open until filled
Child and Family Services Lead Caseworker
Reports to: CFS Program Manager
Salary (Grade): $25.06 (G18-2)
Status: Reg. Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Location: Neola Walker building, 218 Industrial Road, Winnebago NE 68071
Job Purpose & Position Overview
Under the general supervision of the Child and Family Services Program Manager, the Lead Child and Family Services Caseworker is responsible for the coordination and supervision of case management services provided to program clients. This position will provide guidance for the CFS program staff in the provision of case management services as well as provide counseling and case management services to children and families residing on the Winnebago reservation and/or under the jurisdiction of the Winnebago Tribal Court. Provides direct services and maintains caseloads involving abuse and neglect, foster care, protective services, status offenders or other cases of a similar nature. Performs related work as assigned.
Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:
Demonstrates the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values
Provide leadership and guidance to the CFS workers, the case aides and the investigators in the provision of a full range of child welfare services
Conducts safety, risk and needs assessments in cases of child or adult abuse/neglect, dependency status offenders and juvenile delinquents.
Documents daily case information in accordance with Department policies and protocol.
Writes case plans and court reports with child/family/vulnerable adult involvement for each case assigned.
Evaluates information concerning customer’s social, economic and personal background and situation to facilitate the establishment of a customer-counselor relationship, facilitate case/treatment plan development and to identify potential methods of case/treatment plan implementation.
Develops plans for rehabilitative services through institutional and community-based programs for juvenile law violators to help them become law abiding and productive citizens.
Engages families in the case planning process for youth and/or vulnerable adults, assesses individual client needs, and links them with culturally competent formal and informal resources within the community to most effectively and efficiently meet their needs.
Monitors and evaluates the progress of youth, families and/or vulnerable adults and assesses individual client needs and links them with culturally competent formal and informal resources within the community to most effectively and efficiently meet their needs.
Conducts announced and unannounced visits with youth, families and/or vulnerable adults, which can occur in the family home or other settings, to provide outreach services and to ensure access to available social work services, guidance and other human services. Visits may take place during and outside of traditional working hours.
Completes home studies to determine placement as needed.
Attends court hearings to provide case plan and court reports along with testimony when required.
Develops professional contacts with community service providers, law enforcement, probation, child or vulnerable adult advocacy groups, public schools, child care centers, attorneys, and the like.
Investigate allegations of child/adult abuse and neglect. Perform crisis intervention. Evaluate emergency situations and complete removals when necessary to ensure safety.
Maintain knowledge about all active CFS cases through regular case staffing.
Review, verify, and approve CFS caseworker’s court reports and case plans
Serves as a mentor by answering questions about procedures and methods, assisting employees in work assignments and training new employees.
Monitor the timely and accurate input of NFOCUS documentation for all CFS clients.
Monitor placements or visitations weekly, monthly as appropriate.
Assure that all foster care placements are accurate and up to date to ensure timely and accurate foster care payments.
Prepare documentation, correspondence, court reports, and monthly reports with data for the CFS Program Manager.
Must be able to work flexible hours due to the nature of the work and attend training when assigned.
Attend work regularly, promptly and fulfill all duties as assigned.
Be on-call 24 hours, approximately 1 week a month.
Utilize the tribe’s placement preferences and actively seek relatives and others known to the client in determining best placement options.
Protect client confidentiality.
Provides independent authorized transportation, in order to perform work-related travel such as customer visits or customer transportation.
Complete other duties as assigned in the efficient and effective operation of the program.
Duties listed are only an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.
Required Qualifications/Skills:
Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) or related field with one-year experience providing direct services to children and families is preferred. Candidates with specialized knowledge and/or experience may be considered.
One year of experience working with Native Americans is preferred.
Knowledge of Winnebago culture and traditions is highly desirable, and a willingness to learn is required.
Knowledge of the principles and processes of direct case management including assessment, analyzing critical information, plan development and implementation.
Knowledge of the importance of commitment to individuals and families and their ability to have normal life experiences consistent with age, gender, culture and community setting.
Knowledge of the value and importance of families/individuals having the right and ability to make decisions.
Knowledge of child adolescent and adult behavior and basic understanding of juvenile delinquent behavior and vulnerable adult issues is required.
Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act, BIA Guidelines, State ICWA laws, and federal, State and tribal laws on abuse and neglect of individuals and confidentiality is required.
Must be skilled in interviewing customers to collect and elicit essential information and assess customer needs and progress.
Must be skilled at open and honest discussion of concerns with others in a non-judgmental way, and demonstrate professionalism.
Must possess keyboarding skills for data entry, operate computer software and hardware, and be proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Must be able to protect confidential information.
Must be able to communicate electronically, on paper and in person with customers, co-workers, supervisors and staff to exchange case information and assessments.
Must be able to listen to and understand communication, and be able to work effectively with community service providers, law enforcement, the court and legal systems, and families and/or advocates
Must be able to organize and maintain case records and manage time and workflow to meet deadlines.
Must treat people with dignity and respect regardless of behavior. Must exhibit a sense of fairness, and be able to adapt to new or changing circumstances.
Must be available to children, families and vulnerable adults through regular and predictable work attendance.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain valid insurance, and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
Must be of good moral character. Will be required to pass a federal background check and submit to pre-employment drug testing.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Performs activities necessary to plan, organize, direct and evaluate the activities of the program through staff supervision, resource management, program operations, and procedures and program objectives with adherence to regulatory guidelines.
Training Requirements:
As assigned by your supervisor and must engage in an employee development plan.
Physical Requirements:
Medium office work, which includes the ability to lift up to 10-30 lbs.
Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.
While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
Mental Requirements:
Reading, writing, calculating
Above average social interaction skills
Reasoning/Analysis
Works with minimal to no supervision
Language Requirements:
Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.
Certificates, Licenses & registrations:
All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit an application at www.winnebagotribe.com, a resume, cover letter, and two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Applications submitted after the closing date or without proper documents will not be considered.
If claiming Native American or Veteran preference, please include pertinent documentation.
Call Human Resources at 402-878-2272 for further information.
As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.