Family Preservation Specialist

Tohono O'odham Nation•Sells, AZ

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Family Preservation Specialist provides a structured, culturally relevant program in a family-style setting to help families develop healthy relationships with their elders, strengthen interpersonal and problem-reduction skills, and prevent further elder abuse and neglect. Work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks during work, to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established standards. Major tasks are covered by instructions or procedures, and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor. The position is located in Sells, Arizona. The Specialist assesses the needs of elders and families referred for services, helps develop individualized treatment plans, advocates for families, and provides counseling, training, and instruction. The role also includes facilitating parenting classes, conducting home visits, identifying community resources, submitting monthly reports, collaborating with entities of the Tohono O’odham Nation, and traveling within assigned areas as needed. The Specialist maintains professional knowledge through research and educational activities and performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field and four years of work experience providing counseling services to elders and their families, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience demonstrating the ability to perform the duties.
Knowledge of Tohono O’odham traditions, language, history, and culture.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
Knowledge of department organization, functions, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of the Tohono O’odham Nation’s Adult Protective Ordinance.
Knowledge of social service work principles and practices.
Knowledge of community resources available to individuals and families.
Skill in providing superior customer service to internal and external customers.
Skill in operating a computer and basic office equipment.
Skill in assessing situations and providing appropriate remedies.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to exercise independent judgment.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
Ability to maintain privileged and confidential information.
Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
Ability to travel within the interior and exterior boundaries of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Must obtain CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications within the first six months of hire.
A criminal background check, National FBI check, and 39-month Motor Vehicle Record are required upon recommendation for hire to determine suitability.
May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the previous three years.
If required, must meet the Tohono O’odham Nation tribal employer’s insurance requirements to receive a permit to operate program vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Depending on department needs, fluency in both the Tohono O’odham language and English may be required as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Assess the needs of elderly people and families referred for services.
Assist in developing treatment plans tailored to the needs of elders and their families.
Advocate for families needing services in accordance with program guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Provide family counseling and training according to treatment plans.
Instruct families about stages of elder norms, physical and emotional factors, nonphysical behavior-management methods, nutritional needs, and ways to support elders.
Teach families to build positive relationships with elders, manage stress, and meet their own emotional needs without harming elders.
Identify community resources to help families develop and maintain learned skills.
Teach elders and families personal problem-solving methods.
Facilitate parenting classes that provide parents with resources, knowledge, and awareness of parenting skills and techniques.
Conduct home visits to observe the home environment, hold one-on-one sessions, and provide resources and information about upcoming events.
Provide monthly reports to the immediate supervisor.
Collaborate with other communities, districts, law enforcement, school personnel, and other Tohono O’odham Nation entities regarding client or program information.
Travel within assigned areas as needed.
Maintain professional knowledge through research, seminars, educational workshops, classes, conferences, and consultation with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned and contribute to a team effort.