Child Welfare Specialist I

Responsibilities include investigating home conditions of children, assess children's physical and psychological makeup, participating in committees and evaluating foster and adoptive homes.  

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; no exceptions.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

An additional six months experience in a related field is required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid driver's license with a driving history verified through a motor vehicle report that meets requirements for Cherokee Nation underwriting rating. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must have knowledge of state legal proceedings and experience giving expert testimony on tribal matters. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to interpret and apply policy material, to maintain effective working relationships with others, and to apply critical thinking skills. Ability to courteously interview and probe for information needed, evaluate, and determine appropriate action required, to prioritize and organize needs of clients; to intervene in crisis situations; to work with a multidisciplinary team, and to develop, evaluate an modify an intervention plan on an ongoing basis. Skill in utilizing legal processes, interviewing and problem-solving techniques to negotiate agreements with parties. Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Employee must not be and will not be under sanction by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or by the General Services Administration (GSA) or listed on the OIG’s Cumulative Sanction Report, or the GSA’s List of Excluded Providers; or listed on the OIG’s List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Must have a personal vehicle available at all times to perform the work required by this position. Must meet and maintain pre-employment and periodic background investigation and adjudication for child care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.