About This Role
The Caseworker plays a crucial role within the Indian Child Welfare Department of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, focusing on recruiting and approving foster and adoptive Tribal homes for children in need of out-of-home placement. This position requires a dedicated individual who can work under pressure and maintain composure while supporting families and ensuring the safety of children.
Responsibilities
- Visit interested homes and complete home studies on prospective foster and adoptive Tribal homes.
- Work independently with and counsel families in the formation and implementation of service plans to reduce child abuse or neglect within the family.
- Participate in planning and evaluating child abuse and neglect programs, foster care, and adoption.
- Provide written reports and make recommendations regarding removal, visitations, reunification, etc. to the court.
- Supervise visits as ordered by the Tribal Nation District Court.
- Complete DHS paperwork to show change of custody when cases are transferred to Tribal court.
- Maintain confidential records and stay compliant with IVE regulations to receive foster care subsidy payments.
- Visit children in tribal custody on at least a monthly basis and document each visit, as required by IV-E regulations.
- Be on call 24/7 and provide some services after hours and/or on weekends.
- Transport children to foster care placements, medical appointments, visitations, etc.
- Undertake a variety of miscellaneous duties as assigned by the supervisor or team leader.
- Provide case management to youth who have been placed in foster care.
- Facilitate treatment team meetings and participate in Assessment Team meetings and Family Partnership Meetings.
- Build trusting relationships with the children in their care, many of whom have been victims of abuse.
- Serve as a liaison between the child, their family, and their foster families.
- Outline the child’s foster care goals and monitor the child’s academic performance.
- Place children in permanent foster care homes or find permanent placement with an adoptive family.
- Assist in securing birth, death, marriage certificates and other required documentation to facilitate filing of the adoption.
- Intervene with the courts, pre-adoptive parents, adoption attorneys, ACS subsidy unit, or any other entity that would unnecessarily delay or impede the finalization of an adoption.
- Conduct home studies for initially approved families according to agency expectations and procedures.
- Conduct home visits as part of helping the child’s birth parents achieve the requirements for reunification.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s Degree preferred in social work, psychology, sociology, or education.
- Two (2) years’ experience working with children, parents, and/or families and one (1) year of experience conducting interviews/investigations.
- Must possess the ability to work effectively with appropriate communication skills both written and orally.
- Must have a valid Oklahoma Driver’s License, pass a drug screening test, and complete an OSBI background investigation as well as extensive background check.
- English language is a necessity, and Kickapoo language is a plus.
- Must not be an Indian Child Welfare client nor have previous and/or current child welfare history.
Nice to have:
- Knowledge of the Kickapoo Tribe’s culture, traditions, and language.
Benefits
- Flexible working hours.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Supportive work environment focused on cultural sensitivity.
Important Details
- Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., with on-call duties 24/7.
- Application deadline: Not specified.
Application Process
- Submit your application through the designated platform.
- Prepare for interviews that may include discussions on your experience and understanding of the Kickapoo Tribe’s culture.
About the Company
The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma is dedicated to providing social services that support the welfare of its community, particularly focusing on the needs of children and families. The Tribe emphasizes cultural sensitivity and the importance of maintaining its traditions while delivering essential services.
