ICW/Vulnerable Adults. This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation,
exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Nisqually Children and Family Services Intake Specialist is responsible for providing Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Services within the Nisqually Community Service Area to eligible children and family services. This position is responsible for screening DCYF and NCFS intakes reports and determining client eligibility. The Intake Specialist will prepare client case files and will set up the initial client case in the database system for the Investigator/Caseworker and Caseworkers. This position performs a variety of administrative/secretarial support activities for management with limited supervision. The employee reports directly to the Nisqually Children and Family Services Program Manager.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, tribal and tribal community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Screen all incoming intake reports and determine eligibility in the program.
• Follow up on all missing documentation for eligibility paperwork.
• Prepares hard copy files for Investigator/Caseworker and Caseworker.
• Inputs and sets up client files in database for Caseworkers.
• Processes and returns DCYF Inquiry and Verification of Child's Indian Status requests.
• Stay up to date with all other programs and resources available for clients and families.
• Work with other agencies such as the Washington State Liaison and DCYF for the benefit of children and families, case planning, and to provide resource information for clients.
• Screens phone calls and visitors, directing to appropriate staff or department when necessary; provides information requiring comprehensive knowledge and may interpret department policy, procedure, and operations.
• Create a welcoming environment to greet individuals seeking assistance, and work to establish a relationship with each individual using a person-centered approach.
• Opens and reviews all incoming mail to determine appropriate disposition, answers inquiries and drafts correspondence on own initiative on general and technical matters in accordance with established guidelines and forwards other items to supervisor or appropriate staff.
• Acts as primary contact for department with outside agencies or other departments; responds to technical administrative questions and ensure necessary follow-up.
• Work with individuals and families to build relationships, work on resource navigation, and document collection.
• Assist individuals to secure access to resources, removing barriers as much as possible.
• Always maintain confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively with other departments, program, and/or outside agencies who are assisting the individual meet their goals (social services, shelter providers, etc.).
• Participate in trainings and/or meetings to ensure program outcomes are achieved.
• Study and abide by Title 50 - Nisqually Youth Code.
• Always maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Must be eighteen (18) years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience working with Native children and families.
• Must have the ability to understand and apply the program policies and procedures and Title 50 Youth Code.
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain a valid ICWA Online Course Certificate of Completion upon hire.
• Must be responsible and reliable.
• Experience with professional computer skills and software databases.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

· Nisqually community and culture.

· Written and oral communication.

· Networking and collaboration with departments.

· Work as a team player with staff.

· Knowledge of tribal, local, state, and federal resources available to program clients and families. 

· Knowledge of Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. 1901 et. seq.

· Knowledge of or the ability to become knowledgeable in the Nisqually Tribal Youth Code.

· Knowledge of the Nisqually Community.

· Knowledge of and the ability to operate a personal computer, MS Office Suite, and standard office equipment.

· Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

· Ability to work effectively with Nisqually children and families.

· Ability to communicate effectively with community members, visitors, and staff.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Ability to travel and be on call to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

· Ability to be supervised and accept constructive criticism when necessary.

· Ability to offer ideas and suggestions and work as a team within the NCFS program.

· Ability to demonstrate the personal initiative needed to establish and maintain a high level of confidence with co-workers, clients, and community.

· Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

· Ability to maintain a highly organized work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.