Muckleshoot Child & Family Services Lead Investigator

This position is responsible for receiving, screening, evaluating, and investigating reports or incoming calls of concern and response times of all reported allegations of child abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, and/or exploitation reported to MCFS or incoming from CPS; serves as a prevention outreach advocate; performs related work as required.

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

1. Provide supervision and assistance to the other investigators, reviewing cases to ensure they are ready for closure.
2. Conduct case staffing, monthly and quarterly reporting as well as distribution of intakes, coordinating after hour calls and intakes.
3. Assist other investigators out in the field.
4. Works in close collaboration with management for a cohesive leadership team.
5. Conduct face to face interviews with children, parents, caregivers, alleged perpetrators and/or all other official mandated reporters and perform child/family welfare checks in response to incoming calls of concern to the Muckleshoot Tribe and/or CPS in regards to Muckleshoot children.
6. Interview collateral contacts to gather additional information related to the investigation as needed and appropriate.
7. Make investigative jurisdictional decisions using the Muckleshoot Child and Family Youth Code or forward investigative information to the local CPS if no tribal jurisdiction is founded.
8. Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to investigation, services and outcomes. Identify situations presenting risk to Muckleshoot children and families and refer for immediate tribal services. When appropriate make referrals, encourage, support and engage parents, children, or care givers in services to prevent removal of children from the home.
9. Contact other agencies including, but not limited to, tribal, local, state or federal law enforcement and tribal or state courts as appropriate if a crisis situation arises or if the investigation involves criminal activity.
10. Record and document all investigative activity and provide follow-up visits and/or forward information to program manager for Family PAL assignment when necessary.
11. Collaborate with other program department staff in regards to service referrals and preventative actions.
12. Prepare court declarations for emergency custody orders. Appear in Tribal Court or State court as needed, requested or subpoenaed.
13. Maintain case records and required forms, including service episode records, case plans, risk assessments and/or safety plans and ensures any required documentation is obtained and filed appropriately.
14. Transport clients when necessary.
15. Attend mandatory and/or approved training.
16. Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the wellbeing of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or closely related field.

Three (3) years of experience conducting child welfare investigations.

Three (3) years of experience providing professional casework management to families and children.

Three (3) years of experience working with Native Americans or diverse populations. 

Preferred:  CPR-First Aid, HIV- AIDS Training/Certificate. De-escalation Training/Certificate.

Special Requirement:  Must pass MIT criminal background check and drug screen.  Also, must complete a Washington State Department of Social and Health Services form to complete and pass a criminal background check clearance, which may include fingerprinting. Candidate must be available for after- hours work to respond to emergency situations and intakes that come in after 5pm and during the weekends and holidays within a timely manner. Candidate will also be responsible for answering the after-hours phone while on call. 

Skilled in:

• Crisis intervention
• Client advocacy
• Oral and written communication
• Working cooperatively as a professional
• Organization and time-management
• Self-preservation
• Operating standard office equipment including personal computer and software

Knowledge of:

• Professional social casework principles, methodology and ethics
• Human psychosocial development within the context of the family, community and culture, with an understanding of the Principles of child development
• Techniques for facilitating positive client motivation
• Health and social issues impacting client and community well-being
• Risk assessment and decision making
• Child interviewing techniques
• Basic understanding of the intake process
• Current practices of child welfare and systems theory and social welfare policy
• Native American history/culture

Ability to:

• Serve as an expert representative in both court proceeding and multidisciplinary team service delivery
• Maintain strict confidentiality
• Sustain wellbeing in the field of duty due to the nature of the work
• Establish realistic and attainable goals and demonstrate success criteria
• Recognize and identify treatment for risk indicators and establish model approaches for problem-solving
• Establish and maintain working relationships with clients, staff, agencies, and the general public
• Write effective and comprehensive case histories and related reports

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb stairs; use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.