Tribal Justice & Child Welfare Attorney

JOB TITLE: Tribal Justice/Child Welfare Attorney   

DEPARTMENT: Legal Department 

REPORTS TO: General Counsel 

POSITION STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

JOB GRADE: 9, DOE APPROVED: April 2023

Summary Job Goal: The Tribal Justice/Child Welfare Attorney is a bridge position supporting tribal representation as needed in state court, assisting the transition of cases to tribal jurisdiction, and developing and supporting increased tribal court capacity to handle family and children's matters. The attorney will provide one-on-one technical assistance to tribal courts and councils acting as courts in family and children's matters; represent AVCP compact tribes as needed in Child in Need of Aid (CINA) cases; and work in collaboration with the Tribal Child Welfare (TCW) and Tribal Justice Center (TJC) to provide Indian Child Welfare Act and courts education to Tribes. 

Performance Responsibilities: Include the following — 

• Provide a roadmap for Tribes hearing tribal child protection cases. 
• In coordination with the Tribal Justice Center, help courts identify specific funding needs and resources for hearing tribal child protection cases. 
• Upon request from AVCP Region tribal courts, or tribal councils acting as a tribal court, 
• Conduct Individual trainings on ICWA, due process, and the requirements of the Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA); 
• Review specific tribal court codes or ordinances for compliance with due process and the ICRA; 
• Attend tribal court hearings and give feedback and recommendations to the tribal court/council; 
• Review and give recommendations on draft tribal court orders. 
• Provide full representation, as needed, to AVCP compact Tribes in CINA cases, including: 
• In hearings for all phases of a CINA case, including probable cause, adjudication, 
• disposition, permanency, and termination of parental rights; 
• Advise clients of their rights under ICWA and CINA Rules and determine the client's position on cases where the Tribe has intervened; 
• Attend Team Decision Making (TDM), Out of Preference Placement (OOPP), Initial 
• Case Conference (ICC), and other meetings as necessary or requested by the TCW team; and 
• Perform legal research and file pleadings as necessary or required. 
• Be a liaison between the programs as cases are transferred from state custody to tribal Jurisdiction. 
• Identify counsel to represent compact Tribes with out-of-state child protection cases where the Tribe wishes to intervene. 
• In coordination with the TCW department, maintain an up-to-date case list. 
• Co-lead negotiator for AVCP in the Alaska Tribal Child Welfare Compact negotiations. 
• Other duties as assigned.

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. 

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 REQUIRED

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 effectively communicate legal principles and case strategy to lay audiences. 
5. Strong interpersonal skills, including working in a team, working and communicating in a multi-cultural environment, working and communicating with remote teams, and receiving and giving constructive criticism. 
6. Familiar with general principles of federal Indian law and laws applicable to Alaska Native tribes and tribal entities. 
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 for travel to AVOP-Region villages as required. 
11. Location in Bethel or Anchorage preferred.