Turtle Talk

IPA at Administration for Children, Youth and Families

Job Type:

Contract

Location:
Washington, DC, DC

This is a one year contract position with the possibility of an extension. The job will focus on issues relating to Indian children in ACYF.

Position: IPA at the Administration for Children, Youth and Families
Location: WA DC
Position Type: Full Time Exempt
Department: Child and Family Services- Indian Child Welfare
Reports To: Managing Director- Indian Child Welfare
Applications Due By: 1-23-12
Up to 25% travel

General Objectives:
Supports national efforts, through the federal executive branch, to address well-being needs of children, youth and families, in particular, increase understanding of the needs and opportunities related to improving outcomes for Native American children and families impacted by child abuse and neglect. The placement will ultimately benefit Casey Family Programs and ACYF by advancing their respective missions to enhance the well-being of vulnerable families involved in child welfare.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
* Conduct assessments and develop reports regarding the current supports provided by ACYF and other partners to help Tribes successfully access federal funding, including IV-E funds.
* Conduct analysis and gather additional feedback from Tribes who are currently receiving planning grants or have successfully developed a IV-E funding program for their Tribe.
* Gather information from Tribes regarding the barriers, challenges and recommendations regarding Tribe’s capacity to apply for federal funding, including IV-E planning grants or directly apply for IV-E funds. Develop a report summarizing findings and recommendations made.
* In collaboration with ACYF and partners, provide technical assistance to Tribes who are interested in applying for IV-E planning grants.
* Develop effective relationships with Tribes and work in a liaison role with ACYF to ensure continuous quality improvement between Tribes and ACYF is happening.
* Perform research and analysis pertinent to child welfare and related topics.
* Participate in federal interagency work group and other meetings to learn more about operations, policies and practices and to share relevant knowledge from experience in the foundation community.
* Develop and sustain partnerships between ACYF and other federal departments that are financing services for vulnerable children and families.
* Provide consultation to senior federal officials on policy matters related to programs administered by ACYF and other partner agencies.
* Provide ongoing technical assistance and support to systems improvement, child and family services , federal agencies and other national partners..
* Develops position papers regarding child welfare issues.
* Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information. Understands and adheres to code of ethics and practice for functional area. Ensures alignment with organizational values, goals, and directives in all work performed.
* Acts as a good steward of Casey resources – in expenses/funding, but also in labor hours in applying appropriate amounts of resources to each project. Looks for ways to maximize effective communications with cost and effort leveraged.
* Ensures adherence to Casey policies in all matters of practice, contracts, communications, resources, personnel and reporting.
* Works on projects, acts as committee member, and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Law, Public Policy, Social Work, Public Administration, Psychology or other human services fields with a minimum of 8-10+ years of experience is required.
Expertise in child welfare and Indian Child Welfare. Accompanying expertise and experience federal child welfare financing desirable. Demonstrated skills in consultation, policy and practice, advocacy, and community partnering are essential. Sophisticated relationship-management skills required. Demonstrated effective leadership and decision-making skills with experience in leading change is essential.

Expert knowledge of public child welfare administration, practice and issues required. Expert knowledge of fields related to child welfare, how the fields intersect and the implications is essential.

A balance of assertiveness and diplomacy is critical, as well as effective listening skills and the ability to lead and collaborate with teams of professionals. The ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, is essential. Must be able to work and maintain self-control while under pressure or in stressful circumstances. Basic computer skills in MS Office are essential. Effective organizational skills are necessary as this position functions without the benefit of administrative support.
A commitment to building personal and organizational sensitivity towards diverse cultural, socio-economic, and lifestyle backgrounds is essential.
Must pass a criminal background check. In the event of Casey business that requires use of a personal vehicle, must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and proof of insurance.

Valuing diversity and championing anti-racism are core values at Casey. The Casey Family Program is an EOE working towards a culturally diverse and competent work place.

Physical Requirements:

Physical requirements include the ability to lift and reach for light objects; close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures; ability to type utilizing a computer keyboard; ability to travel to outside locations; and the ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time as a primary job function. Critical thinking and problem solving for complex issues required.
<http://www.ceridian.com/myceridian/nav/1,2482,13997,00.html?track=rsnet&gt;