SUMMARY:
The Family Services Specialist works to create a cohesive, integrated plan of intervention and prevention services for needy families in the Prairie Island Indian Community and native families in the surrounding service area. This position will also be responsible for the implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.
- Provide case management; perform client intakes and investigations
- Provide referral and support services to families and individuals in the Prairie Island Indian Community and the Native American population in the surrounding service area
- Locate appropriate services in response to client’s needs
- Network with area service agencies to provide necessary services to individuals and families
- Provides education, prevention and program information through gatherings, community meetings and newsletter articles
- Attend regional and local training sessions in the Indian Child Welfare Act and other sessions which affect family services and child welfare
- Attend multidisciplinary (inner-office) meetings which include chemical dependency, health, education and family services to determine specific plans for clients served
- Testify and confer with legal counsel on court-related issues involving children and families
- Perform home and institution visits with client families to monitor progress and provide assistance and direction as needed
- Prepare and maintain written documentation on client services
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
- DHS MN Child Welfare Foundation Training Certificate
- Knowledge of ICWA
- Experience interviewing and gathering data and information
- Commitment to a healthy way of life
- The ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends
- Ability to pass a health examination
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality for all participants and their families
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision
- Ability to work well within the existing team and government structure
- Sensitive to Native American Culture
- Must pass drug screen (UA) and a federal criminal background check in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
- Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability
Preferred
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Social Services field
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:*
- Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Must be able to sit for long periods of time with occasional amounts of standing or walking
REQUIRED TRAINING:
- Effectively Handling Harassment training
- Any position-related training as determined by department manager
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
- Work is performed primarily in an office setting, but may include occasional outdoor activities
DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.
