GENERAL SUMMARY
The Family Services Investigator is responsible for protecting children, vulnerable adults, Tribal elders, families, and the community from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This role involves conducting thorough investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children, vulnerable adults, and individuals with disabilities as mandated by the Nisqually Title 50 Youth Code and Title 51 Elder Abuse Code. The Family Services Investigator will contribute to building a strong support system for the Tribe by fostering partnerships with Tribal entities, internal and external agencies, and programs. This includes developing relationships, and offering training and educational resources to clients, families, the community, and service providers.
This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, client, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills and outstanding client service to fellow employees, clients, vendors, etc. are expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required. A professional attitude and appearance are expected.
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.
- Conduct investigations into allegations of abandonment, abuse, neglect, personal and financial exploitation, and self-neglect, involving children, vulnerable adults, and individuals with disabilities within the Tribal community.
- Assess the risk and safety of individuals and families, including those residing in foster homes and institutions.
- Collaborate closely with Tribal, State, and local agencies and service providers, including Law Enforcement, Judicial Systems, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), healthcare, behavioral health, substance abuse programs, and educational institutions.
- Coordinate with department staff to ensure smooth transitions of cases to designated caseworkers.
- Apply evidence-based, culturally competent practices that engage clients, families, communities, and support systems in developing service plans tailored to identified care goals.
- Attend and participate in multidisciplinary teams or committees as needed to support client needs in a culturally holistic manner.
- Provide referrals and coordinate necessary services to address clients' individual care needs.
- Work with Tribal programs and community organizations to implement preventative and rehabilitative programs and activities.
- Complete all required documentation, including forms, investigative records, progress notes, in a timely matter in accordance with applicable laws and investigative management guidelines.
- Follow and uphold all applicable Tribal, federal, state and local laws, as well as internal policies and procedures.
- Maintain compliance with current regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and best practices.
- Prepare and maintain case file documentation, data system entries, and related reports.
- Consult with and refer clients to appropriate agencies, services, and support programs.
- Assist caseworkers in preparing protection orders and dependency petitions related to placement or guardianship.
- Collaborate with the Office of Tribal Attorney, Court Advocate, and other caseworkers and provide testimony during court proceedings.
- Serve as a program liaison between the Tribe and the community partners, including educational institutions, law enforcement, healthcare, judicial systems, and other relevant external agencies.
- Investigate and assess complaints to determine risk levels in accordance with Tribal codes and WACs, categorizing cases as informational, low, moderate or high risk.
- Maintain the security and confidentiality of all sensitive information, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
- Cultivate and understanding of Tribal culture, traditional practices, and alternative approaches to healing.
- Provide timely responses to emergencies, interventions, or crisis situations, including availability outside of regular hours as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience
- A master's degree in social work, Child Welfare, Criminal Law/Justice, or a related field from an accredited institution, with at least two (2) years of full-time, direct experience in social work, OR
- A bachelor's degree in social work, Child Welfare, Criminal Law/Justice, or a related field from an accredited institution, with at least three (3) years of full-time, direct experience in social work, OR
- A combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the above qualifications.
- Must acquire a working understanding of the Nisqually Elder Abuse and Youth Codes and other applicable laws, particularly laws pertaining to Indian child welfare, guardianship, and vulnerable adults within 30 days of employment.
- Must be willing to travel for training, client transport, and health and safety visits.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
- Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by the Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
- Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
- Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Working knowledge of the judicial system of state and tribal courts and the Indian Child Welfare Act.
- Direct experience working with Adult Protection/ Vulnerable Adult services, and Indian Child Welfare services.
- Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
- Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.
- Experience in family or social services programs.
SUPERVISION
This position does not supervise.
COMPETENCIES
Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of:
- Principles and processes involved in delivering Adult Protection Services (APS) and Indian Child Welfare (ICW) services. This encompassed investigation, assessment, case management, court procedures, adherence to service quality standards, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
- Knowledge of indicators and risk factors related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, particularly concerning children, vulnerable populations, and individuals with disabilities.
- Knowledge of behavior and performance needs, including individual differences, abilities, personalities, and interests, learning and motivation, psychological/emotional understanding, as well as systems of care.
- Knowledge of effective relationship building strategies grounded in sincere care, empathy, compassion, and understanding.
- Knowledge of administrative and office procedures, including the use of data systems like Microsoft software, managing both electronic and paper records, designing forms, and generating reporting.
- Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, as well as their histories, origin, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.
- Knowledge and awareness of the impact of current and historical trauma on Native Americans.
- Cultural sensitivity to Tribes and Tribal ways and needs.
- Understanding of the Government-to-Government relationship.
- Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and legal regulations related to handling sensitive information client information.
Skill in:
- Professional and effective communication and conflict resolution
- Building relationships effectively with compassion and empathy.
- Using logic, empathy, and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Compassion, tact, and sensitivity to the health issues and cultural needs of Native Americans.
Ability to:
- Ability to conduct investigations in accordance with legal codes that are culturally appropriate.
- Work professionally and collaboratively with coworkers, groups, and individuals.
- Manage multiple tasks, prioritize duties, and maintain smooth workflow.
- Manage a large caseload efficiently and effectively.
- Present material professionally and effectively in written and oral form.
- Identify economic, cultural, physical, and environmental factors that support or limit family or individual success.
- Evaluate and respond appropriately to crisis situations.
- Work independently and make decisions regarding program challenges and issues.
- Ability to embrace change with flexibility and a positive attitude.
- Apply principles and techniques of psychosocial casework.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with tribal and community members, fostering trust and collaboration in service delivery.
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn Tribal history, customs, culture, traditions, and alternative methods of care, with the ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions and service delivery.
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.