Govt. ACFS Lodge of Hope - Family Services Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Family Services Specialist is responsible for the provision of case management services to socially and economically disadvantaged members eligible and participating in programs administered by Anishnaabek Community and Family Services. The LOH Family Services Specialist will assist families in the identification and development of plans for self-sufficiency, including but not limited to services such as behavioral health and substance abuse services, public assistance, day care, transportation, supportive services, employment and training and other programs administered by the Sault Tribe.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Completes program specific paperwork within established time frames.
• Maintains client files according to program and funding guidelines.
• Provides 24-hour crisis intervention.
• Provides on-call services.
• Responds to critical situations involving guests at the Lodge of Hope.
• Completes assessments of residents to determine individual strengths and needs and makes appropriate recommendations for services based upon assessment results.
• Assists with barriers to long term sustainable housing.
• Reviews behavioral, medical, employment needs of residents at the Lodge of Hope.
• Provides supportive services, education, counseling, community resource linkage and referral; advocacy; and other social service interventions to individuals and families.
• Determines eligibility for temporary financial assistance and develops plans to assist applicants and recipients in their efforts to become self-sufficient.
• Assists applicants that need medical attention, request medical information needed to assist in the determination of employability of applicant.
• Processes individual and household payment schedules for welfare assistance to applicants and recipients.
• Provides budget training to applicant and recipients.
• Completes a monthly narrative and statistical report.
• Conducts home visits.
• Coordinates case plan and delivery of services with other recognized service providers and practitioners.
• May perform related essential functions appropriate to the position and other non-essential functions as required.
• Actively identifies alternative resources.
• Implements and ensures compliance with various Federal and State Laws and Sault Ste. Marie Tribal Code.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Develops and implements effective and culturally sensitive strategies for outreach to the Native American Community.
• Builds lasting networks and collaborations with tribal and community resources.
• Attends and participates in departmental staff meetings and related activities. 
• Attends workshops, conferences and classes to increase professional knowledge.
• Serves on projects and committees as assigned.
• Serves as a resource person, responding to requests for information and assistance.
• Evaluates home and community-based situations for worker safety and follows best practices when working in volatile environments.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers, outside vendors/service providers and court and law enforcement officials.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position medium with lifting of 50 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception and field of vision; frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, typing and driving in and during inclement weather; occasional carrying/lifting, pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, manual handling, and use of color vision. Working conditions include frequent exposure to weather, extreme heat/cold, wet/humidity, and noise and air quality. Potential hazards include frequent client contact, infectious exposure, computer use; occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, electric shock, needles/syringes and equipment use. Positions provide home-based services and the majority of work occurs within client homes/community. At times these environments can be volatile due to drug/alcohol use, criminal behavior, or behavioral health needs.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Family Studies related field required.

Experience: One year of experience working with children and families required in addition to above stated education requirements.

Certification/License: Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must be able to handle potentially hostile clients and adversarial situations. Must be able to confront and redirect inappropriate client behavior. Must be able to travel. Must have reliable transportation. Must be able to establish appropriate relationships and boundaries with clients. Must be flexible and available to work various shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. Responsible for performing position responsibilities in a professional and courteous manner, sustaining professionalism under duress, and maintaining positive working relationships and communications with internal and external contacts. Must be able to establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supervisors, guests and clients. Must have working knowledge and be able to use word processing and spreadsheet and database software. Must be able to work with minimal to no supervision. Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in a diverse range of audiences and settings. Must be able to work in high stress environment and handle difficult situations. Must have organizational skills and be able to plan, prioritize and manage workload to meet goals in a timely manner. Must be able to prepare clear, concise, thorough, meaningful, and grammatically correct written reports, letters, memoranda, policy and procedure drafts and other written documents. Must adhere to department operating policies and procedures and safe work practice and procedures. Must maintain strict confidentiality. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.