Social Worker in Snoqualmie, Washington at SNOQUALMIE INDIAN TRIBE

Under the direct supervision of the Snoqualmie Indian Child Welfare (SICW) Program Manager, the Social Worker provides child welfare services to Snoqualmie children and families involved in Tribal and State child welfare systems. Responsibilities include collaborating with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) on child protective services investigations, case management, service coordination, home visits, court proceedings, and family visitation. The Social Worker supports child safety, family preservation, reunification, and permanency planning through culturally responsive services consistent with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and SICW program goals.

Essential Duties:

Level I -

• Collaboratively investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect with state-assigned social workers and coordinate appropriate services and interventions in accordance with active efforts requirements.
• Provide ongoing social work and case management services to Snoqualmie children and families voluntarily or involuntarily involved in Tribal and/or State child welfare systems to reduce risk, address safety concerns, and support family preservation and reunification.
• Provide testimony in Tribal Court and/or State Court regarding case activities, child safety, and progress of active SICW cases.
• Maintain accurate and timely case files, monitor client progress, and prepare detailed reports for Tribal Court and/or DCYF regarding case activities, services, child safety, and reunification efforts, and progress toward case plan objectives.
• Conduct home visits with children and their caregivers at least monthly, or more frequently as required by case circumstances or program requirements.
• Plan for and facilitate visitation between children and their parents or guardians in the least restrictive environment consistent with child safety and applicable court orders.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable confidentiality laws, Tribal policies, and program requirements, including obtaining appropriate authorizations for the release of information.
• Provide and document referrals to Tribal and non-Tribal programs, coordinate with service providers, and follow up to assess whether children and families receive appropriate services and support.
• Provide culturally responsive and inclusive services remotely and in person, by phone and email, to families, childcare providers, and other community members.
• Provide safe and reliable transportation for children and families as required.
• Identify economic, social, cultural, physical, and environmental factors that support or limit family or individual functioning and impact child safety and family stability.
• Develop, implement, and monitor case plans and associated service objectives for children and families.
• Explain department policies and applicable laws to families, individuals, and members of the community.
• Participate in multidisciplinary, multi-agency, and legal case staffings.
• Provide coverage for the SICW after-hours phone line as assigned and respond to child welfare matters in accordance with program procedures.

Level II -

Performs all duties of Level I, plus:

• Prepare court reports and develop recommendations for complex child welfare cases involving child safety, family engagement, progress toward court-ordered services, and permanency planning.
• Provide training, case consultation, and technical guidance to Level I Social Workers and other program staff regarding case management, service referrals, child placement processes, active efforts, and applicable child welfare requirements.
• Independently manage complex or high-risk child welfare cases requiring advanced assessment, case planning, coordination with multiple agencies, and development of appropriate interventions to address complex child safety and family needs.

Additional Duties:

• Maintain awareness of and disclose potential conflicts of interest with current and historical ICW cases.
• Participate in program meetings and required trainings, including local and out-of-state training opportunities and complete a minimum of one ICW-specific training annually.
• The Tribe values its commitment to community service and the well-being of its members. In recognition of this, each employee may be expected to perform duties from time to time which may not be related to their regular responsibilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, make independent decisions in accordance with Tribal policies and procedures, and effectively communicate recommendations that support the safety and well-being of children and families.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with children, families, colleagues, and outside agencies.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive practices and the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma on Tribal children and families.
• Ability to provide trauma-informed and trauma-responsive services.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the needs of others.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, remain organized, and complete assignments within established deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic case management systems, including the ability to accurately document client services and case activities.
• Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Tribal child welfare codes, State-Tribal agreements, and applicable child welfare policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide home-based child welfare services and work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to meet the needs of children and families.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise tact, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive information and situations.

Education & Experience:

Education Required:

Level I & II-

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.

Education Preferred:

Level I & II-

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) preferred.

Experience:

Level I -

• Experience working in Tribal communities and/or with Native families preferred.

Level II –

• Two (2) years of paid professional social work or child welfare experience performing duties comparable to Social Worker Level I, including case management, child safety assessments, and service coordination; or a master’s degree in social work (MSW).

Certifications/Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license.
• Must complete all required trainings upon hire or within established program timelines, including defensive driving, mandated reporter, and HIPAA compliance trainings.
• Must obtain CPR/First Aid certification and complete bloodborne pathogens training within six (6) months of hire and maintain current certification and required training thereafter.

Other Requirements:

• Must agree to be subject to the Tribe's Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing Policy, including pre-employment screening.

Work Environment:

• The work is performed in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, client homes, adult family homes, and the usual office environment. Employees may be required to travel to clients' place of residence, courts, or various visitation and/or other locations of applicable meetings or events.
• Travel on behalf of the Tribe is a job requirement. Travel for case management and trainings may require local and/or out-of-state travel along with overnight stays.
• Regular interaction with high-risk clients including home visits that may be unaccompanied.

Tribal Preference:

The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe follows the Tribal Hiring Preference as outlined in tribal policies, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO). TERO sets forth certain hiring preferences for qualified individuals who are enrolled in a federally recognized Indian tribe, as well as, in some cases, preference for certain family members of those individuals.

Additional Information:

• Salary compensation will be determined based on experience and starts at $76,159.67 per year for level I and 88,726.03 for level II
• This position is a regular full-time position and employment is at will.

Location:

• Snoqualmie, WA

Benefits:

• First of the month following date of hire - competitive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance benefits for all regular full-time employees.
• After 90 days - 401k retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%.
• Paid Holidays - Up to 18 paid holidays are offered every calendar year, which includes the workdays between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Paid Time Off – Employees accrue 12+ days sick and vacation leave respectively. Increases based on years of service.

Additional Perks:

• Additional time off opportunities available including bereavement, military, parental and jury duty.
• Childcare subsidy for children enrolled full-time in the Snoqualmie Tribe Child Development Center.
• Employee discounts at Snoqualmie Casino (tickets/events, gift shop and restaurants), Salish Lodge & Spa (rooms, spa & dining) and Crescent Market (gas discount card).
• Third party perks include movie tickets, theme parks, shows and attractions & more.
• Employee assistance plans.