Social Services Caseworker

Position Summary : Under direct supervision of the Social Services Manager, the incumbent accomplishes the Social Services Departments strategic objectives and will investigate incoming child welfare, elder abuse, and / or domestic violence referrals.

Provides case management for all assigned cases including protective services, family services and ICWA cases. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

Must be able to work extended hours and various work schedules and be able to work on a 24-hour on-call basis may be required.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities : Provides protective services to children and elders, including the investigation and recommendation of interventions or placements in substantiated cases.

Provides case management and advocacy for families of children or elders who have been placed under protective supervision, custody or in foster care placement to ensure reunification.

Provides counseling for families and individuals; provides support, crisis intervention and referrals.Conducts home visits / assessments to include home studies of prospective foster or adoptive homes.

Serves as an advocate and a referral source for Santa Ana families to ensure the compliance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).

Provides community education and prevention services related to child and elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, domestic violence, substance abuse, and family health and wellness issues.

Attends court hearings and makes recommendations to the courts as requested.Represents the Department in the Healing to Wellness Court.

Assists the Healing to Wellness Court case manager with meeting client goals regarding sobriety and self-reliance.Family Services : Provides information, assistance and referrals to tribal members in matters of financial, economic and other needs.

Conducts case intakes and needs assessments with families and establishes a plan of action to assist clients to meet basic life needs.

Provides ongoing case management.Aids families applying for state and federal benefits, such as TANF, SNAP, Social Security and Medicaid.

Provides domestic violence victims with information regarding court processes, assists clients with filing a restraining order, and provides advocacy services in court hearings, if requested.

Case Management & TeamworkMaintains complete, accurate and confidential client records along with statistical data of services provided.

Participates in staff and family protection team meetings.Assists in client transports to and from appointments that are deemed necessary to meet the welfare of the client.

Assists in department activities, events, and presentations.Maintains department standards of strict confidentiality on all matters.

Maintains professional and technical knowledge.Rotates on-call after hours and weekend coverage for emergency referrals.Follows department policy and procedures and chain of command.

Performs other duties as directed. Minimum Qualifications : Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Studies in Social Behaviors, plus two years of experience and / or training related to the position;

or equivalent combination of education and experience. Licensed Bachelor of Social Work (LBSW), Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), Licensed Clinical of Social Work (LCSW) credentials or eligibility for licensure preferred.

Must complete the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Womens 40-hour core advocacy training for NM state certification within one year of hire.

Must complete the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) certification within one year of hire.

First Aid and CPR Certifications required; must obtain within three months of hire. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug / alcohol screen and background investigation including a motor vehicle check.

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico drivers license and be insurable under the Pueblos insurance. Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications : Knowledge of Santa Ana Pueblo traditions, language, history and culture.

Knowledge of the Pueblos judicial system.Knowledge of family dynamics, child development, assessment of the risks of abuse and neglect with families and children.

Knowledge of the effects and consequences of abuse and neglect.Ability to prioritize workloads, maintain confidentiality, work independently and exercise judgement.

Knowledge of case management and crisis intervention.Knowledge of available services to address substance abuse, health / mental health and socio-economic issues.

Computer skills in Windows, Excel, Microsoft Word and other database software.Ability to write court reports for protective services cases.

Ability to testify effectively in Court when required.Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures.Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.

• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.Ability to become certified in First Aid and CPR within three months of hire;
• maintains certifications throughout employment. Physical Demands : While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit;

use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk.

The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment : Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Situations where extreme caution must be exercised sometimes occur when contacting individuals at home.

Evening, weekend, and / or holiday work will be required.