Family Advocate

Position Summary 

We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate individual to join our Family Services team to serve as the Family Advocate within the Catawba Indian Nation’s Division of Health and Human Services. The Family Advocate will be co-case managing child welfare cases with the state involving “Indian” children of the Catawba Nation under the program of Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The Family Advocate will attend case management cases before court involvement, conduct home visits, supervise parent-child visitation, transport clients, and provide services in a manner that promotes the safety and well-being of the child/children represented in each case. They will work closely with the local child protective services agency, other state agencies, legal or other participants involved in each case through frequent communication, treatment planning, and participating in multi-disciplinary team meetings.

This role requires case preparation and management through maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records which include all documentation of contact, activities, case plans, and other case record standards in accordance with ICWA and the Catawba Nation Department of Family Services. Will require a flexible work schedule as determined by the supervisor, occasional travel for visits or training, and preparing reports.  

The Family Advocate role supports the CIN Mission and Vision by promoting family strength and healthy relationships ensuring a future of social, mental, and emotional well-being. 

This position directly reports to the Family Services Director and is responsible for and subject to the CIN Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

Essential Functions

An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Conducts home visits to assess the family’s current circumstances and provide reunification services to the family.
• Provides transportation for clients to and from services when needed.
• When deemed necessary, participates as a Quality Expert Witness as ICWA requires and intervenes in court proceedings involving a Catawba Child.
• Assists in connecting the Youth Development Programs with Senior Center/ Homebound to formulate and create the development of the Grief Support Group and Legacy Program.
• Host and participate in foster/ kinship/adoptive placement recruitment events.
• Provides case management and direct services in matters of emergency childcare, placement services, foster care, adoptive care, and pre-adoptive care in conjunction with the state and local child protection authorities.
• Establishes, updates, and maintains file records with up-to-date information and documentation for client case files, property, budget, and other administrative branch files.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with other agencies, and departments within the Tribe. 
• Meets with families to understand their needs and discuss their goals.
• Collaborates with the ICWA attorney, ICWA Specialist, and Family Services Director in determining the needs of the family and a plan of care.
• Provides referrals and connects families with social services organizations or resources.
• Assists families with navigating the resources available to them through Catawba Nation.
• Resolves conflicts between family members.
• Maintains thorough case files to document their work with families.
• Demonstrates a level of empathy that allows you to relate to our clients and develop solutions to problems.
• Provides outreach to and recruitment of families in need of social support services.
• Assists with Clothing Closet and Food Pantry.
•  Assists with planning, collaborating, and teaching Positive Indian Parenting with ICWA Specialist
• Ability to complete other duties as assigned.

This position description is not an exhaustive listing of the expectations associated with the role and additional tasks may be assigned as needed by management. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources team. Catawba Indian Nation reserves the right to amend this job description.

Catawba Indian Nation exercises INDIAN PREFERENCE:

Tribal Government Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5301 et seq.; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Gaming Commission Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.; applicable regulations of the National Indian Gaming Commission at 25 CFR Chapter III; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Background checks and drug screening are requirements for employment.  

Qualifications  

Experience/Education: 

• Associate’s Degree in Social Work or related social sciences/human services field preferred.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with children, families, and case management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work flexible hours (when required by supervisor); evenings and weekends as required. 
• Proficiency with standard software programs, including spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to attend training (locally and out-of-state), seminars, and classes as required.
• Independent and self-motivated to complete required tasks in a timely manner with a    minimum of supervision; is consistently at work and on time. 
• Abide by the social work code of ethics in all aspects of work.
• Commitment to doing what’s in the best interest of the child.
• Proficiency with standard software programs, including spreadsheet applications, Microsoft Office Suite, copier/printer/fax/scanner, phone, and internet.
• Valid State Driver’s Licenses and clean Driving Record (have to meet requirements to be on company driver’s insurance policy). Valid State Driver’s License and clean Driving Record (have to meet requirements to be on company driver’s insurance policy).
• Must possess and demonstrate the competencies listed above.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working in Social Work, Child Welfare, or related field.
• Cultural Competence in the areas of Native American historical and intergenerational trauma.
• Proficient language skills in reading and analyzing case documents and governmental regulations; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, and other agencies.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands for handling, manipulating, and operating objects or controls; reach with hands and arms; bend to open or use lower drawers or cabinetry; and to talk, hear, and see. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Salary : $23 - $24