JOB TITLE:	Social Worker
CLASSIFICATION:	Non-exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Human Services Director and the indirect supervision of Tribal Administrator, the incumbent is responsible for providing a variety of social work services to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) Tribal members and their immediate families, and TANF Participants. The services provided will include: case management; case planning; making family strength based assessments; consultations and counseling; collaboration with community based services and providers; participating in multidisciplinary teams and meetings; maintaining accurate documentation and records; policy development with the supervision of the Human Services Director,; participating in training, supervision and team meetings; BIA consultation; other Tribal, federal, state or local governmental and/or private provider collaboration; and Indian child welfare representation, which may include court appearances, preparation of court reports and participation in court mandated matters to include settlement conferences. This individual’s role is to provide support to FIGR clients, to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families, and to maximize the potential for families and children to become self-sufficient and autonomous. This individual will be responsible for the preparation of all required progress reports. Must have cultural sensitivity to Native American populations, have direct experience with addiction and recovery client services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below are not inclusive but characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this class. Individual positions may do all or some combination of the duties listed below as well as other related duties.

Collaborates with other staff members within and without the Indian Child Welfare Department to identify the strengths and needs of the family, problems and capacity for improvement, and review and revise progress of case plans based on personal observations and data collection. Discuss goals and services with client and caseworker to decide individual visitation schedule and guidelines. Complete forms documenting services provided. Prepare written and verbal reports for casework staff and/or case file, noting client's progress and ability to make improvements as outlined in visitation and service agreement. Documentation may be subject to review by the court. May testify in court on client behavior and progress. Provide reports and case work to Tribe’s attorney and work directly with legal counsel if directed by Tribal Administrator. Gather information initially or as follow up to certification of foster homes or child protective services screening. Provide support to foster parents on placement issues and act as liaison with appropriate agency staff about these issues.

Through frequent home visits and family observations; identify parenting, emotional or developmental concerns. Help parents cope with family management and care and provide emotional support to children with special needs. Help families learn about and secure community services and resources. Discuss and demonstrate basic family hygiene and nutrition, money and time management and organizational skills. Instruct families and model a variety of parenting techniques (e.g., child centered health and safety practices, developmental activities, behavior modification, etc.). Help parents with childcare resources and home management in family crises.

Implement the individual visitation agreement or Court ordered visitation requirements. Gather information from case providers, clients, schools, and other resources to plan visits, including the schedule, location, and supervision level and safety plan. Organize the details for contacts involving multiple providers and family members. Meet with clients and care givers to review visitation agreements and guidelines. Compile additional case documentation (e.g., health, social, criminal, institutional or substance abuse history and client's progress in services or programs). Identify and recommend services needed to the caseworker for case planning. Observe and identify safety and attachment issues and document.

Deal with inappropriate behavior applying general social work practice, ethnic and cultural standards, and agency policy. Terminate visit if the child's emotional needs or physical safety are threatened. Document whether objectives outlined in the visitation or service agreements are reached. Give feedback to the caseworker on safety and attachment issues. Communicate visitation expectations to caregiver, the child and/or biological family member(s) before visits and respond to questions or reactions after visits.

• Assists Native American families and children in accordance with the Indian Child Welfare Act and TANF.
• Provides information to clients and the general public about resources available within the agency and the broader community.
• Performs visits to clients’ homes. Observes and accurately documents pertinent information that reflects the client's condition and surroundings. Reports findings to the TANF Case Manager, when client is a TANF participant.
• Actively participates in client and/or family teaching, and appropriately documents activity and response to instructions.
• Assists with employee and client training and other development activities to increase the knowledge of the child welfare and family maintenance process.
• Provides counseling and interventions.
• Contacts appropriate social services agencies when patient’s safety and well-being are at risk.
• Plans for client discharge from the program.
• Presents evidence in court.
• Conducts team conferences and assumes responsibility for keeping plans, implementation and evaluations of care current as pertains to social work.
• Assists with the implementation of a system for licensing, regulating foster and adoptive homes.
• Assists with the establishment of Tribal standards for Tribal Council approval of foster and adoptive homes.
• Assists in the preparation of reports as required by the program to document the provision of the services and activities of children and families.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of TANF and the Indian Child Welfare Act is required. Must have the ability to interpret TANF and ICWA laws, rules and regulations in order to make determinations and recommendations to Tribal families, court system, child protection system and Tribal Council when necessary.
• Must have the ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing and to establish and maintain effective working relations with Tribal members, Tribal Council, employees and the general public.
• Specialized knowledge of child abuse and neglect issues.
• Knowledge of counseling techniques.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with tribal, state and federal agencies.
• Good analytical, oral, writing and organizational skills.
• Must be able to synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; design work plans and procedures; generate creative solutions and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Must have the ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Excellent documentation and report preparation skills.
• Must be highly motivated, setting and achieving goals, demonstrating persistence and overcoming obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals; prioritizes and plans work activities, using time efficiently, planning for additional resources; organize or schedule tasks for other people and develops realistic action plans.
• Must have the ability to work with people from diverse cultures, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds with knowledge of Indian community and sensitivity to Indian needs.
• Knowledge of government grants processes, proposal writing, contract compliance and reporting.
• Must be able to respect and adhere to strict rules of confidentiality.
• Keeps abreast of current social worker trends and participates in continuing education opportunities.
• Must have strong PC skills and experience using Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Must be fluent in English, both written and oral. Spanish language skills are a plus.
• Basic knowledge of childhood development.
• Basic knowledge of child abuse and neglect.
• Basic knowledge of community resources for clients.
• Basic knowledge of family dynamics.
• Basic knowledge of human emotional and behavioral disorders and how they impact family relationships.
• Basic knowledge of behavior management.
• Basic knowledge of drug and alcohol use and its affect on family relationships.
• Basic knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.
• Basic knowledge of parenting techniques.
• Basic knowledge of (i.e., federal and state: Indian Child Welfare Act, and other child protection, child welfare laws. etc.).
• Skill interviewing to gather information from individuals.
• Skill preparing clear and concise written reports.
• Skill using a computer to word-process reports typical to the job.
• Skill interpreting and applying laws, policy, and guidelines affecting assigned work.
• Skill in communicating with angry and disturbed persons.
• Skill in setting goals, organizing, and prioritizing workload.
• Skill in using authority in a constructive manner.
• Skill in working with diverse populations.
• Skill in assessing circumstances to make effective decisions immediately as to the most appropriate course of action.

EDUCATION:

Completion of a bachelors degree in Social Services, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Sciences or Psychology from an accredited college or university plus two years experience in child welfare and family casework, OR an M.S.W. degree from an accredited college or university with one year work experience in child welfare and family casework.

• Tribal employment application with resume and cover letter required. Application must detail the education and experience requirements related to the position as advertised including a narrative delineating how your abilities, education and experience qualify you for this position.
• Must be willing to adhere to professional and ethical codes of conduct and to FIGR employment policies.
• Must be available after hours in service area for emergencies.
• Must successfully clear a criminal history background check.
• Must possess a valid State Driver’s License and maintain such license throughout the duration of employment. Must have a reasonably clean driving record and be eligible for coverage under the Tribe’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Must be Licensed Clinical Social Worker – LCSW in State of CA

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY

Preference in hiring is given to: (1) Qualified Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria members; and (2) qualified American Indians in accordance with Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473. Applicants asserting American Indian preference must submit verifying information, such as written confirmation of tribal membership, Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, or other documentary evidence.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned. Management reserves the right to revise and/or change job requirements and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

**Submissions will not be considered without a completed application, resume and cover letter**