Description

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve, and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity.

We're looking for an Indian Child Welfare Consultant/Tribal Liaison (SHPC4) to join the Office of Tribal Relations as a designated tribal specialist. Our vision is that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

The Opportunity:
In this position, you will act as an advocate for the delivery of DCYF services that are high quality and culturally sensitive, and ensure Indian Tribes can access DCYF services in a timely manner. The Indian Child Welfare Consultant works as a liaison with the Office of Tribal Relations to support the DCYF regional staff in ICW compliance and serves as the primary contact for tribes within the region for DCYF services. This position is located in Region 5, which is Kitsap and Pierce counties.

You will assist the agency in enhancing government-to-government relationships by providing training to DCYF staff on the DCYF 10.03 policy and assisting the agency staff in identifying tribal impact. You will support the recognition of, and respect for, the sovereign status of Washington State and the inherent sovereign status of Indian Tribes. This relationship enhances and improves communications between the two parties and facilitates the resolution of issues.

Some of what you will do:

• Monitor Indian Child Welfare practice in the region and provide appropriate feedback to social service line staff, supervisors, and management.
• Provide coaching, training, and corrective compliance with social service line staff, while still building the bridge between the department and the tribes. Direct accountability includes sustaining ICW performance standards within the offices, issuing oral and written interpretations on ICW questions, and addressing constituent, client, caregivers, and provider feedback, complaints, and concerns.
• Works with the Area Administrators for the implementation and accomplishments of state and regional goals and objectives regarding Indian Child Welfare.
• Create a schedule of office visits to provide case consultation and quality assurance audits with DCYF staff, in conjunction with supervisors and administrative staff. Reviews responses to quality assurance audits.
• Coordinate regional 10.03 Plan meetings for Child Welfare, Juvenile Rehabilitation, and Early Learning per the DCYF 10.03 Administrative Policy. This is a documented plan of accountability for the Indian tribes in each region and can be coordinated with each individual tribe or as a regional Annual Action Plan and Year in Review Progress Report.
• Coordinate and monitor activities related to compliance with state and federal laws regarding the Indian policy and procedure manual. As part of the DCYF Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) division, the Tribal Liaison assembles data, identifies practice trends using data, and informs leadership and regional management, and staff of those trends.
• Develops, reviews, and approves quality assurance corrective action plans and messaging based on those trends.
• Participate in the ICW case review logistical tasks as a support to the CCRT and provide expertise on ICW practice and policy. Tracking issues, recommendations, and action items from internal and external ICW reviews for (CQI).
• Provide technical and professional expertise to interpret, implement, and comply with Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies relative to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the ICW Manual.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and designated specialist for Tribes regarding services available to eligible Indian children in the assigned Region.
• Coordinate Regional Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee (LICWAC) Meetings.
• Assist in program policy development, program planning, and implementation with Tribes, DCYF, key constituent groups, and providers of contracted services.
• Coordinate regional tribal/state working agreements, i.e., MOUs and MOAs, and ensure these documents are updated.

Required Competencies:
Professionalism, Confidentiality, Respectful Communication; Effective Leadership, Compassionate Service, Embrace Diversity and Cultural Differences, Personal Appearance, Dependability, Personal Accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Social Work, a health or social science, public administration or a related field and three years of experience in planning, administrating, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs; and two years of paid social service experience assessing safety and risk to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units).
OR
A Bachelor’s degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration, or a related field; and four years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, or health services programs including two years of paid social service experience assessing safety and risk to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units).

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Extensive working knowledge of the Federal and State Child Welfare laws and the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, Tribal Sovereignty, Tribal Relations, Native American history and heritage, the State of Washington Indian Child Welfare Agreement of 1987;
• knowledge of the statewide structure of the agency, its history, trends, and goals; and the functions and roles of programs and community agencies and Tribes that are involved in the caseloads of the office/region.
• Other knowledge required includes social services practice and program service delivery, data collection, and computer information systems.
• Additional skills required include verbal and written communication, analytical and critical thinking, and organizational abilities. Interpersonal skills are necessary to support staff in working effectively with community/stakeholders.

How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• Current resume detailing experience and education

Supplemental Information:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

The initial screening will be based on the content and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications with comments such as "see attachments" or "N/A" in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.

DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply online? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 280-3173 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388

Experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application? Call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

To take advantage of Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.

13620
#tribalconsultant #indianchildwelfare #socialservices #socialwork #triballiasion #employerofchoice #diversity #equity #inclusion