Maternal and Child Health Advocate

Tohono O'odham Nation

About The Position

Under limited supervision, advocates for families of young children, attends meetings, and provides relevant information about early childhood development and health, stressing the need to preserve the Tohono O'odham Language and oral tradition to community and business leaders, philanthropic organizations, faith-based organizations, tribal departments, and tribal government leaders. The work is normally reviewed upon completion to ensure compliance with general organization/department goals, policies and procedures. Major work activities are covered by procedures or guidelines permitting flexibility in selecting methods to utilize and procedures to follow, determination of work priorities, and the planning and coordination of projects.

Requirements

Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
Knowledge of growth and development issues of individuals with disabilities and/or special needs.
Knowledge of Tohono O'odham Nation's communities.
Knowledge of health, education and social services programs within the Tohono O'odham Nation and Pima County.
Knowledge of department organization, functions, objectives, policies and procedures.
Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
Skill in records management.
Skill in working with variety of age groups.
Skill in working with Tohono O'odham families and children with special needs.
Ability to develop and present effective presentations.
Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to exercise independent judgment.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to maintain privileged confidential information and maintain objectivity.
Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
Ability to work effectively with individuals and demonstrate leadership and team-building skills with empathy and enthusiasm.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
Ability to travel within the interior/exterior boundaries of the Tohono O'odham Nation.
Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development, or closely related field, and three years' work experience in a family advocacy field, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.
Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Assess the needs of children and families referred for services.
Assists in developing a treatment plan specific to the needs of the children and families.
Functions as an advocate for families in need of services according to program guidelines, policies and procedures.
Provide family counseling and training according to treatment plans.
Instructs parents in the stages of child development, both physical and emotional factors, methods of nonphysical behavior management, nutritional needs, and techniques in providing support for their children.
Teaches parents how to establish positive relationships with their children, how to manage stress, and how to meet their own emotional needs in a manner that is not destructive to their children.
Presents workshops for families and communities on advocacy strategies, services, program and resource, and health promotion.
Identifies community resources for parents to assist them in developing and maintaining learned skills.
Connects parents to any needed services and provide referrals when needed (i.e. prenatal care, infant care classes, substance abuse, etc.)
Provides instruction to parents and children on methods of personal problem solving.
Maintains professional knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.