Social Services Director

Pala Band of Mission Indians•Pala, CA

103d

About The Position

The Social Services Director works under the direction of the Tribal Chairperson and ensures that clients’ therapeutic, medically related, emotional, and social needs are met and maintained in accordance with policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local standards and regulations. The Director plans, develops, writes and tracks grants, and oversees social service programs serving individuals, families, and communities. The role includes program and financial oversight, staff supervision, crisis and referral services, client and family care planning, community outreach, and maintaining secure and confidential records. The Director also develops and reviews departmental policies and procedures and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards.

Requirements

A master’s degree in a related field or at least five years of equivalent experience combining education, training, and experience to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position is preferred.
Two years of supervisory experience as a lead therapist or social worker is preferred.
Valid Class C California Driver’s License.
Must pass a background check.
Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace, including no marijuana, and pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
Must follow the Tribal Employee Handbook and applicable addendums.
Skills in crisis intervention and advocacy.
Proven track record in program development and execution.
Strong leadership and team-building skills.
Experience with budget management and resource allocation.
Previous supervisory or management experience.
Strong understanding of social work principles and practices.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong ethical standards and integrity.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and effectively with clients and support agencies.
Ability to work independently with flexibility and personal integrity.
Ability to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and sometimes hostile people.
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Ability to enter and retrieve data using computer systems, applications, and other office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Native American communities or in a multicultural setting.
Pala Tribal membership; hiring preference applies to fully qualified Pala Tribal Members.

Responsibilities

Investigate and handle child abuse and neglect referrals, responding with appropriate prevention or intervention services.
Perform activities and duties required by SAMHSA grants and other grant agencies.
Track grant allocations, ensure programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, maintain records, and prepare reports for senior management and the tribal committee.
Manage budgets, allocate resources, and participate in fundraising or grant writing to support program funding.
Participate in developing individualized treatment plans and oversee subordinates’ implementation of them.
Plan and schedule trainings related to the Pala Mental Health project.
Receive referrals and complete follow-up.
Maintain proper documentation and ensure files are secure.
Protect confidentiality by following department and HIPAA guidelines.
Follow mandatory laws concerning children.
Identify therapeutic, cultural-awareness, and educational activities for victims and share information with project partners.
Involve clients and families in care planning and encourage attendance at care conferences.
Mediate issues among clients, families, and staff, and help alleviate clients’ and families’ emotional distress.
Connect clients and families with appropriate community resources, maintain knowledge of other systems, make referrals, and identify unmet needs.
Provide crisis management services to clients and families.
Assist residents and families with financial questions and make appropriate referrals.
Coordinate visits by facility mental health providers and make resident referrals.
Coordinate with other agencies, facilitate outreach and education initiatives, and serve as a liaison with community partners.
Help residents and families prepare for and cope with losses, including aging and death.
Educate oneself about psychosocial needs related to residents’ social, ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity.
Attend court cases as needed.
Develop and implement social service programs and policies, assess community needs, and evaluate and adjust program effectiveness as necessary.
Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise social services staff to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Conduct interviews with Social Services applicants and potential candidates.
Establish and review departmental policies and procedures to align them with organizational goals and professional standards.
Manage subordinates’ hours, paid time off, and other timecard-related matters.
Be available for on-call duties as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.