Social Services Family Services Worker

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians • Dowagiac, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Provide family services and case management to promote the health, stability, and well-being of Pokagon Band families.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, child wellness, behavioral health, psychology, or a related field required. Degree must be from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered for this position.
• One (1) year of previous work experience in social work and child welfare required.
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; and psychological research methods required.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for counseling and guidance required.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins required.
• Ability to alleviate stress and anxiety and be supportive of persons and work tactfully, collaboratively, diplomatically and with highest level of confidentiality required.
• Familiarity with what constitutes child abuse and neglect and proper procedures when children are deemed at risk or in need of care required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions required.
• Proficiency with MS Office Applications required.
• Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends required.

Nice To Haves

• minimum one (1) year in-home case management experience preferred.
• Experience working with Native American communities; knowledge of Native American traditional practices, values, and issues preferred.

Responsibilities

• Visit Pokagon Band citizens and interview individuals and family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history and assess the situation.
• Provide social services and case management to improve the social and psychological functioning of families and to maximize the family well-being and the functioning of children.
• Provide information on available family social services, provide social support and informal counseling, advocate for family in obtaining available benefits. Answer questions, research available options within the Social Services Department programs and other options available from outside agencies in the community.
• Provide support and direction to promote family stability and reunification and link Band members to services in areas such as protective services, foster care, adoption, delinquency, foster home licensing, adult services, housing, behavioral health, and education services.
• Participate in meetings of the Family Welfare Commission, Child Protection Team, and other interdisciplinary teams focusing on the needs of Pokagon Band children.
• Work with at-risk youth within the schools to assist with truancy issues, provide protective services, foster case social work, and adoption related services.
• Attend group meetings and events to provide information on social services programs.
• Provide client transports and attend meetings and appointments with clients.
• Assist with development of programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to family and child welfare.
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level