GENERAL SUMMARY

The APS Social Worker position is designed to protect vulnerable Tribal elders, families and community from abuse and neglect. The APS Social Worker will support elders, vulnerable adults, and others with disabilities to achieve their maximum level of health and independence within the Tribal community through a holistic, team-based approach to wellness. The Social Worker conducts client assessments, oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of the client's individual service care plan and coordinates with the client's care team to ensure client is making progress towards their goals. The Social Worker helps to build systems of support for clients through strategic Tribal, outer agency and program partnerships, training, and education for client's families and service providers.

This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, client and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills and outstanding client service to fellow employees, clients, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required. A professional attitude and appearance are expected.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following responsibilities are intended to be representative of the duties performed within this position classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed as needed in the performance of the position.

• Conducts investigations into allegations of abandonment, abuse, neglect, personal exploitation, financial exploitation, self-neglect of vulnerable individuals, and those with disabilities within the Tribal community.
• Ongoing case management to individuals at high risk of institutionalization or to those adults whose need for ongoing services.
• Provide Case Management Services to include but not limited to evaluation, intake, assessments and Individual service care plans for adults who are managing mental illness, disabilities, or have experienced elder abuse or neglect.
• Utilize evidence-based and culturally competent practices that engage client family and support systems to develop service care plans for each client, based on intake, evaluation, assessment and identified care goals.
• Outside Agency and Interdepartmental collaboration with providers, programs and support services in a multi-disciplinary approach to support client needs in a holistic manner.
• Provide referrals and coordination of required services to assist clients care needs.
• Work with Tribal programs and community groups to implement preventative and rehabilitative social services programs, independent living skills and activities.
• Complete all documentation including required forms, diagnostic records, and progress notes in a timely manner in accordance with all applicable laws and requirements for case management.
• Follow all applicable procedures and adhere to all state, federal, local and Tribal laws.
• Adhere to internal policies and procedures, meet current regulatory requirements and social work principles, ethics, and best practices.
• Prepares case file documentation and reports.
• Consults with and makes referrals to appropriate law enforcement agencies and other social services programs and agencies.
• Requests protection orders or guardianship for vulnerable adults; collaborates with Office of Tribal Attorney and Court Advocate on vulnerable adult cases; prepares and provides testimony at court proceedings.
• Serves as program liaison between the Tribe, and community, social service, educational, law enforcement, medical, and judicial agencies and other programs or outside agencies as needed or required.
• Investigates and evaluates complaint information and determines degree of risk (e.g., information only; low, moderate, or high risk of abuse and/or neglect).
• Ensures security and confidentiality of all data in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Ability to learn Tribal culture, ways of being, and alternative ways of healing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in a Social Work, or criminal law/justice and a Minimum of Two (2) years full-time direct social work experience.
• Or Bachelor's degree in social work, criminal law/justice and a minimum of two (2) years direct social work experience.
• Ability to acquire a working understanding of the Nisqually Elder Abuse Code and other applicable law, particularly law pertaining to guardianship and vulnerable adult protection orders within 30 days of employment.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

• Experience working with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct Adult Protection/ Vulnerable services.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

• This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and processes for providing APS services. This includes client assessment, case management, court procedures, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
• Knowledge of vulnerable population and disability needs and services.
• Knowledge of behavior and performance needs; individual differences, abilities, personalities, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological/emotional understanding, and systems of care for behavioral disorders and disabilities.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for assessment, case management, and rehabilitation of physical and mental disabilities or limitations.
• Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as Microsoft software systems, managing files and records, designing forms and reporting.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules.
• Knowledge of current and historical trauma impacts on Native Americans
• Cultural sensitivity of Tribes and Tribal ways and needs.

Skill in:

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Compassion, tact, and sensitivity to the health issues and cultural needs of Native Americans.
• Independently implementing alternative care services with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social challenges to achieve care goals.

Ability to:

• Ability to develop and implement culturally appropriate individual service care plans.
• Work professionally, and collaboratively with co-workers, groups, and individuals.
• Organize and prioritize work.
• Manage a large caseload in an efficient and effective manner.
• Assist other workers to develop and implement effective techniques for caseload management.
• Present material effectively in written and oral form.
• Develop and implement casework plans to remove barriers for disadvantaged clients.
• Identify economic, cultural, physical, and environmental factors which support or limit family or individual success.
• Evaluate and respond appropriately to crisis situations.
• Work independently and make decisions around program issues.
• Apply principles and techniques of psychosocial casework.
• Knowledge of or Ability to learn Tribal customs, culture, traditions, and alternative methods of care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.