Indian Child Welfare Administrator (PSA Opt. 6)- 3701506

Job Responsibilities

20% 1. Serves as an Indian Child Welfare Administrator

• Administers and coordinates the Department’s statewide Indian Child Welfare Advocacy (ICWA) Program for assigned areas of the state
• Provides advice and guidance to the Director and Deputy Director on matters involving Indian Child Welfare
• Provides input into the formulation of policies and procedures and implements and administers policies and procedures to facilitate long-term strategic program goals
• Evaluates overall Department policies and plans to ensure sensitivity and responsiveness to concerns unique to children within the Native American population
• Develops, administers, and implements program services for assigned areas of the state
• Anticipates, identifies, recommends, and administers program expansion, needs, and adaptations 

(Job Responsibilities continued)

20% 2. Represents the Director and Deputy Director to various external entities, including state, federal, and private agencies on matters concerning Indian Child Welfare Services.

• Develops and facilitates an ongoing collaborative relationship with the Illinois Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council, utilizing input from a collective tribal voice of statewide tribal program/agency directors to develop innovative, culturally sensitive child welfare practices geared toward the Native American community
• Solicits input from tribes for service plan creation and implementation
• Develops and implements recruitment efforts for Native American foster and pre-adoptive homes
• Administers and implements workforce recruitment of Native Americans to expand utilization of the Native American population in employment within the Department
• Drives or travels to various locations in the performance of duties

(Job Responsibilities continued)

20% 3. Develops training curricula and conducts training on ICWA issues for Child Welfare Specialists, Child Protection Specialists, juvenile court judges, and other appropriate parties.

15% 4. Serves as an expert authority, providing consultation to DCFS staff and service providers

• Explains programs and services to DCFS staff, service providers, and the general community
• Provides consultation on the development of appropriate service planning for Native American youth in care
• Provides technical assistance and input in case reviews, staffings, and court hearings to ensure that appropriate services are being provided

​​​​​​​10% 5. Reviews and analyzes statistical reporting and other data collected on services provided

• Develops and reviews qualitative and quantitative outcomes to identify areas of strength and areas in need of improvement
• Formulates strategies to enhance programs and service provision

(Job Responsibilities continued)

5% 6. Consults with American Indian Health Services of Chicago to identify, partner, and refer ICWA children and families to access culturally and clinically appropriate services via a Native American clinical psychologist.

5% 7. Develops management reports related to Indian Child Welfare issues.

• Analyzes and evaluates research, analysis, and program initiatives designed to affect operational practice and develops guidelines based on findings.

5% 8. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

1. Prefers experience working with Native American organizations or programs.
2. Prefers enrollment as a member of a Native American tribe.
3. Prefers experience in the recruitment of foster and pre-adoptive homes.
4. Prefers a master’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
5. Prefers experience in the review and analysis of statistical reporting and service-related data.
6. Prefers experience in the formulation of strategies to enhance programs and service provision.
7. Prefers experience in the development of management reports.

Employment Conditions

1. Requires a valid driver’s license and ability to travel
2. Requires ability to pass a background check