Social Services Specialist

Social Services Specialist

Revision Date: 9/16/2022

Department: Social Services

Employment Status: Full-Time

Program: Family and Social Services

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Social Services Supervisor

Supervises: N/A

Preference: TERO Ordinance 201-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

The Social Services Specialist is responsible for welcoming clients (un'inas) in need of services to do an intake. The Social Services Specialist will have basic knowledge of all functions within the Na'ini Social Services Programs including but not limited to: Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Welfare, Burial and Emergency Assistance, State of Alaska - Community Initiatives Matching Grant (SOA CIMG) Administration for Children and Families: Child Care Development Fund (ACF CCDF) & Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (ACF - LIHEAP), Community Services Block Grant (ACF - CSBG), Cook Inlet Tribal Council Child Care and Food Cache. A function will be designated to each specialist and it is the specialist's responsibility to follow grant requirements.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with Social Services Intake Technician in completing intakes, scheduling, case management, prevention, advocacy and providing referrals internally and externally, answering the phone, maintaining un'ina/family confidentiality and conducting home visits
• Maintain un'ina records in accordance with the Tribe's standards, local, state and federal guidelines or regulations and comply with internal process for filing (i.e. title pages, sections, archiving), electronic data management system, designated program software and documenting case notes
• Assist in determining eligibility, completing applications and processing applications in a timely manner, writing pending approval or denial letters, notifying un'ina verbally or in writing of status
• Responsible for the day to day operation of designated function
• Develop and provide group presentations internally and externally representing Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Family and Social Services
• Adhere to grants, reports and budget requirements, timelines and compliance
• Assist the Social Services Supervisor in strategic planning, interviewing, presentations internally and externally, community outreach, marketing plans, developing policies and procedures and be an active participant
• Responsible for staying informed in social service program trends and recommending changes in service delivery to the Social Services Supervisor
• Participate in other administrative duties: such as facilitating/attending regular social services meetings, creating agendas and minutes, finalizing dashboards; developing self-sufficiency plans, case plans and/or safety plans assist in staffing to best meet the needs of the un'ina(s)
• Cross training is essential, and each specialist will be able to cover other designated functions, be familiar with each subspecialty within Na'ini Social Services to ensure all un'ina needs are met
• All specialists will assist in shopping/fishing/cleaning/unloading for the food cache, to include but not limited to packing, sweeping, mopping, cleaning freezers
• Consistently aware and updating internal/external resources and sharing with internal/external agencies
• As a mandated reporter do reports of harm to the appropriate agency and follow through as needed
• Facilitate/participate in community agency meetings, meet with other service providers, colleges, etc
• Be available and able at a moment's notice to change work in a different program, work evenings, weekends and do schedule adjustments, or respond immediately to a crisis/emergency or need
• Improve the accessibility of other social services programs
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Exposure to Dust
• Wet
• Noise
• Vibration
• Mists or Gases
• Mechanical Hazards

OSHA Categories

• Category I - Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue

Equipment and Tools

List Equipment used for job: Computer, Fax, Copier, Scanner and other office equipment

Drives KIT or Personal Vehicle: Both

Travel

• Local
• In-State
• Out-of-State

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or a combination of education and experience in a related field may be substituted for a degree
• Bachelor's in Human Services related fields preferred, although year for year experience in lieu of BS or BA

Experience

• Three (3) years of experience in social and community based programs
• Experience working with Department of Public Assistance and other State and Federal agencies
• Experience in the development of community program strategies
• Experience managing private, state and federal grants; and grant compliance
• Experience in budget management
• Experience in policy and procedure development & implementation
• Experience in public speaking
• Understanding of public education and health and social services regulations
• Knowledge and experience working with Alaska Native/American Indian people

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

License/Certification

• Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy, or obtain within 90 days of hire, or, with approval of the hiring manager, sign a *Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in lieu of having a driver's license to perform the required duties of the position (If Applicable)

Special Skills

In addition to meeting education and experience requirements, Social Services Specialists must possess, or develop before providing program services, the knowledge base and skills necessary to carry out the following:

The knowledge base must include:

• The terminology commonly used in human services fields or settings
• The resources available to meet the needs of recipient
• Knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse treatment options
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations
• Critical Incident Reporting, Adult Protective Services, Office of Children's Services reporting
• Ability to work with vulnerable populations, child abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, poverty and domestic violence and sexual assault clients/perpetrators
• The ability to evaluate needs assessments to meet the needs of the population to be served
• The ability to organize, evaluate, and present information orally and in writing
• The ability to work with professional and support staff
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers and othersThis position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.

*Memorandum of Understanding: Serves as documented evidence that the Kenaitze Indian Tribe has expressed the ineligibility of an employee to operate motor vehicles owned, leased or rented by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, or to operate a personal vehicle on behalf of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe