Social Worker I - Foster Care

This Social Worker I is responsible for monitoring and assisting a caseload of clients within a specific social services program. Incumbent will determine, through established regulations, benefits for clients. Case management duties include preparing documentation, educating clients; making referrals; and monitoring client status and progress.

1. Provide assessments of and referrals for community members, which includes, assess needs, identify appropriate resources, determine appropriate response modes, educate and inform of available options and resources, and perform other related activities.
2. Assist clients in filling out appropriate forms and documents for programs; verify information, reviews for compliance with established regulations, and guidelines; maintain and update client files.
3. Maintain regular client contact via phone, home visits, office visits, or site visits with other agencies involved in the service plan.
4. Develop plans of service, monitors and documents clients engaged in program activities; update plans as needed.
5. Develop and maintain contacts with other tribal departments, outside agencies, and/or potential employers; ensure compliance of outside agencies with program guidelines.
6. Provide crisis interventions, which require quickly addressing critical and emergency needs of customers.
7. Prepare and review progress reports; evaluates participation and client eligibility on continual basis.
8. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Additional Focus Area Duties and Responsibilities:
Positions assigned to Family/Child Advocate may also be responsible for:

• Conducting case audits and making recommendations for correction;
• Reconciling of accounts and ensuring transfers from and to proper accounts.

Positions assigned to Ombudsman Trainee may also be responsible for:

• Transporting elders to and from medical appointments;
• Deliver homebound meals to elders in community.

Positions assigned to Foster Care may also be responsible for:

• Assisting applicants in foster care through the licensing process.

Positions assigned to Adult Social Services may also be responsible for:

• Case management duties include preparing documentation, educating clients, referrals, monitoring client status, and progress.

Knowledge of:

• Case management principles and practices;
• Problem solving techniques;
• Community resources;
• Customer service principles;
• Recordkeeping principles;
• Report preparation techniques;
• English language, grammar, and punctuation;
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations;
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.

Skills and Abilities:

• Provide customer service;
• Refer clients and patients to community and health resources;
• Identify and recognize abnormal behaviors associated with mental disorders, learning disabilities, substance abuse, and domestic violence;
• Solve problems;
• Prepare reports;
• Manage crisis;
• Apply and explain applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and/or procedures;
• Prepare and proofread a variety of reports and/or documentation;
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Case Manager with three (3) years of experience; Associate's Degree in Social Work, Business Administration, Education or related field and two (2) years of experience; Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Business Administration, Education or related field; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred;
• Positions assigned to the Senior Center preferred staff be 55 years of age or older and a Tribal member.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License; 
• This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends; 
• Some positions will required certification as a Lay Advocate in the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Court; 
• Social Work, Case Management, or other certifications may be required depending on specific assignment; 
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook; 
• Some positions require First Aid and CPR certification, or able to obtain with six (6) months of hire; 
• Must have a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card; failure to maintain a current Level 1 Clearance Card will result in termination.