Project Coordinator

The University of Minnesota Duluth, Center for Regional and Tribal Child Welfare Studies, in partnership with the Tribal State Partnership Team (TSPT) and the Minnesota Indian Child Welfare Council (ICWA) will implement a 4-year project to safely reduce the number of American Indian children in out of home placement. The overall mission/goal is to enhance and sustain effective child welfare policy and systems change as it pertains to American Indian children and families. This work will be done primarily through exploring ICWA decision points in the child welfare through ICWA case reviews and assessing system capacities. These data will be used to develop and implement intervention/prevention plans, evaluate change, and ensure sustainability.

This process will involve intentional relationship building between tribal and state child welfare stakeholders, what best practice(s) to focus on, and the development/ enhancement of protocols and practices relating to the best practice(s). A needs assessment, focused on state and tribal capacities to implement best practices, and use continuous quality improvement processes to target capacity enhancements throughout the life of the project. Outcomes will include recommendations for tribal/state child welfare best practices. All meetings will be conducted with the relational world view decision-making process where all participants will be given an opportunity to weigh-in on decisions throughout the process.

The Project Coordinator will work in collaboration with the Project Principal Investigator, Dr. Priscilla Day, the Tribal State Partnership Team, Wilder Researcher, Dr. Jennifer McCleary, and other key partners.

The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $90,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Primary job responsibilities are:

Planning

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator and key project staff.
• Organize, plan and facilitate retreats and monthly with program partners - draft agendas, take and distribute meeting notes, follow up on assignments.
• Facilitate the process of developing a clear and concise action plan including project goals and objectives, timeline, administrative duties, evaluation plan and communication plan.
• Co-develop, implement, evaluate and disseminate an intergovernmental partnership model that effectively develops and enhances Indian child welfare best practices that preserves families, ensures child safety and keeps children connected to their families, communities, nation and culture.
• Strengthen relationships of trust between tribal and state governments.
• Monitor implementation of the plan and make changes as needed.
• Provide quarterly updates and an annual written report.

Research and Data Collection

• Identify, build, and enhance the capacities of the state and tribe to develop and implement Indian child welfare best practices.
• Work closely with Wilder evaluation partner and others to review and assess current data regarding American Indian disproportionate and disparities numbers regionally and nationally.
• Develop, implement and provide report on needs assessment.
• Complete literature review and prepare report for submission to TSPT group. Incorporate feedback as appropriate.

Intervention development & implementation & sustainability

• With TSPT determine interventions and/or pilot project.
• With TSPT design training and implementation plans.
• Evaluate interventions and recommend changes as appropriate.
• Develop a sustainability plan.
• Prepare and disseminate final report.
• Develop and implement targeted dissemination of findings.

Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Social Work or related field from a regionally accredited institution; with at least a minimum of 6 years of experience, including at least 2 years in the field of child welfare.
• Evidence of strong written communication skills;
• Experience working with tribal communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's of Social Work degree from a regionally accredited institution;
• Experience and/or clear understanding of American Indian Child Welfare and ICWA;
• Experience and/or clear understanding of disparities in the child welfare system;
• Proven ability to develop relationships with diverse communities and people, especially American Indians;
• Experience facilitating groups;
• Experience coordinating and evaluating projects;
• Research experience;
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and complex tasks;
• Demonstrated effective planning and organizational skills.

The mission of the Department of Social Work at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is to promote human well-being and advance social justice through teaching, research, service, and field education. We prepare competent and effective generalist and advanced generalist social workers who are leaders both in expanding the profession's knowledge base and in developing socially just service delivery systems. Our graduates are committed to pursuing culturally responsive practice with an emphasis on working with American Indians as well as working in underserved communities including rural and medically underserved communities. The education we provide is based on the knowledge, values, and skills of social work and is grounded in the profession's history, purposes, and philosophy.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Application review will begin on October 14, 2024. For a completed application, please include a resume and cover letter.

Finalists will be asked to provide references.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).