Job Description

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Child Protective Services Worker investigates reports of child neglect/abuse and works closely with law enforcement officials. The Child Protective Services Worker makes home and school visits to interview children, parents, and other household members regarding their investigation. It is necessary to make court appearances, prepare court documents, and testify in court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Respond to referrals by making prompt and thorough investigations to determine the nature, extent, and cause of any condition, which could be child maltreatment and affect the safety of the children.

Conduct investigation by interviewing children, parents, household members, relatives, referral sources, school personnel, law enforcement, counselors, medical professionals, attorneys, and anyone else with information regarding an investigation; Interview can be both scheduled or unannounced; Complete Child Protective Services Investigation Report and other required documents including information with demographics, allegations, case notes, activities of investigation, findings, and summary of investigation.

Complete intakes for Tribal Social Services for Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services on an assigned schedule.

Prepare and file reports and neglect/abuse petitions with the court, in cooperation with the Protective Services Office; Coordinate with law enforcement, Protective Services Office , Tribal courts, and other community resources to ensure that the child in need of care cases are handled professionally and expeditiously.

Initiate procedures to take a child or children into temporary custody when it has been determined they may be in grave danger, in accordance with the Gila River Indian Community Children\'s Code; Required to make monthly contact with children who are Temporary Wards to ensure safety.

Attend weekly meetings with Protective Services Attorney and Child Protective Services team to provide updates on investigations; Meet regularly with the Protective Services team to provide information on appropriate cases.

Provide written reports on monthly cases or when requested.

Will be required to make court appearances and testify in court.

Required to perform 24/7 on-call duties on a rotating basis.

May be required to manage Temporary Wards of the Court cases until fully adjudicated.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

Knowledge of issues related to child abuse and prevention.

Knowledge of and the ability to work cooperatively with other community resources.

Ability to interview children and adults as part of an investigation.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times on child welfare cases.

Ability to identify, relate to and communicate with children and residents of the Gila River Indian Community, as well as with persons from varied economic, educational and cultural backgrounds.

Ability to work independently and to make difficult decisions based on observations and documentation related to cases.

Ability to maintain accurate, up to date files, records and reports.

Ability to work weekend and evenings on rotating or on-call basis.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the public.

Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor\'s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling or a closely related field and two (2) years\' experience in Child Protective Services, Social Services, or Human Services; OR

Associate\'s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling or a closely related field and four (4) years\' experience in Child Protective Services, Social Services, or Human Services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment. Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly.

Required mandatory reporter pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 2 (7.205), B.

Required to attend Title 7 Mandatory Reporting training on a yearly basis.

Required to obtain a Tribal Operator\'s permit. Valid state driver\'s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission of the application.

Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position

Reports to Director or designee

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