Family Advocate

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the TANF Program Supervisor, the TANF Family Advocate provides self-sufficiency services for the Tribal TANF Program. The TANF Family Advocate performs initial and ongoing eligibility of applicants for Tribal TANF program through interviewing and fact gathering, applying regulations and procedures, and processing case actions. Provides advisory and advocacy services to support the academic, personal and social development of assigned clients to help guide them to self-sufficiency. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

This position provides multiple public assistance tasks including, but not limited to, determining eligibility and performing casework management activities to assist native individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and stability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Interviews, advises and guides a diverse population to elicit eligibility information and identify needs for assistance programs and services. Assists individuals to complete all necessary forms.
2. Analyzes financial and eligibility information to determine initial or continuing eligibility for aid programs.
3. Processes applications for support programs, verifies information on applications and refers to other programs as needed, based on established state, federal, or tribal guidelines.
4. Authorizes benefits within specific guidelines and makes appropriate referrals to other staff and community resources for services and assistance.
5. Explains rules, regulations and policies to clients and informs them of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for participation.
6. Communicates denial or approval of benefits, payment information, and approved payments to clients.
7. Maintains regular contact with clients to assess needs and progress.
8. Ensures accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms.
9. Organizes caseload so that necessary case records and documents are processed and updated within specific guidelines of the programs.
10. Completes and reviews documents and inputs and extracts data to electronic information systems.
11. Evaluates case information for duplication of services and prevention of fraud.
12. Performs general clerical work as required.
13. Provides crisis intervention and referrals as necessary.
14. Conducts home visits with clients.
15. Performs outreach activities to inform communities and individuals about services.
16. Identify barriers to self-sufficiency and provide family with tools to remove those barriers.
17. Reviews participant work log each month to ensure participant is meeting work hours.
18. Compiles records and prepare reports.
19. Secures supplementary information, such as employment, medical records, and/or school reports.
20. Provides home visits, when necessary.
21. Attends court appearances as needed to assist participants.
22. Must report child abuse to appropriate agencies, when necessary.
23. Transports participants, when necessary.
24. Perform interactive interviews to elicit eligibility information and identify need for public assistance programs and services i.e. food stamps, child care, food, money management. Also to compile information on social, education, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
25. Coordinates service delivery systems (e.g., transportation, housing, medical, etc.) for the benefit of the client.
26. Acts as an advocate for clients in interactions with other service entities.
27. Problem solving activities including action planning, identifying resources, goals and timelines to resolve issues, etc.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's Degree preferred in Social Work or related field or three years of experience in human services case management; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
2. Knowledge of TANF regulations.
3. Knowledge of Indian Country, the three county service area, county, state and federal agencies.
4. Ability to interface with public and private agencies.
5. Ability to maintain positive communications among diverse populations and groups.
6. This positon has duties and responsibilities that require regular contact with native children, therefore is subject to the background investigation and fingerprinting.

Physical Requirements:

This positon requires walking, standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs, stooping, kneeling, crouching and reaching; pushing, pulling and lifting up to 30 pounds; raising objects overhead; manual dexterity for operation of computer, phones and small office machines; hearing, talking and good verbal and written communication skills; repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and fingers.

Indian Preference:

Preference in filling vacancies shall be given first to Tuolumne Me-Wuk Community Council Members and then to enrolled Native Americans of any federally recognized tribe. Documentation for claiming preference must be provided with the application for consideration. Other than the above, the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribe is an equal opportunity employer.

Pre-employment Requirements:

1. Employment is contingent on pre-employment background and drug test results.
2. Possess a valid driver license and maintain current vehicle insurance, as this positon requires driving.