Social Services Specialist - Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Social Services Specialist

Dept./Program: Na'ini Social Services

Division: Ada Human Services

Reports To: Social and Financial Services Manager

Employment Status: Full time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Schedule: 32-40 hours/week

Preference: Native preference under P.L. 93-638

Revision Date: 7/29/2015

Job Summary

The Social Services Specialist is responsible for welcoming clients in need of services to do an intake. The Social Services Specialist will have basic knowledge of all functions within the Na'ini Social Services Programs including but not limited to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation – Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence and Stalking, (DOJ – OVW – CTAS), State of Alaska – Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SOA CDVSA), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Welfare, Burial and Emergency Assistance, Job Placement, Higher Education programs, Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act (DOL WIA), State of Alaska - Alaska Affordable Heating Assistance Program (SOA AKAHP), State of Alaska - Community Initiatives Matching Grant (SOA CIMG) Administration for Children and Families: Child Care Development Fund (ACF CCDF) & Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (ACF – LIHEAP), Community Services Block Grant (ACF - CSBG), Cook Inlet Tribal Council Child Care, , Circle of Life, Tribal Scholarship, Department of Housing and Urban Development - Student Housing, Food Bank, Wildlife Harvest Program and Conservatorship. A function will be designated to each specialist and it is the specialist's responsibility to follow grant requirements.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with Social Services Intake Technician in completing intakes, scheduling, case management, prevention, advocacy and providing referrals internally and externally, answering the phone, maintaining client/family confidentiality and conducting home visits
  
• Maintain client records in accordance with the Tribe's standards, local, state and federal guidelines or regulations and comply with internal process for filing (i.e. title pages, sections, archiving), electronic data management system, designated program software and documenting case notes
  
• Assist in determining eligibility, completing applications and processing applications in a timely manner, writing pending, approval or denial letters, notifying client verbally or in writing of status
  
• Responsible for the day to day operation of designated function
  
• Develop and provide group presentations internally and externally representing Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Ada Human Services
  
• Adhere to grants, reports and budget requirements, timelines and compliance
  
• Assist the Social & Financial Services Manager and Social Services Team Lead in strategic planning, interviewing, presentations internally and externally, community outreach, marketing plans, developing policies and procedures and be an active participant
  
• Responsible for staying informed in social service program trends and recommending changes in service delivery to the Social & Financial Services Manager and/or Team Lead
  
• Participate in other administrative duties: such as facilitating/attending regular social services meetings, creating agendas and minutes, finalizing dashboards; developing self-sufficiency plans, case plans and/or safety plans assist in staffing to best meet the needs of the client(s)
  
• Cross training is essential, and each specialist will be able to cover other designated functions, be familiar with each subspecialty within Na'ini Social Services to ensure all client needs are met
  
• All specialists will assist in shopping/fishing/cleaning/unloading for the food bank, assisting in the wildlife harvest program to include but not limited to packing, sweeping, mopping, cleaning freezers.
  
• Consistently aware and updating internal/external resources and sharing with internal/external agencies
  
• Attend court proceedings and prepare updates as needed
  
• As a mandated reporter do reports of harm to the appropriate agency and follow through as needed.
  
• Transport clients to and from necessary appointments
  
• Facilitate/participate in community agency meetings, meet with other service providers, colleges and host a booth
  
• Be available and able at a moment's notice to change work in a different program, work evenings, weekends and do schedule adjustments, or respond immediately to a crisis/emergency or need
  
• Improve the accessibility of other social services programs

This Job Description reflects Kenaitze Indian Tribe's best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the job described. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation. This is not intended to be a contract. Your signature indicates you have read this Job Description and understand the essential functions and qualifications of the job.

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 Dust

Wet

Noise

Vibration

Mechanical Hazards

OSHA Categories

Category I – Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue

Equipment and Tools

List Equipment used for job: Computer, Fax, Copier, Scanner and other office equipment

List Tools: Computer software, Knives, Sawzalls and other equipment for Wildlife Harvest Program

Drives Tribal or Personal Vehicle: both

Travel

Local

In-State

Out-of-State

Comments: Each specialist is required to comply with designated function grant requirements and maintain compliance.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma
• Bachelor's in Human Services related fields preferred, although year for year experience in lieu of BS or BA.

Experience

• Experience working with Department of Public Assistance and other State and Federal agencies
• Three years of experience in social and community based programs
• Experience in the development of community program strategies
• Experience managing private, state and federal grants; and grant compliance
• Experience in budget management
• Experience in policy and procedure development & implementation
• Experience in public speaking
• Understanding of public education and health and social services regulations
• Knowledge and experience working with Alaska Native/American Indian people

License/Certification

• Valid Alaska Driver License

Special Skills
In addition to meeting education and experience requirements, Social Services Specialists must possess, or develop before providing program services, the knowledge base and skills necessary to carry out the following:
The knowledge base must include:

• The terminology commonly used in human services fields or settings;
• The resources available to meet the needs of recipients;
• Knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse treatment options
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations
• Critical Incident Reporting, Adult Protective Services, Office of Children's Services reporting
• Ability to work with vulnerable populations, child abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, poverty and domestic violence and sexual assault clients/perpetrators.
• The ability to evaluate needs assessments to meet the needs of the population to be served;
• The ability to organize, evaluate, and present information orally and in writing; and
• The ability to work with professional and support staff.