Family Services Case Worker

Family Services Case Worker

Department: Family Services

Program: Family and Social Services

Reports to: Family Services Supervisor

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

The Family Services Case Worker is responsible for the advocacy and protection of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's vulnerable children, adults and families. The position is responsible for the delivery of a variety of field-based and in-home services, reports of harm investigations, parenting assessments, home safety assessments and planning, case plan development, judicial reporting in case matters and visitation. The position is responsible for representing the Tribal and State Court venues in matters of abuse, neglect and abandonment. The position will serve as liaison between agencies or committees and the Tribe and serve as a primary member of the Tribe's Un'ina Advocacy Multidisciplinary Team specific to field-work, case staffing's and advocacy efforts.

Essential Functions

• Participate in case conferences, initial case plans, child case investigations, case management and Tribal Court hearings where children in Kenaitze Indian Tribal Court jurisdiction have been removed or may be removed and represent the Tribe's best interest to prevent unnecessary removal, placement or adoption
• Intervene on behalf of children on allegations of child abuse or neglect (sex abuse, physical abuse, child neglect, domestic violence and substance abuse). .empathy
• Supervise visitations
• Provide transportation for un'ina (clients)
• Maintain cultural connections for children in out-of-home care
• Educate families in parenting skills
• Maintain comprehensive case records and prepare monthly and annual reports in accordance with federal, state, and Tribal standards
• Work in partnership with the State Adult Protective Services component
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Taste/Smell (Detect, Distinguish, Determine)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Exposure to Fumes
• Exposure to Dust
• Wet
• Noise
• Vibration
• Mechanical Hazards
• Burn Hazards
• Other: Hostile and threatening situations

OSHA Categories

• Category III - Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and as part of their employment, incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid

Equipment and Tools

List Equipment used for job: Computer, copier, fax, scanner, and other office equipment

Travel

• Local
• In-State
• Out-of-State

Comments: Travel will be required for home visits, meetings and trainings

Qualifications

Education

• Associates Degree in social work or other related field or a combination of education and experience in a related field may be substituted for a degree

Experience

• Two (2) years' experience in case management

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

License/Certification

• Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policies

Special Skills

• Knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse and treatment options
• Knowledge of mental illness, FASD, and mental and physical disabilities affecting clients
• Understanding of domestic violence and child abuse
• Strong organizational skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Familiarity with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
• Excellent prioritization skills
• Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers and others
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.

*Memorandum of Understanding: Serves as documented evidence that the Kenaitze Indian Tribe has expressed the ineligibility of an employee to operate motor vehicles owned, leased or rented by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, or to operate a personal vehicle on behalf of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe.