Investigator

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for investigations of child abuse and/or neglect. The investigator will receive calls of abuse and/or neglect and take appropriate actions to ensure the child is safe. This position may include working with law enforcement and the court when necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and/or RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Initiate CFS investigations in accordance with the department's policies and procedures, as well as the Omaha Tribal Youth code.
• Will work with local law enforcement when necessary for possible removal of children during the course of a CFS investigation.
• Assess the safety risk of all children of the family.
• Conduct the assessments by gathering information from the collateral contacts to support investigation results.
• Develop safety plans for child(ren) and families based on circumstance.
• Document Investigations and Safety Plans on the NFOCUS system.
• Write affidavit in support of neglect/abuse petition when custody of child is necessary to provide protection for the child(ren).
• Interview all minor children, parents, caretakers, and collateral (professional and non-professional) contacts.
• Identify, provide, and/or arrange for timely assessments/evaluations/interviews during the investigation for the investigation disposition.
• Testify in court to findings of the investigation.
• Staff and consult with supervisor to review case progress, investigation decision and disposition.
• Identify all school aged children's current schools and request educational records for children coming into care.
• Identify relatives for potential foster care placements.
• Meet with community partners such as law enforcement, school officials, service providers, medical community, child care centers, judicial community, foster parents, on specific issues.
• Interview all minor children, parents, caretakers, and collateral, professional and non-professional contacts.
• Document all client contacts through NFOCUS.
• Prepare cases for transfer to other providers within the CFS Department as needed.
• Consult with CFS caseworker and Resource Family Specialist during transfer of case.
• Assigned other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Preferred Bachelor's Degree but not required, AA in social work or experience in child welfare and/or social services, minimum.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, and/or REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess a valid driver license and be insurable under Tribal insurance
• Must pass Nebraska Child Abuse/Registry and Nebraska Adult Protection Service Central Registry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and/or ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of NFOCUS system.
• Knowledge of the community and resources.
• Must be able to travel in and around the reservation boundaries with own transportation or the program vehicle.
• Knowledge of the Omaha Tribal Youth Code.
• Must have knowledge of the Omaha Tribal Court system.
• Skill in interviewing to collect and elicit essential information; communicating to receive and relay information; listening to and understanding information received.