Assistant Indian Child Welfare Advocate

Purpose of the Position

The Indian Child Welfare Advocate Assistant assists with case filing, recordkeeping, clerical duties, and supports the efforts of the Health and Human Services Department and the ICWA Advocate in promoting the safety, well\-being, and protection of children and families during times of need and crisis.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

Administrative and Clerical Support

• Provide general clerical support including filing, data entry, and correspondence.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all applicable privacy and data protection laws.
• Support departmental reporting and compliance efforts.

Case Management Support

• Assist in maintaining accurate and confidential case files for Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases.
• Prepare and organize documentation for court proceedings and agency reports.
• Track case progress and maintain up\-to\-date records in compliance with tribal, state, and federal guidelines
• Manage county referrals. Research and manage community services in areas within the HPUL Service Delivery Area.
• Transport tribal members to and from court hearings and scheduled visits.

Family and Community Outreach

• Support family engagement efforts, including home visits, wellness checks and scheduled visits.
• Help identify and connect families with culturally appropriate services and resources.
• Assist in locating and engaging extended family members for placement or reunification efforts.
• Participate in community events and outreach activities to promote child welfare awareness.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Skills \& Abilities

Professional and Technical Skills

• Knowledge of ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) and related tribal, state, and federal child welfare laws, or ability and desire to quickly learn
• Skilled in Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and other software and collaboration tools.
• Understanding of tribal governance and culture, or willingness to learn.
• Willingness to participate in training and professional development related to ICWA, child welfare and case management skills.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. Strong oral and written communication skills for interacting with families, courts, and agencies.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with children, families, and community members.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds, especially Native communities.

Organizational and Administrative Abilities

• Excellent planning and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail in recordkeeping and legal documentation.

Personal Attributes

• Empathy and compassion for families in crisis or transition.
• Adaptability and flexibility to respond as needed to urgent or after\-hours needs and work in a variety of settings including homes, outdoor locations, etc.
• Integrity and professionalism in all interactions and decisions.
• Dependable in meeting deadlines, attending meetings, and fulfilling responsibilities consistently.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with families, Tribal leadership, staff, and external partners.

Education and Experience

Required:

• High School Diploma and two (2\) years of work experience in a an administrative role or Human Services related field.
• A combination of education, training, and experience, which demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions.
• All offers are contingent upon signing a confidentiality agreement and satisfactory completion of drug screening and background checks. Employer observes federal standards for controlled substances.
• Required to possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Tribe’s insurance carrier.
• Completion of the 40\-hour Domestic Violence training as approved by the State of California, or ability to successfully complete certification within six months of hire.

Preferred: (If applicable)

• Associate Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Legal Studies or a related field;
• One or more years of experience working in an ICWA program.
• ICWA\-specific training or certification, such as those offered by:
• The National Indian Justice Center (NIJC)
• The Judicial Branch of California’s ICWA Education Program
• The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

Certificates and Licenses (If applicable)

Physical Requirements

• Typical work hours are Monday\-Friday from 8\-5, however this position requires occasional travel and flexible scheduling to be available some evenings and weekends for special events.
• Prolonged sitting at a desk working on a computer.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Sufficient hand\-eye coordination, use of hands and fingers to handle work\-related items; hearing ability sufficient to perceive and respond to oral communications and ambient sounds both in and out of doors.

Compensation: The hiring range for this position is from $22\.00 to $32\.00 on an hourly basis. The compensation offered within this range will be based on the candidate’s experience, education and demonstrated ability to meet the responsibilities of this position.

Join Us in Making a Difference

As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a work environment that values community, culture, and personal growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with over 80% of premiums covered by the Tribe
• Employer\-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match
• 17 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) each year
• Weekly pay schedule
• Education reimbursement program to support your learning and development
• Employee referral program
• Casual dress code that reflects our welcoming and inclusive culture

Who We are as a Tribe

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is a federally recognized Native sovereign nation. Our primary purposes relate to the overall well\-being of our Tribal Members and our families. We have active programs and relationships with our Pomo tribal neighbors in Lake County, California that will help us preserve our Pomo culture. Many of these activities help us rediscover lost traditions and spiritual beliefs and help revive our dying languages. Because we know that the world is different from when our ancestors were here, our Tribe works very hard to learn other ways of achieving economic self\-sufficiency. We engage in a variety of economic development strategies which would not only benefit our families but also our neighbors. We strive to make sure that wherever we do business, it is done in a manner that respects our neighbors and the larger community’s needs. In this vein, our Tribe looks forward to working with you.

Indian Preference

Native American Indian preference shall apply to the position in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e\-2(i)), regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (41 C.F.R. § 60\-1\.5(a)(7\)), and/or other relevant laws. Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification of Indian eligibility with their application.