What are the responsibilities and job description for the Office Assistant-CFSS I position at Association of Village Council Presidents?
Description
SUMMARY: This position is 50% Office Assistant and 50% Community and Family Services Specialist in the Anchorage office. This is a key position that will successfully multi-task and assist all staff, clientele, partners, and other AVCP departments under the supervision of the ICWA Advocate III. The individual in this position will have knowledge of AVCP and ICWA program operations, processes, and services; and will be a central point of contact and support staff to help ensure that the program is operating successfully and in compliance with all internal and external contracts, grant regulations, MOA’s, etc. as well as serving as a resource and representation working closely with Advocates, Tribal Attorneys, and Tribal Councils for Tribes positions in CINA cases.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS: include the following. Other duties as assigned.
Office Assistant
- Assist with the organization of all office records in accordance with AVCP’s policies, including client case files, court documents, and confidential records.
- Take incoming calls, e-mails, and in-person communication from staff, clientele, and other professionals with exceptional customer service.
- Assist with all department travel for both staff and clientele through AVCP’s electronic travel software/travel support agency.
- Assist with all department purchasing for both staff and clientele through AVCP’s electronic finance software.
- Assist with preparing for department trainings, and new employee onboarding, including preparing training packets, reserving conference rooms, managing travel, etc.
- Send and receive inter-office and USPS mail, and small pieces of freight.
- Assist with the coordination of department trainings and new employee onboarding, including preparing training packets, reserving conference rooms, managing travel, etc.
- Assist with outreach and regular communication with tribal ICWA CFSS I’s, Tribal Councils for needed information and/or sharing of information as assigned.
- Comply with AVCP and other confidentiality policies in place regarding child welfare services.
- Complete all other tasks assigned, depending upon the needs of the department.
Community Family Services Specialist I
Advocacy
- Actively participate in OCS case or safety planning meetings, administrative reviews, and team decision making meetings to ask questions, make recommendations, and provide input that reflects cultural values, the Tribe’s position, and local/regional knowledge that otherwise might not be considered by non-local OCS case managers or other service providers.
- Actively participate in conducting home visits and assist in investigation home visits with OCS as often as possible for reports of harm, CINA cases, and in-home cases.
- Act as a liaison between OCS, Advocate, and the family to assist in communication efforts between all parties involved.
- Maintain open communication with families who have an open CINA or In-Home case, to 1) provide and/or coordinate referrals for services, 2) provide on-going overall support to the parents and children, and 3) identify needs and help advocate for family needs to ensure successful completion of case plan.
Case Management
- Work in partnership with the Advocates and/or Tribal Legal Attorney to prepare all required court documents for intervention and case management.
- Share case related information in a timely and ongoing manner, to the Tribal Council or Council ICWA Representative to 1) receive direction on intervention at the beginning of a case, 2) receive ongoing direction for the Tribe’s position on the status of custody, placement, and permanency of Tribal children.
- Monitor family progress and assist the families in meeting their case plan requirements/goals.
Prevention
- Plan and coordinate prevention activities that help parents and youth engage in healthy ways and encourage community wellness.
- Partner with or participate in other local organizational activities such as job fairs, festivals, etc. to stay engaged with the community.
- Be a positive community role model.
ACCOMMODATION: The position requires the ability to carry out the noted essential job duties as outlined above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the Office Assistant.
KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES:
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. Must be willing to work flexible hours as needed. This position is subject to Native Preference per P.L. 93-638.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High School diploma or GED is required.
