Domestic Violence Elders Specialist - Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Summary:

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a 'Service Delivery Area' comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

This position will be responsible for the development and implementation of an Elders Abuse victim advocacy program with the goal to ensure the safety and well-being of Native American elders. This staff will assist elder crime victims with all aspects of their current situation to include: advocacy, safe living arrangements, immediate needs, transportation, and other safety planning activities.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Ensures the availability of advocacy services and emergency shelter for elder victims of domestic, family and sexual violence in all service areas of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.
2. Develop and monitor care plans for elders experiencing abuse; facilitating transportation, maintaining current records of identified needs, and coordinate services with partnering agencies.
3. Increase community awareness of issues surrounding elder abuse through meetings, gatherings, social media, and presentations.
4. Provide referrals to available resources, including medical services, counseling, law enforcement, legal services, housing, and social services.
5. Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
6. Organize meetings for tribal and partnering service providers, staff, elders, and families to provide culturally competent education on elder abuse, victim rights, laws, and available resources.
7. Assist clients with preparation of forms, such as protection orders, application for services, etc.
8. Prepare written reports noting the clients' needs in relation to the violence committed, services provided, and assessing the effectiveness of service delivery methods.
9. Develops partnerships with nonprofit, non-governmental victim services agencies in the respective service areas that can assist the tribe in its efforts.
10. Create, update and maintain files in accordance with reporting requirements.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

Relationships and Authority:

This position has no supervisory authority. Works closely with other departments including Behavioral Health, Health Services, Community Health Workers, Culture, Ponca Express, Human Services, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska employees, Elder's Council, as well as external organizations and agencies.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

This position is in a professional office environment. This position requires frequent verbal and written communication including face-to-face, virtual, and telephone interactions. At times staff may be required to work with clients who are in crisis and must demonstrate empathy, understanding, respect, and advocacy while remaining calm in stressful situations.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, scanners, and photocopiers. This staff will sit, stand, bend, lift, and move intermittently during work hours. This position will be subject to potentially emotionally disturbing material as presented to staff, clients, and outside entities.

Will be required to work outside normal business hours to include evenings and weekends.

Extensive travel throughout the Ponca Service Delivery Area will be required and occasional travel outside of the Service Delivery Area.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

1. Bachelor's degree in counseling, human service, social work or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
2. One year experience working with survivors of domestic violence, family violence, or sexual assault.
3. One year experience developing, assisting and utilizing community resources.
4. Computer proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
6. Valid driver's license and be insurable.
7. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background** checks.
8. Able and willing to travel in and out of the Ponca Service Delivery Area.

Preferred:

1. Master's degree in counseling, social work, human service, or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
2. One year of experience in grant and budget management.
3. One year of experience in working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
4. Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self-Determination Act.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

**This position must comply with Public Law 101-630, Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and 25 CFR Part 63 Indian Child Protection Act.

Tribal Council Approval: 04/16/2024