Tribal Social Worker

Job Title: Tribal Social Worker

Department: Health and Human Services

Reports to: Social Services Manager

Location: Health and Human Services Building

Level/Status: Exempt(E-13)/Full-Time

Salary/Wage: $56,480 - $75,662

Open Date: December 18, 2024

Close Date: December 28, 2024

SUMMARY

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) is seeking a full-time Tribal Social Worker who will assist with the care and supervision of Tribal children, adults and family services that are involved within the court system and/or are deemed at risk.

The Tribal Social Worker is responsible for conducting professional social service work, including care coordination with community state and federal partners, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Positive Indian Parenting, Family Spirit Program, Domestic Violence Program, child and elder protective casework, in-home supportive services, emergency services and advocacy and referrals related to the needs of Tribal citizens and the community within a holistic framework that supports individual and community wellness and self-sufficiency.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a licensed Bachelor level Social Worker in good standing in the State of Michigan or eligible to be a licensed Social Worker in the State of Michigan.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and be insurable.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following:

• Investigate, assess and follow up on complaints of abuse or neglect issues, as well as provide case management and monitor services in collaboration with MDHHS and community partners.
• Visit abused or neglected wards in their homes or placements and provide emergency need services as identified.
• Submit reports to the Social Services Manager, HHS Director, prosecuting attorney and to the State and Tribal court systems.
• Maintain case files according to program, GLT, and BIA standards. This includes appropriate forms, case service plans, visitation agreements, medical info, permanency plans, parent/agency agreements and case notes. Provide reports with regard to these cases and statistics.
• Oversee all aspects that pertain to the safety and welfare of Tribal children, adults and Elders while maintaining professional partnerships with Tribal government departments, county, state and federal agencies as well as participate with and provide input on assigned committees or task forces.
• Testify in court on the progress of and services provided to children, adults and families and make recommendations, which may also include drafting status reports.
• Conduct interviews, evaluate clients’ needs, make appropriate referrals and assist Tribal members in obtaining necessary services from Tribal government department(s), local, county, state or federal agencies.
• Transport clients upon approval as necessary and appropriate.
• Provide crisis intervention and referral services during business hours or non-traditional hours. (i.e. nights/weekends/holidays).
• Provide short-term intervention services to clients. Provide input and feedback with regard to parent/child relationships.
• Network with other professionals and non-professionals for the purpose of providing intervention/prevention services and the strengthening of families and attend monthly/quarterly meetings.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with outside agencies and internal programs in order to facilitate access to those resources.
• Provide recovery coaching and linkage to healthy alternatives to alcohol and other drugs for consumers and their families as requested.
• Recognizes and is sensitive to the cultural dimension inherent in the practice of health education in Native American communities.
• Develop, host and participate in community events, training and educational opportunities.
• Manage and facilitate state and federal grants to develop and sustain program needs.
• Take initiative to identify needed trainings to maintain licensure and further knowledge that will aid in the growth of Social Service programs.
• Function as part of department team by covering office duties as requested.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of all Tribal government programs available to the community and an ability to assist in accessing those services if needed.
• Ability to work with all age groups.
• The ability and willingness to acquire and identify, or have already acquired, the necessary knowledge, skills and training to perform the duties necessary for this position.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality according to Tribal, State, Federal, and HIPPA standards and guidelines
• Must attend training as required/authorized by Tribal policy and procedures.
• Must have the ability to take appropriate action in stressful or emergency situations.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations.
• Must possess a strong work ethic including being service-orientated.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, self-starter, organizational and time management skills.
• Possess effective oral and written communication skills.
• Must have a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner.
• Experience working with state or federal grants or other financial entities.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Possess the ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to work in a team-orientated environment and maintain an effective team working relationship with co-workers.
• Ability to understand, gain knowledge and incorporate Anishnaabe values, culture and customs into activities and services.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and be insurable.
• Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within 3-6 months of hire.
• May require non-traditional hours including working evenings, weekends and holidays as required to meet program needs and deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel for meetings and continuing education is required for this position.

SECURITY SENSITIVE

This position will have access to information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions. All information obtained will be protected under IHS/HIPPA policy rules and regulations.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. These statements should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate their U.S. work authorization during the employment verification process. The pre-employment process also requires the ability to pass a criminal background investigation and drug/alcohol test.

INDIAN PREFERENCE

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi recognizes Native American preference in its hiring and employment policies.

EMPLOYER BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The Gun Lake Tribe offers a competitive base salary and the best benefits package around:

• Medical, dental, vision and telehealth coverage for employees and all dependents, with no employee premium!
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Short-and-long term disability coverage
• Life insurance for the employee, spouse and their dependents
• 401K/Roth retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Benefits: AFLAC and Flexible Spending Account, additional life insurance
• On-site gym, free memberships for entire household

TO APPLY

You are required to register and apply through our online employment portal to be considered for this position.

https://gunlaketribe-nsn.gov/employment/

If you require assistance or to apply in person, please call 269.397.1780, to schedule an appointment.