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Intake and Investigation Specialist

Golden Eagle Casino, Horton, KS, United States


Job Title

Intake and Investigation Specialist

Supervisor

Social Services Director

Status

Exempt, Full-Time

Starting Wage

$25/hr.

Program

Child and Family Services & Tribal Victim Services

Department

Social Services

Position Summary

The Kickapoo Intake and Investigation Specialist is a full‑time position located in the Social Services Department that is directly supervised by the Social Services Director. The role completes intake procedures for individuals seeking services, supports collaborative response to child abuse investigations, interventions, and prosecutions, reviews reports of alleged or suspected child abuse and/or neglect by email, in‑person, or phone, assesses immediate danger, identifies priority level, and conducts investigations or coordinates joint investigations in accordance with the Social Services Standard Operating Policies and Procedures. The specialist also completes comprehensive intake assessments to determine eligibility for services, makes referrals, and assigns eligible individuals to program workers. This position creates, supports, and maintains program services consistent with the culture, practices, and values of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas (KTIK).

Essential Functions
Greet and engage all persons entering the Social Service Department with respect.

Collaborate with the Social Service Director, colleagues, other KTIK Departments, and the Tribal Community to create and maintain programs rooted in traditional Kickapoo values.

Determine available local resources and engage in consistent outreach to identify and offer critical resources to service participants.

Research resources within other Native Nations, state and public agencies, and community‑based providers; establish partnerships to increase resource availability.

Create an operational plan for intake and investigation services across programs in Social Services consistent with Standard Operating Policies.

Conduct thorough investigations related to suspected child abuse and/or neglect, interviewing parents, caregivers, children, reporting parties, and collateral sources.

Complete necessary data‑entry duties, intake and investigation forms, and reports.

Work with law enforcement and the Tribal Prosecutor, submitting required paperwork, affidavits, and investigative documents in a timely manner.

Administer authorized drug and/or alcohol testing to parents or caregivers involved in active investigations.

Assist the Social Service Director with case planning conferences and other program services as needed.

Plan office activities, training events, and field visits related to intake procedures and investigative functions.

Create and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date written and electronic records for every assigned case.

Prepare and submit monthly status reports indicating the status of all active cases.

Schedule forensic interviews for children or youth from accredited child advocacy centers when warranted.

Coordinate joint investigations, including forensic interviews, with Child Advocacy staff, law enforcement, prosecution, and partner agencies.

Schedule collaborative meetings with personnel assigned to intake cases to coordinate services.

Lead regular, ongoing Criminal Justice Coordination Meetings with relevant criminal system personnel at least once per month.

Track case activities by completing intake forms, investigation reports, case notes, and spreadsheets.

Conduct preliminary assessments to identify intakes that fit priority guidelines and initiate in‑depth reviews with the Social Service Director.

Complete risk, safety, needs, and other assessments as part of the intake and investigation process.

Engage in one‑on‑one conversations with children and adults using approved interviewing techniques to assess needs and gather information.

Maintain strict confidentiality and cultural humility in all duties.

Adhere to professional ethics, KTIK Code of Conduct, and high‑performance standards.

Respond promptly to calls, emails, voicemails, and other contact attempts.

Represent the Kickapoo Social Services Department in meetings or events when requested.

Perform public relations activities such as addressing community groups, attending conferences, and serving on task forces as directed.

Reach a finding on each case investigation, document the finding, and take appropriate actions, such as creating safety plans or coordinating foster care.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Social Services Director.

Minimum Qualifications
Familiarity with child welfare guidelines, including criteria for child abuse and neglect.

Familiarity with child welfare history and practices within tribal communities.

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, human services, native studies, psychology, social work, or related field; or associate’s degree with at least five years of experience in child protection or child welfare.

Self‑starter, highly motivated, embodies integrity, empathy, resilience, and a strong work ethic.

Minimum one year of work experience within a court system, social welfare agency, or domestic violence program.

Ability to work independently and within a team while maintaining positive relationships.

Availability to respond to emergency situations after hours per the On Call Rotation Schedule.

Proficiency in multiple electronic communication methods and database/record‑keeping systems, including Microsoft Suite.

Ability and desire to understand and appreciate tribal culture and customs.

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Effective written and oral communication skills and ability to follow instructions.

Drug‑free and able to pass a background check and drug screening; participation in a company drug‑testing program is required.

Valid Kansas driver’s license without restrictions.

No felony convictions, nor any criminal conviction involving violence, dishonesty or fraud.

Knowledge of human behavior and applied psychology, trauma‑informed interviewing, research methods, written and oral communication principles, and computer operations.

Ability to interview children and adults under stressful situations, investigate backgrounds, interpret complex laws, and communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience working within or for a Native American Tribe or Tribal Community.

At least three to five years of experience in a child welfare‑related position.

Master’s degree or advanced degree in social work or related field.

Valid license or certification in behavioral science (e.g., LMSW, CADC, LPC).

Duty of Privacy and Confidentiality

The Intake and Investigation Specialist has access to private and confidential information and is subject to additional Tribal and Court provisions. Candidates must understand all rules and regulations regarding confidentiality and privacy when working with court records and attest to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality for all service participants.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Mobility: Operate a keyboard; sit for long periods; frequent walking and driving; occasional bending and squatting.
Lifting: Frequent lifting of 10 lbs. or less; occasional lifting 11‑20 lbs.
Visual: Frequent use of good overall vision, reading, close‑up work, peripheral vision.
Dexterity: Frequent reaching, repetitive motion, and writing.
Hearing/Talking: Constant hearing and talking on the telephone, talking in person; occasionally hearing faint sounds, public speaking.
Emotional/Psychological Factor: Constant decision‑making and concentration; frequent exposure to issues of trauma, grief, death, hostility; frequent public contact.
The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Indigenous Preference in Hiring Decisions

Tribal preference will be applied in hiring decisions for this position, providing preference to KTIK Tribal Members, the spouse/parent of a KTIK Tribal Member, and Native Americans who meet the minimum qualifications and can successfully perform the essential functions for the position.

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