Tribal Liaison

The Technical Expert I /Tribal Liaison works collaboratively with the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Children’s Bureau (CB) to enhance organizational and system performance, yield improved outcomes for tribal children, youth, and families through the delivery of high-quality technical assistance to Title IV-B and Title IV-E American Indian and Alaska Native Nations (AI/AN) by honoring Indigenous Ways of Knowing (IWOK) and collaborative work ensuring the preservation of tribal cultures. The Technical Expert I/Tribal Liaison will guide the delivery and provide culturally relevant and responsive TA to Tribal Child Welfare programs in the areas of workforce support; prevention programming, federal program requirements; Tribal-State collaboration; and data management. The primary role of Tribal Liaison is to deliver effective, high-quality TA to tribal child welfare agencies aimed at achieving sustainable, systemic change that results in greater safety, permanency, and well-being for children, youth, and families, and dramatically improve the experiences of children, youth, and families when contact with the child welfare system is necessary. The Tribal Liaison provides support to Tribes in partnership with the CB Central and Regional Offices. For this position, domestic travel is essential and requires a willingness to work long hours during site visits and other required onsite meetings with various components of child welfare systems, including state agencies, other stakeholders, and federal staff. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Assists the CB in its work with Tribal Child Welfare agencies and CB’s technical assistance providers. Serves as the lead to facilitate TA services and coordinate providers to support Tribal Child Welfare systems. Receive and provide support for TA response and assignments by the Tailored Services Manager. As assigned by the Tailored Services Manager, attend any site visits, and manage the provision of the work plan and services identified for the Tribe, tracking milestones and outcomes. Conduct and facilitate community readiness assessments, Pathway to Change, mind mapping processes, develop the project work plan, guide implementation of the work plan, and partner with assigned evaluator with the evaluation design. Support and participate in the team CQI process to ensure continued improvement in all aspects of the work. Monitor TA provision to ensure successful completion of the work plan and improved outcomes. Develop and complete reports as appropriate and assigned. Reports on assigned project progress on a frequent basis to the Tailored Services Manager. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field Experience: Minimum 10 years of relevant experience working with and serving tribes with child welfare systems engagement and evolution. Experience with other related tribal child welfare systems including engagement in legal/judicial capacity for tribal child welfare agencies and juvenile or family courts for child welfare cases. Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge in understanding tribal child welfare and court-related data, the ability to interpret data, apply the data to problem solving and program improvement planning and implementation processes, and the ability to communicate the data to a variety of stakeholders from different backgrounds. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding tribal child welfare systems and designing, managing, and/or implementing systemic reform efforts. Soft Skills: Strong communication and “people skills,” including but not limited to the ability to engage the legal/judicial/child welfare community in collaborative activities, listen attentively, possess the ability to negotiate and communicate accurately and clearly orally and in writing, have strong team-building skills, and be able to work on a variety of large and small teams and with a variety of people. Strong time management skills and ability to take responsibility and self-manage their work and schedule. Software Proficiency: Demonstrated competency in Microsoft Office and other common software applications. Travel: Availability and willingness to travel is essential as is the willingness to work long hours during onsite meetings with other Centers, Federal staff, Tribes and states. Other: Must have the ability to rent an automobile when necessary. Location: Remote with the consideration that if a candidate lives within a 50-mile radius of our North Bethesda or San Mateo offices, employment will be considered hybrid. Physical Requirements: Extended Computer Use: Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and mouse. Vision: Must be able to see and read computer screens and printed materials. Dexterity: Capable of using hands and fingers to operate equipment and perform tasks requiring precision. Communication: Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with team members and stakeholders. Mobility: Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, and bend to access office equipment and attend meetings. Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances. Sensory Abilities: Must be able to perceive and interact with the environment using hearing and speaking skills. Work Environment: Primarily works in a typical office environment, with exposure to computer screens and moderate noise levels. PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work preferred Language: Language fluency, oral and written. OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor. This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position. APPLICATION INFORMATION: If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include cover letter, resume, and at least (3) professional references. Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.