Job Summary:

Responds to assigned referrals regarding concerns of alleged child abuse or neglect involving a Grand Ronde child or a child eligible for enrollment. The CFS investigator assess safety and determines whether or not abuse or neglect has occurred, identifies child safety threats, develops safety plans as necessary, and offers support and services to families that has an emphasis on maintaining family and cultural connections.

Essential Functions:

• Assesses reports of child abuse, neglect and abandonment regarding enrolled (or eligible for enrollment) Grand Ronde children, in accordance with the Tribes Children & Families Ordinance to determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred and take protective action when appropriate.
• Engage with children, Parents, families, resource parents and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve the safety and optimal outcomes for Tribal children and families. All engagement will be conducted through a cultural and trauma-informed lens.
• Gather and analyze all information, including collateral information, and review of pertinent documents to determine appropriate child placement.  All determinations are made in consideration of each family's unique circumstances.
• Observation of the home environment.
• Prepares court documentation and testimony for both Tribal Court and State Court hearings.
• Provides Expert Testimony and recommendations in State Court hearings when required
• Provides necessary referrals for culturally appropriate family services and supports.
• Provides accurate and timely record keeping practices and maintains files in compliance with all program requirements.
• Writes comprehensive assessment reports at the conclusion of the assessment and enters information in the program case management data systems as well as case file.
• Completes a Transfer of Jurisdiction assessment as directed to by CFS Ordinance.
• Attends meetings as assigned by supervisor including; but not limited to, mandatory reporter trainings for community, MDT, and department meetings.  
• Participate in rotating after-hours hotline.
• Participates in training as directed or approved by supervisor.

Education, Experience, and Licenses:

• Requires an AA/AS degree, preferred Bachelors in Social Work or closely related field of study and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the child welfare field.  

• OR equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Driving Requirements:

• Must maintain a valid Oregon driver's license and qualify for the Tribe's vehicle insurance, and provide proof of personal vehicle insurance.

Qualifications, Registrations, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of child protective procedures, Indian Child Welfare Act, and legal court procedures.
• Requires a First Aid and CPR Certificate.
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including some evenings, weekends, and Holidays.
• The ability to engage with children and families utilizing a trauma informed practice model were individuals are treated respectfully and compassionately.
• Ability to use judgment in the analysis of facts and circumstances and in the determination of actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practice. 
• Requires considerable judgment to work independently toward general results, to adapt existing methods or procedures to meet new or unusual requirements, and to make related decisions guided by precedent and within the limits of established policies.
• Must have the ability to perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
• Must have the ability to work with angry or disgruntled people in a cooperative and effective manner.
• Knowledge of and understanding of Native American culture, customs, practices, psychology, and social work required.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Continually requires the ability to express or receive detailed information or important instructions through oral communication.
• Continually requires working with fingers rather than the whole hand or arm. Requires repetitive movement of wrists, hands and/or fingers.  Often requires walking or moving about to accomplish tasks.
• Requires standing and/or sitting for sustained periods of time, raising objects from a lower to a higher position and/or moving objects horizontally.
• Occasionally requires lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• Due to the nature of the interactions with other employees and the public we serve, employees may be required to provide documentation of, or receive, certain health vaccinations.
• This position is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions which provide protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes, and is occasionally subject to outside environmental conditions.
• May be called upon to serve as a Disaster Reservist during emergencies.
• May interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• May enter into stressful situations that require a quick decision-making skills to ensure safety of those being served and own physical safety. This may also be trauma-inducing.
• Local travel is required. Travel outside of the state is infrequently required. 

Background Check:

Candidates for this position will be subject to criminal, child welfare, and character background checks and will be subject to fingerprinting.