GRAND TRAVERSE BAND OF OTTAWA

AND CHIPPEWA INDIANS

Position Description

Job Title: Child Protective Services Caseworker

Division: I – Education & Human Services

Sub-Department: Anishinaabek Family Services

Job Class: E-6

Reports To: AFS Coordinator

FLSA Status: Exempt

BG Classification: IC3

Salary Start: $42,860

Prepared Date: March 2004 (updated March 2014)

SUMMARY

The Child Protective Services Case Worker investigates reported cases of abuse and neglect against children in accordance with Indian Child Welfare Act Guidelines and the Grand Traverse Band Tribal Code.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·  Coordinate investigations with appropriate agencies and law enforcement officials such as county protective services (when appropriate), law enforcement, FBI, U. S. Attorney’s Office, and the Tribal Prosecutor in keeping with Tribal, Federal, and State Laws.

·  Initiate investigation within 24-hours upon receiving complaint or report

·  Conduct interviews with children, their parents or caretakers, and other members of the victim’s family using the Forensic Interviewing Protocol.

·  Conduct interviews of additional witnesses

·  Coordinate the investigation and possible removal of a child from their home with Tribal, County, State and Federal law enforcement officials.

·  Develop and maintain case files on each child and incident

·  Assess the immediate risk factors of the child’s safety, and of others in the home, and safety of own self

·  Generate written reports of actual findings on all reported cases of suspected child abuse and neglect

·  Research resources for children and their families and make appropriate referrals to appropriate Tribal programs or non-tribal and other agencies

·  Investigate the alleged suspected child abuse and neglect report, while maintaining own safety

·  Appear in court hearings to present testimony as required per case

·  Participate in 24-hour on-call status to be shared with other workers within the program and respond in emergencies

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

·  Will adhere to the highest levels of confidentiality involving all information

·  Making competent and immediate decisions regarding the welfare of children who are at imminent risk of harm from their parental home using good sound judgment

·  Must be qualified and trusted to make decisions without supervision if necessary using good common sense and experience to manage very uncomfortable situations and to use necessary resources

·  Excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate with a diverse population

·  Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect

·  Exceptional detail and follow-up skills

·  Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines

·  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

·  Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruction for Tribal, State, Federal licensing and accreditation requirements

·  Ability to assess the risk and safety of children and the risk and safety of the worker

·  Advanced knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules, procedures, and administration is required

·  General proficiency in computers and other office equipment

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

·  Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology or Guidance Counseling is required.* Master’s Degree is preferred.*

·  Two (2) to four (4) years of social work experience required.

·  A minimum of one year experience in the field of child welfare

·  Specialized skills in individual, family, and group counseling

·  Ethical Standards of this position must be adhered to.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid Michigan Driver’s License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier. This position will require the use of a personal vehicle and travel within six county service area as part of regularly assigned duties.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory responsibilities required

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment such as computers, copiers, fax, phone system, and so on

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Involves sedentary work, with some lifting, reaching and walking. Also requires manual dexterity to operate office equipment, keyboarding, and so on. Should have corrected normal range of hearing and sight.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

An error in this position could result in death of a child or bodily injury. An error could also result in litigation against the company and civil litigation against the worker. There is the possibility of the worker being placed in a dangerous situation resulting in bodily injury or death.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment could present out-of-the-ordinary job risks. There could be a risk for the safety of the worker who is making an investigative home visit that may result in the removal of children. There is a high risk of liability against the protective services worker due to the nature of the job.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources

Signature Date

Job Description: Child Protective Services Caseworker Page 1 of 2