Hi, I’m
Chenoa Urness
Camano,WA
Summary
Compassionate and culturally grounded Social Services professional with 4+ years of experience in Indian Child Welfare, child protection, crisis response, and family advocacy. Proven ability to assess risk and safety, manage complex caseloads, and collaborate across systems while prioritizing the best interests of Native children and families. Skilled in ICWA compliance, tribal engagement, case documentation, and trauma-informed, strength-based approaches. Deeply committed to serving Indigenous communities with cultural integrity and respect for tribal sovereignty.
Overview
14
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Stanwood, WA
Grant Writer Mentee
01.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Mentored by grant writing expert Susan Tinker, specializing in federal and minority-serving grants
- Developed advanced grant writing techniques, including persuasive writing and adherence to grant application guidelines.
Sacred Cedar Co.La Conner, WA
Founder & Operator
06.2021 - 03.2025
Job overview
- Founded and successfully operated a boutique gift shop and gallery representing local and Indigenous artists, growing revenue and community impact year over year.
- Recognized and addressed the needs of artists during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a space that provided sustainable income opportunities for Native and local artists—20 are currently being represented.
- Secured multiple grants, including a $50,000 award, through strategic proposal writing and networking efforts.
- Built and nurtured relationships with artists, community members, and partners to promote ethical and meaningful art representation.
- Expanded the business's visibility and reach through social media campaigns, community events, and public relations initiatives.
Life House MinistriesArlington, WA
Marketing and Development Director
05.2024 - 10.2024
Job overview
- Directed marketing and fundraising strategies for a nonprofit organization, increasing donor engagement, and securing significant funding through grants and campaigns.
- Managed communications, creating compelling messaging to build awareness and support for the organization’s mission.
- Organized events and initiatives that strengthened community ties and expanded the organization’s impact.
- Managed the creative process
- Guided the brand messaging and positioning, ensuring consistency across all channels and touchpoints.
- Oversaw the creation of marketing collateral, including brochures, presentations, and digital content, to support sales efforts.
Thundervoice Hat Co.Long Beach, CA
Head of Artist and Wholesale Liaison
01.2023 - 08.2023
Job overview
- Secured and managed new wholesale accounts, cultivating partnerships with museums and organizations aligned with the company’s mission and values.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with artists, clients, and partners to foster trust and mutual respect.
- Developed strategies to align wholesale outreach, artist collaborations, and brand identity with market trends.
Stillaguamish Tribe of IndiansArlington, WA
Indian Child Welfare Social Worker
01.2017 - 01.2019
Job overview
- Conducted home visits and in-depth assessments to determine service needs for individuals and families.
- Developed and monitored case plans focused on safety, stability, and long-term well-being.
- Provided crisis intervention and advocacy to support individuals facing challenging situations.
- Facilitated referrals to appropriate community resources, and ensured timely access to services.
- Engaged with tribal communities and service providers to enhance support networks.
Department of Social Health and ServicesArlington, WA
Indian Child Welfare Social Worker
01.2011 - 01.2013
Job overview
- Developed comprehensive case management plans for Native families and children, addressing safety concerns, and preventing family disruption.
- Participated in cross-functional teams to facilitate case planning and support services.
- Established effective partnerships with families and service providers to address safety risks and concerns through cultural competency and strength-based communication.
- Facilitated case meetings, and documented progress towards safety goals.
- Conducted detailed assessments of safety risks and ensured child placement in safe environments.
- Advocated for children from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with community stakeholders.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to determine client needs, strengths, and risks.
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans to support client independence.
- Maintained detailed case records and provided written reports for legal and professional use.
- Advocated for culturally appropriate services, ensuring compliance with ICWA and WICWA regulations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare providers, community organizations, and others, to coordinate services effectively.
Education
Washington State University
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development, Minor in Psychology
01.2011
Skills
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and WICWA compliance
- Risk Assessment and Crisis Response
- Cultural Competency
- Home Visits and Family Preservation
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Case Planning and Documentation
- Court testimony and legal proceedings
- Community Resource Navigation
- Grant Reporting and Data Collection
- Confidentiality and HIPAA Compliance
Affiliations
- Natives Rising Founder Circle
- Growth Capital Summit, Native Women Lead
- Native Retention and Recruitment Committee, DSHS
Certification
- Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network Bootcamp - EDASC 2023
- Social Work Academy - DSHS, 2016
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Marketing and Development Director
Life House Ministries
05.2024 - 10.2024
Head of Artist and Wholesale Liaison
Thundervoice Hat Co.
01.2023 - 08.2023
Founder & Operator
Sacred Cedar Co.
06.2021 - 03.2025
Grant Writer Mentee
01.2021 - Current
Indian Child Welfare Social Worker
Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians
01.2017 - 01.2019
Indian Child Welfare Social Worker
Department of Social Health and Services
01.2011 - 01.2013
Washington State University
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development, Minor in Psychology
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