CINA Attorney

Description

Summary Job Goal: The ICWA Staff Attorney will represent AVCP ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) compact member tribes in Child in Need of Aid (CINA) cases. The ICWA attorney will work in the Tribal Child Welfare Department and closely with AVCP ICWA Advocates, who provide comprehensive case management for tribal CINA cases.

Performance Responsibilities: Include the following – 

• Advise tribal clients of their rights under the ICWA and CINA Rules and determine the client’s position on cases where the tribe has intervened.  
• Conduct hearings for all phases of a CINA case, including probable cause, adjudication, disposition, permanency, and termination of parental rights. 
• Perform legal research and file pleadings as necessary or required. 
• Attend Team Decision Making (TDM), Out of Preference Placement (OOOP), or Initial Case Conference (ICC) or other meetings as necessary or requested by the ICWA team.
• When necessary to advance the tribes’ interests, advocate for resources or rights for the child, foster parents, and/or relative placements.
• Help draft comments on ICWA or Tribal Child Welfare matters. 
• Assist with legal trainings for TCW staff as requested. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 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. Must possess strong written, verbal and analytical skills and be able to work and communicate in a multi-cultural setting. 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: Juris Doctorate from an accredited U.S. Law School. License to practice law in the State of Alaska or ability to practice under Alaska Bar Rule 44, Legal Interns and Supervised Practitioners. Experience in Native law, child welfare or other trial experience strongly preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREDK

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
3. Demonstrated sound decision-making skills, problem solving skills, and ability to use independent judgement. 
4. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of Federal and State law to the facts of individual cases. 
5. Ability to effectively communicate legal principles and case strategy to lay audiences. 
6. Strong interpersonal skills, including working in a team, working with non-lawyers, working and communicating in a multi-cultural environment, working and communicating with remote teams, and receiving and giving constructive criticism.
7. Ability to be self-directed and work independently. 
8. Excellent time management skills.
9. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
10. Ability to travel, including willingness to travel on small “bush” aircraft or boat when necessary. If not located in Bethel, travel to Bethel as required.