Social Services Specialist

Kenaitze Indian Tribe•Kenai, AK

18h

About The Position

The Social Services Specialist is responsible for welcoming clients (un'inas) in need of services to do an intake. The Social Services Specialist will have basic knowledge of all functions within the Na'ini Social Services Programs including but not limited to: Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Welfare, Burial and Emergency Assistance, State of Alaska - Community Initiatives Matching Grant (SOA CIMG) Administration for Children and Families: Child Care Development Fund (ACF CCDF) & Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (ACF - LIHEAP), Community Services Block Grant (ACF - CSBG), Cook Inlet Tribal Council Child Care and Food Cache. A function will be designated to each specialist and it is the specialist's responsibility to follow grant requirements.

Requirements

High School Diploma or a combination of education and experience in a related field may be substituted for a degree
Three (3) years of experience in social and community based programs
Experience working with Department of Public Assistance and other State and Federal agencies
Experience in the development of community program strategies
Experience managing private, state and federal grants; and grant compliance
Experience in budget management
Experience in policy and procedure development & implementation
Experience in public speaking
Understanding of public education and health and social services regulations
Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy , or obtain within 90 days of hire, or, with approval of the hiring manager, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in lieu of having a driver's license to perform the required duties of the position (If Applicable)
In addition to meeting education and experience requirements, Social Services Specialists must possess, or develop before providing program services, the knowledge base and skills necessary to carry out the following:
The knowledge base must include:
The terminology commonly used in human services fields or settings
The resources available to meet the needs of recipient
Knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse treatment options
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations
Critical Incident Reporting, Adult Protective Services, Office of Children's Services reporting
Ability to work with vulnerable populations, child abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, poverty and domestic violence and sexual assault clients/perpetrators
The ability to evaluate needs assessments to meet the needs of the population to be served
The ability to organize, evaluate, and present information orally and in writing
The ability to work with professional and support staff
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers and others
This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's in Human Services related fields preferred, although year for year experience in lieu of BS or BA
Knowledge and experience working with Alaska Native/American Indian people
Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Social Services Intake Technician in completing intakes, scheduling, case management, prevention, advocacy and providing referrals internally and externally, answering the phone, maintaining un'ina/family confidentiality and conducting home visits
Maintain un'ina records in accordance with the Tribe's standards, local, state and federal guidelines or regulations and comply with internal process for filing (i.e. title pages, sections, archiving), electronic data management system, designated program software and documenting case notes
Assist in determining eligibility, completing applications and processing applications in a timely manner, writing pending approval or denial letters, notifying un'ina verbally or in writing of status
Responsible for the day to day operation of designated function
Develop and provide group presentations internally and externally representing Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Family and Social Services
Adhere to grants, reports and budget requirements, timelines and compliance
Assist the Social Services Supervisor in strategic planning, interviewing, presentations internally and externally, community outreach, marketing plans, developing policies and procedures and be an active participant
Responsible for staying informed in social service program trends and recommending changes in service delivery to the Social Services Supervisor
Participate in other administrative duties: such as facilitating/attending regular social services meetings, creating agendas and minutes, finalizing dashboards; developing self-sufficiency plans, case plans and/or safety plans assist in staffing to best meet the needs of the un'ina(s)
Cross training is essential, and each specialist will be able to cover other designated functions, be familiar with each subspecialty within Na'ini Social Services to ensure all un'ina needs are met
All specialists will assist in shopping/fishing/cleaning/unloading for the food cache, to include but not limited to packing, sweeping, mopping, cleaning freezers
Consistently aware and updating internal/external resources and sharing with internal/external agencies
As a mandated reporter do reports of harm to the appropriate agency and follow through as needed
Facilitate/participate in community agency meetings, meet with other service providers, colleges, etc
Be available and able at a moment's notice to change work in a different program, work evenings, weekends and do schedule adjustments, or respond immediately to a crisis/emergency or need
Improve the accessibility of other social services programs
Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance