Social Worker II - Special Needs Advocate

Social Worker II

The Social Worker II is responsible for gathering information, conducting investigations and assessments, providing counseling services with the client and the family, identifying, and recommending services, programs, and coordinating with other agencies or departments. The incumbent typically works within various areas of specialty including protective services.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct comprehensive initial and on-going assessment interviews to evaluate individual physical, economic, educational, mental, and employment background; counsel, instruct, motivate, and develop case plans to ensure self-sufficiency.
2. Maintain regular client contact via phone, home visits, office visits, or site visits with other agencies involved in the case plan.
3. Maintain and update client files with appropriate documentation; ensure current client status and treatment progress reported.
4. Provide and arrange supportive social work services such as financial assistance with childcare, transportation, clothing, education/training, and additional referrals to outside agencies; mediate and advocate for clients, services, and rights.
5. Provide counseling services with clients and family members, if applicable.
6. Collaborate with a team involving other caseworkers, families, foster parents, outside agencies, or medical staff to coordinate best care for client.
7. Coordinate care of patients with other Tribal departments, clinics, or external agencies.
8. Attend trainings, meetings, and conferences to stay current and as assigned.
9. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Positions assigned to Child Abuse Investigator may also be responsible for:

• Investigating child abuse reports and determining course of action based on findings;
• Assist with court processes by providing facts and findings.

Positions assigned to Foster Care may also be responsible for:

• Performing background checks of potential foster care families; Assist applicants for foster care through the licensing process.

Positions assigned to the Senior Center may also be responsible for:

• Acting as a Public Fiduciary and Guardian for those adults who have a need;
• Assist with training seniors in independent living skills.

Positions assigned to Child Protective Services may also be responsible for:

• Advocating and facilitating legal matters on behalf of child;
• Make recommendations to the court regarding placement of child.

Positions assigned to Family/Child Advocate may also be responsible for:

• Conducting case audits and making recommendations for correction;
• Reconciling accounts and ensuring transfers from and to proper accounts.

Positions assigned to Ombudsman Trainee may also be responsible for:

• Transporting elders to and from medical appointments;
• Deliver homebound meals to elders in community.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Social work principles and techniques;
• Problem solving techniques;
• Community resources;
• Customer service principles;
• Case management principles and practices;
• Recordkeeping principles;
• Report preparation techniques;
• Court procedures;
• English language, grammar, and punctuation;
• Applicable federal, state, local laws, rules, and regulations;
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.

Skills and Abilities:

• Provide customer service;
• Manage social work caseloads;
• Identify and recognize abnormal behaviors associated with mental disorders, learning disabilities, substance abuse, and domestic violence;
• Solve problems;
• Prepare reports;
• Conduct interventions;
• Manage crisis;
• Apply and explain applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and/or procedures;
• Prepare and proofread a variety of reports and/or documentation;
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Education, Certifications and Experience Required

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field; and three (3) years of social work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the job's essential duties such as those listed above but not limited to.

AND

• Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred;
• Experience with a Native American population is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office software;
• Positions assigned to the Senior Center preferred staff be 55 years of age or older and a Tribal member;
• Must obtain certification as a Lay Advocate in the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Court;
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License;
• This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends;
• Must have a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card. Failure to maintain a current Level 1 Clearance Card will result in termination.