Job Purpose or Objective(s): The Staff Attorney II - Indian Child Welfare (ICW) works within the Government-Legal Department on issues concerning or affecting tribal sovereignty and the exercise of tribal jurisdiction over Indian child welfare for the Choctaw Nation.
Duties may include representing the Nation primarily in state court proceedings involving Choctaw children and youth and other staff attorney duties as assigned.
Primary Tasks:
Represent the Choctaw Nation in tribal, federal, and primarily state forums by evaluating and monitoring child welfare cases to ensure that federal and state Indian Child Welfare laws are followed.
Complete legal research and writing necessary for the preparation of complaints, petitions, motions, pleadings, and other court documents, and follow up on all assigned cases.
Prepare cases for shelter care hearings and dependency trials by reviewing Child Protective Services reports, court filings and discovery and consulting with Tribal and state social workers.
Manage a large caseload which requires the timely preparation for court.
Participate in Choctaw Children and Family Services Consultation Teams, staff meetings, Tribal Schools and Health meetings, and participate in case-planning meetings with Children and Family Services regarding CPS investigations, dependencies, and permanency of children in care as needed/requested.
Assist in development of new and amended codes, resolutions, forms, policies and procedures, and other documents, working with other departments, staff attorneys, and General Council, as required.
Maintain case and research files according to established office systems and follow general office procedures.
Provide training on the ICWA and related ICW matters to Children and Family Services Staff, other associates within the Nation including leadership, Judges and court staff, Tribal Council, and other attorneys as requested.
Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Job Requirements:
MINIMUM
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and member in good standing of the Oklahoma Bar Association or other state bar association.
Basic legal knowledge in family law, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and Federal Indian law.
Litigation Experience.
Excellent communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage a large caseload.
Member in good standing of the Choctaw Nation Bar Association or able to become a member within the first 90 days of employment.
5+ years’ attorney experience.
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