JOB TITLE:	Youth and Family Advocate
PROGRAM:	Tribal TANF Program of Sonoma and Marin
REPORTS TO:	Youth and Family Services Manager

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

This full time position will play a key role in the development and implementation of youth and family programs designed to meet the goals of Tribal TANF through the Prevention Services Program. This will be accomplished by addressing the needs of the Native community while incorporating the general purpose of TANF, which includes:

• To prevent and reduce the incidence of out of wedlock pregnancies
• To encourage the formation and maintenance of two parent families
• Reducing the dependence on government benefits and promoting self sufficiency

JOB PURPOSE:

To plan and facilitate programs within the Youth and Family Department with a special emphasis in the fields of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Child Protective Services (CPS), and counseling.

The Youth and Family Advocate works closely with the Youth and Family Unit Supervisor to design and deliver direct services to Native families specifically related to, but not limited to case coordination, counseling, ICWA, focus groups, assessments, social services, CPS, prevention services, and family wellness. It is highly desirable for the Youth and Family Advocate to practice strength based principles when working with families as well as having in depth knowledge of family dynamics and diversity issues related to Native communities. Strong organizational skills, familiarity with computer applications, and a desire to work in a team environment are required.

• Provide comprehensive assessment, counseling, and case coordination services to youth and families
• Identify risk and resiliency factors within individual youth, peer group, family, school, community, and develops strategies for intervention
• Conduct individual and family therapy sessions with individuals and groups as well as teach the acquisition of necessary skills for self sufficiency
• Work with internal and external communities to engage youth and families in pro social activities and help families to access needed services
• Manage and support families through consultation, problem solving, troubleshooting, feedback, guidance, motivation, monitoring and preparation for ICWA related cases
• Demonstrate knowledge of each child's and their family history in pertinent advocacy issues
• Participate in team meetings while assuring accountability and quality
• Perform outreach and recruitment of youth and families into programs
• Build and nurture community relationships and partnerships
• Conduct home visits and supervised visits
• Manage a caseload of ICWA and non ICWA cases
• Contribute to Policy development for programs within TANF and Social Services
• Provide staff training on topics related to Social Services and Welfare of children and family
• Facilitate workshops and classes for families and youth targeting barriers towards their success

• Document all services and collect data for evaluations
• Assure that organization policy and procedure standards are followed
• Maintain high standards of accuracy in all tasks
• Develop and complete tasks efficiently and within stated timelines
• Routinely updates TAS project databases
• Maintain positive professional relationships with staff and families
• Contribute to improving the work environment with creative and practical ideals and practices

• MA Degree and experience working directly with youth and families in social service and/or mental health
• Licensed MFT/LCSW or registered intern/associate with two year experience in Social Services
• Excellent skill in written and verbal communication, organization, and relationship building
• Proven ability to maintain required clinical and evaluation records
• Understanding of child development and family dynamics
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with high self motivation
• Must be able to take direction and constructive criticism well
• Enthusiastic with the ability to start and complete tasks individually

• Problems and needs of diverse Native American youth and families
• Native American values and culture
• Socio-economic issues relating to a diverse Native American population
• General sociological, economic and environmental conditions contributing to juvenile delinquency and maladjustment
• Juvenile and adolescent behavior as well as family dynamics
• Indian Child Welfare Act
• Child Protective Services

• Respect and adhere to strict rules of confidentiality
• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers
• Work effectively with Native American youth and families
• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Possess emotional maturity, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and creativity
• Show enthusiasm and flexibility

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.

HOURS: 40 p/wk, Full-time

TO APPLY: Submit a Tribal employment application with your resume and a cover letter detailing your education and experience related to the position advertised. Tribal employment application can be downloaded from our website. Mail employment application, resume and cover letter to Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Attention: Human Resources, 6400 Redwood Drive, Suite 300, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, or email to jobs@gratonrancheria.com