Children and Family Services Attorney/Policy Analyst

The Children & Family Services (“CFS”) Attorney enhances the quality of life of Port Gamble S’Klallam children and families as legal counsel to the Children & Family Services Department, under the direct supervision of the Tribal Attorney, and in cooperation with other Children and Family Services staff.  

The Tribe’s Children and Family Services department consists of the following departments: Child Support Enforcement, Family Assistance (includes TANF, Basic Food/CSO 251, LIHEAP, FEMA, Food bank and others), Child Welfare, Foster Care and Title IV-E, Together for Children/WIC, Youth, Vulnerable Adults & Elder’s Programs, and Special Needs Case Manager. Expertise in these services is highly desired.

This position also serves as general in-house legal counsel as needed. For more information on the tribe’s legal department, please go to: https://www.pgst.nsn.us/tribal-programs/tribal-government/legal-department

Duties Include:

• Negotiates with other tribes, local, state and federal agencies on policy issues. Attends and participates at meetings, including but not limited to IPAC/TPAC/GOIA/TAC.
• Makes recommendations on, drafts appropriate documentation for and represents tribe in state courts for transfers of child welfare jurisdiction.  May include travel to states outside of Washington.
• Policy analyst for tribal, state, and federal proposed regulations and final legislation, on issues affecting social services.
• Participates in team staffing of client cases for Indian Child Welfare, Vulnerable Adult and Child Support cases, in cooperation with the civil prosecutor when relevant.  
• Represents the Child Support Program in Child Support Court.
• Assists in developing legal forms, protocols, and procedures.
• Conducts staff development training; including but not limited to confidentiality, jurisdiction, and other legal principles.
• Represents the Tribe in litigation when directed to do so.
• Review, draft, and/or negotiate contracts, including service provision and funding contracts with tribes, state and federal partners, and outside private and public agencies.
• Conducts legal research and provides legal advice and written recommendations for the Department boards, committees and staff.
• Provide limited legal advice, information and referrals to individual tribal members but does not represent tribal members in legal proceedings.
• Assists staff in drafting plans, amendments, forms, or consultation documents for federal approval. 
• Lead point of contact for Title IV-E Family First Prevention Service Plan; responsibility for submission and maintenance of the tribal Title IV-E plan, as well as report writing and participation in and some oversight of evaluations for demonstration projects.
• Participates in national tribal PL 102-477 advocacy workgroup, including but not limited to attendance at meetings with federal partners, legislators, and federal administration officials.
• Participates in CFS administrative team meetings regarding applications for or maintenance of relevant grant and mandatory funding sources for Children & Family Services programs. 
• Reporting:  Provides required reports for Title IV-E, child support and other programs as required.
• Meetings:  Attends and participates in in-house, state, and federal meetings related to the Children and Family Service Division, as authorized.
• Personal Contacts:  Establishes and maintains regular contacts of a positive nature with clients, staff, and community members, including all tribal, state and federal partners, as well as private and public agencies and institutions.
• Other Duties as Assigned:  This position will be responsible for meeting all the legal needs of the Children & Family Services Department.

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience: J.D. with experience or knowledge of Indian law, family law and child support. Eligible for admission to practice in Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Court. Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington, and in good standing with the State Bar.

Requirements:

•  Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to walk, sit, stand and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• This position is eligible for situational remote work as needed. The schedule must be discussed with and approved by supervisor and director and may be subject to change depending on role and department need.

Travel Requirements:

• Local, Statewide and out of state travel may be required.           

This position is eligible for Remote Work, under the PGST Remote Work Policy.