Social Services Caseworker - Pala Band of Mission Indians

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                              Social Services Caseworker

Department/Division:  Social Services

Status:                          Full-Time                                            

Salary:                          Hourly / DOE               

Supervisor:                  Social Services Director

Subordinates:              none

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Social Services Director, the Caseworker will work with the Tribal Social Workers, Federal, State, and local agencies to provide their clients access to financial aid, medical resources, and legal services while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism. The Caseworker's focus is to improve the well-being of their clients. When the caseload is low, the Caseworker will assist the

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interviewing clients to assess their situational needs
• Determining which services and assistance are necessary
• Serving as a liaison between the client and social, financial, health and legal services
• Developing a plan of action to improve the client's well-being
• Planning regular follow-ups to assess progress and additional needs
• Reviewing and modifying plans as circumstances change for the individual
• Make phone calls to places such as financial institutions and healthcare organizations to secure treatment options and funding for their client
• Make phone calls to clients and meet with them in person to discuss their progress.
• Make sure that their clients have suitable living situations
• Assess the needs of Tribal families and provide parents and guardians with resource referrals
• Maintain records and files, including case history reports
• Prepare letters and documents
• Grant reporting and associated activities
• Ensure the confidentiality of Tribal members and families
• Assist the Tuchily Healing Hearts, Mobile Crisis Response Team in offering support to people experiencing a behavioral health crisis
• Perform related functions as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of communication (written and verbal) to interface with government organizations, courts/probate officers, and essential services
• Knowledge to use computer for data entry and reporting
• Knowledge of Tribal culture and philosophy
• Knowledge of the healthcare system and resources for care
• Ability to use critical thinking and decision-making to plan the best course of action for their clients
• Ability to problem-solve to improve the well-being of their clients through advocacy
• Ability to work independently but with strong teamwork commitment
• Ability to endorse and support family preservation goals,
• Ability to maintain ethical guidelines
• Ability to listen to better understand the needs of their client so they can create a plan of action
• Ability to collaborate with community partner agencies to access appropriate referral services for families
• Good interpersonal communication and organizational skills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four-year college degree in Social Work, Early Child Education/Development, Psychology or any other related field, OR an A.A. in Early Childhood Education/Development
• Two year of experience in providing case management to families in an educational or behavioral health setting.
• Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace (including marijuana) as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians. 
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
•  Must be able to pass a background check and be able to work with children.
• Must have a valid class "C" driver's license.
• Indian preference will apply. The Pala Band of Mission Indians will give hiring preference to fully qualified applicants that are Pala Tribal Members.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Employee Handbook of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.