Family Advocate Job No-21-1093

JOB TITLE: Family Advocate

Job No. 21-1093
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
Work Schedule: Full-Time
REPORTS TO: Social Service
Director Supervisory: No
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No Open Date: 11/10/25
Federal Test: Yes Closing Date: Until Filled
WORKERS COMPENSATION CLASS CODE: 8835 Pay Rate: DOE

SUMMARY OR PURPOSE Family Advocate will be responsible for delivering child welfare services and prevention services to families and individuals who are Native Village of Barrow members or eligible to be members.

DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

· Acts as an advocate and provides case management services for families in securing services from other agencies for families who are at risk due to child abuse/neglect.

· Provides child welfare services, including protective services for children. Provide prevention-based services to families in their homes, community and with different organizations

· Assist with data tracking and referrals.

· Will maintain case files to ensure accurate documentation is up to date

· Works closely and collaborate with Office of Children Services, other tribes, tribal members, treatment facilities, schools and hospitals as needed to assist in referrals and coordination of services for both Tribal and State Cases

· Respond to ICWA Notices received for State Courts in a timely manner and develops case plans with the State Social Worker

· Prepares court documents, case plans, safety plans and other documents needed for both state and tribal court

· Attends court hearings, treatment team decisions meetings, case plan meetings, case staffing’s, school meetings and any other court hearings or meetings needed for both state and tribal court

· Develop a positive working relationship with State Office of Children Services, State Court, Tribal Court and other Social Service agencies to ensure professional services for families and children are being met

· Cooperates with public health agencies in planning and implementing medical care and treatment of abused children when necessary

· Maintain client case records, conducts regularly schedule reviews of all cases, updates information contained on client caseload. Review cases with supervisor on a regularly scheduled basis.

· Assures confidentiality of client information

· Attend required training on ICWA and child welfare related topics to stay informed on child welfare issues and increase professional knowledge and skills

· For state cases will assist with the initial diligent relative search, relative home safety evaluations, family contact and ongoing placement searches. For tribal cases will conduct diligent relative searches, relative home safety evaluations, family contact and ongoing placement searches. Will file all case notes and documents of this in case file

· Will respond to call outs after regular working hours, weekends and on holidays

· Will work closely with local law enforcement, medical staff, schools and individuals to conduct and complete investigations on PSR reports or any concerns with open cases within NVB Social Services.

· Will respond and assist Office of Children Services and law enforcement with any sexual assault cases both during and outside of regular work hours

· When necessary will escort clients to medical appointments, treatment centers or placements that are inside and outside of Alaska

· Will conduct UA and PBT’s on clients and record results in case files

· Provide monthly report to Social Service director on number of investigations and the outcomes, number of court hearings attended, number of meetings and staffing attended for cases, number of escorts completed and any incidents that occurred for month of reporting

· Report all child abuse and neglect to the State of Alaska following the requirements of a mandatory reporter

· Will provide supervision as directed or needed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Speak, read and write in English

· Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing

· Knowledge of Department and Native Village of Barrow Policies and Procedures

· Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Law (P.L. 95-608) and its provisions

· Knowledge of interrelationships between state agencies and agencies of the Federal government in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships, including knowledge of the State Child Protection process and Tribal Court process

· Knowledge of local community resources

· Knowledge in using a PC and common software applications

· Skills in providing effective case management

· Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries and protective service reports

· Ability to work directly with families by utilizing social work techniques of interviewing assessment of the problem, case-planning and monitoring client progress/problems

· Experience working with children and parents

· Familiarity with the judicial system (State and Tribal Courts)

· Knowledge and understanding of Inupiat culture

QUALIFICATIONS

· High School diploma or equivalent life experience.

· 2 years’ experience working with children in any capacity.

· 1-year experience working with children in social services, mental health, child welfare or education on a voluntary of professional basis

· Ability to obtain a valid State of Alaska Driver’s License that meets the Native Village of Barrow Insurance within the probationary period

· Pass a criminal background check.

· Pass a drug test.

· Ability to obtain Infant and Adult CPR and First Aid Certification withing the probationary period

· Tribal membership preferred.

· Inupiaq speaking preferred.

As a federally recognized sovereign Tribe and contractor under P.L. 93-638, Native Village of Barrow gives preference for training and employment to qualified candidates who are Alaskan Natives and/or American Indian.

NATIVE VILLAGE OF BARROW IS AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE WORKPLACE