.
Ability to manage time effectively.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing or orally.
Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Minnesota Family Preservation Act.
Knowledge and experience working with Native American communities, culture, customs and tribal law.

Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and be insurable under the tribe’s auto insurance policy for use of company vehicles.
Must pass a requisite background check.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The ICWA/Social Worker maintains a caseload of families and requisite face-to-face contacts with the youth and family.

The ICWA/Social Worker must assemble a Child & Family Team within two (2) weeks of referral by interviewing the family, identifying family members/natural supports/agency representatives and other significant persons. The ICWA/Social Worker begins to uncover the youth’s/family’s strengths and needs, provides assistance with any immediate needs.
The ICWA/Social Worker must monitor the provision and quality of services provided to the family through the as the liaison when new services/resources need to be sought or developed.
The ICWA/Social Worker provides or arranges for transportation for his/her clients to placement, crisis or respite services, etc., if needed.
The ICWA/Social Worker provides or secures support and crisis/emergency services for the youth/family.
The ICWA/Social Worker completes all the necessary paperwork in a strength-based manner and maintains accurate information on-line, ensuring that family demographic information is up-to-date, as well.
The ICWA/Social Worker collaborates with other necessary individuals the youth and family may have contact with, such as County Case Managers, Probation Officers, Judges, District Attorneys, Attorneys, Teachers, Physicians, etc.
The ICWA/Social Worker must dress in a respectful manner and maintain a respectful demeanor and presentation at all times.
Provide written and verbal information related to the youth’s and family’s behavioral and mental health based on assessment and family contact.
Provide a comprehensive community-based safety plan with innovative strategies to assist the youth in being maintained safely in the least restrictive setting.
Provide Child Protection Services by investigating allegation of neglect and/or abuse.
Conduct forensic interviews on children that may have experienced sexual and/or physical abuse.
Provide child welfare prevention services to clients and families.
Always be accountable and follow through on court order and conditions.
Sharing in the after-hours on-call availability of Social Services staff.