Job Information
Pueblo of Zuni Child Protective Service Worker - Social Services (Open Until Filled) in Zuni, New Mexico
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICE WORKER
REGULAR/FT
EXEMPT - LEVEL 10
SALARY: $23.51
GENERAL DEFINITION : The purpose of the position is to investigate and evaluate allegations of abuse or neglect, recommending proactive program placement, and providing casework services to children placed in a protective services program.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED : Work is performed under the direction of the Social Services Director.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED : None.
DUTIES :
Investigate child abuse and neglect allegations in accordance with court order or in compliance with Tribal Law.
Conduct investigations with alleged victims of child abuse and/or neglect to determine emergency placement for child safety.
Analyze information and data collected to determine appropriate course of action to ensure timely implementation of services or monthly reports submitted to funding sources.
Conduct emergency investigations, placement, and removal of a child by determining degree of danger and risk of future abuse and neglect.
Initiate Ex Parte Affidavits for emergency custody of children to ensure safety and protection.
Serve custody notice, immediately when removal of children is necessary.
Conduct casework services to implement appropriate services to support clients’ and the investigation.
Administers assessment instrument tools such as Family Risk Assessment, the Home Safety Assessment and the Family Needs and Strengths Assessment.
Conduct home visits or designated placements to assess the home for risk and safety factors.
Manage cases to ensure appropriate services are being referred to appropriate agencies to ensures compliance with tribal, local, state, and federal statues, regulations, policies and procedures.
Serves as liaison between departments, law enforcement, medical agencies and external agencies to discuss cases/referrals/investigations in coordinating programs and services.
Maintain case histories, case summaries, case records and related reports to refer clients’ and/or families to tribal program resources or services.
Prepare reports to initiate legal intervention and/or related legal services to protect the clients.
Maintain case history, reports, and documentation of initial investigations to assess child abuse and neglect.
Maintain and update case narratives to support court intervention and testimony.
Prepare timely case reports to be transitioned immediately after adjudication.
Prepare timely court reports five days prior to the hearing date.
Coordinates with law enforcement personnel and external agencies to conduct regular follow-ups.
Develop safety plan related to the impending danger assessment to recommend follow-up actions.
Testify in court to provide recommendations to the court.
Consult with the Director on a routine basis and according to the seriousness of the case.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Attends and completes annual, in-service trainings as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES : Knowledgeable of the Zuni Children’s Code. Knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling techniques. Knowledge of methods and techniques used to conduct investigations. Knowledge of the children’s court process. Knowledge of Zuni Cultural practices, and family structure in Zuni. Knowledge of human behavior and the behavioral sciences, particularly concerning child development, family dynamics, and interpersonal relationships. Knowledgeable of rules and regulations pertaining to the Freedom of Information Act, HIPAA and Privacy Act. Knowledge of software applications such as Access, Excel, Power Point, Word or office related software. Skilled in interviewing and intervention methods and techniques. Skilled with assess emotional states, behavioral indicators, family dynamics, and overt signs of abuse in order to evaluate safety and risk and determine whether an abusive situation exists. Skilled to communicate with individuals who have emotional or mental problems, substance abuse issues, and/or domestic violence situations. Ability to work with children and families. Ability to write narrative reports and case files. Ability to learn local, state, and federal family laws and practices. Ability to communicate in Zuni (preferred but not required) and English, as well as orally and written. Ability to organize, prioritize, and meet strict deadlines. Ability to prepare and present court material. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and protocols. Ability to make sound decisions. Ability to analyze and develop effective solutions. Ability to exercise courtesy and tact in handling difficult situations by conveying a positive and professional image. Ability to work effectively with tribal employees, clients and the general public. Ability to maintain confidentiality of all privileged information.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE : Bachelor degree in social work, criminal justice or related human services field is preferred; with two (2) years of work experience in social services, human services or related casework services experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES : Must have a valid New Mexico Driver’s License with no DWI/DUI convictions within the past three (3) years. Driving is an essential part of the duties.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform work. Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS : Position is subject to Pre-Employment drug testing. Position is safety sensitive and will be subject to random drug screening for duration of employment. Must undergo and successfully pass a thorough background check including FBI fingerprint check. Performs 24 hour on-call duty. Must have own reliable transportation and operative home telephone.