Indian Child Welfare Advocate at Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake – Lakeport, California

The Indian Child Welfare Advocate reports to the Health and Human Services Administrator and will be responsible for providing assistance and support to children of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribal Members in difficult family situations. The Indian Child Welfare Advocate will manage and coordinate services to ensure the health and safety of our children.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) by working collaboratively with Native American families, Tribal departments, courts, law enforcement, and service providers.
• Provide case management services, including intake, assessments, crisis intervention, safety planning, referrals, and ongoing case monitoring.
• Develop and implement culturally appropriate case plans to prevent family separation and support timely reunification in accordance with ICWA and federal timelines.
• Represent the Tribe in court proceedings; attend hearings; prepare case documentation, reports, and recommendations.
• Coordinate safe child placements, including relative and foster care placements, in compliance with Tribal policies and ICWA placement preferences.
• Support foster care program operations, including recruitment, licensing, training, and compliance activities.
• Collaborate with Child Protective Teams, county, state, and federal agencies, and community partners to coordinate services and resources.
• Advocate on behalf of the Tribe with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and assist with federal reporting, grants, and program funding requirements.
• Conduct assessments of children’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being and provide advocacy and support during court, medical, and counseling processes.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records and prepare professional correspondence and reports.
• Provide after-hours and weekend availability for intake and crisis response as required.
• Perform administrative duties, scheduling, documentation, and other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of ICWA, Tribal law, and experience working with Native American communities, culture, and customs.
• Understanding of historical trauma and its impact on Indigenous children and families.
• Experience or training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and safety planning.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work respectfully, non-judgmentally, and professionally with diverse populations in high-stress situations.
• Knowledge of child development, child welfare systems, and indicators of abuse, neglect, and trauma.
• Ability to assess risk, exercise sound judgment, prioritize needs, and manage multiple cases.
• Familiarity with community resources for children, youth, and families.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proficiency with computer applications and office software such as Microsoft Office, Zoom, etc.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, emergencies, and travel as required.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Associate of Science/Arts Degree from an accredited university with major in either a Human Services field, criminal justice, behavioral science, social science or a related field; and a minimum of three (3) years of work experience working in a Human Services field.
• Completion of the 40-hour Domestic Violence training as approved by the State of California, or ability to successfully complete certification within six months of hire.
• All offers are contingent upon signing a confidentiality agreement and satisfactory completion of drug screening and background checks, including a LiveScan Fingerprints check. Employer observes federal standards for controlled substances.
• Required to possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Tribe’s insurance carrier.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree (BS or BA) in Human Services field from an accredited college or university .

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers to handle or feel work-related items.
• Prolonged periods in a stationary seated position, such as working on a computer.
• The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently move, transport, and manipulate computer equipment up to 15 pounds.

Compensation: The hiring range for this position is from $56,597 to $71,333 on an annual basis. The compensation offered within this range will be based on the candidate’s experience, education and demonstrated ability to meet the responsibilities of this position.

Join Us in Making a Difference
As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a work environment that values community, culture, and personal growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with over 80% of premiums covered by the Tribe
• Employer-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match
• 17 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) each year
• Weekly pay schedule
• Education reimbursement program to support your learning and development
• Employee referral program
• Casual dress code that reflects our welcoming and inclusive culture

Who We are as a Tribe

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is a federally recognized Native sovereign nation. Our primary purposes relate to the overall well-being of our Tribal Members and our families. We have active programs and relationships with our Pomo tribal neighbors in Lake County, California that will help us preserve our Pomo culture. Many of these activities help us rediscover lost traditions and spiritual beliefs and help revive our dying languages. Because we know that the world is different from when our ancestors were here, our Tribe works very hard to learn other ways of achieving economic self-sufficiency. We engage in a variety of economic development strategies which would not only benefit our families but also our neighbors. We strive to make sure that wherever we do business, it is done in a manner that respects our neighbors and the larger community’s needs. In this vein, our Tribe looks forward to working with you.

Indian Preference

Native American Indian preference shall apply to the position in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(i)), regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (41 C.F.R. § 60-1.5(a)(7)), and/or other relevant laws. Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification of Indian eligibility with their application.