Social Services Outreach Worker

This is a full-time on-site position in Dowagiac, MI.    

Position Summary: Assist in providing services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work, including support for families and help to solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

Essential Functions:

· Visit Pokagon Band citizens in a variety of locations. Interview individuals and family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history and assess the situation.

· Provide direct service and support to individuals such as handling a referral for child advocacy issues, conducting a needs evaluation, or resolving complaints.

· Provide information on available resources, provide social support and informal counseling, advocate for individual’s needs and assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits. Answer questions, research available options within the Social Services Department programs and other options available from outside agencies in the community.

· Facilitate all general assistance programs for the department such as, utility assistance, childcare, and emergency assistance. Assist with burial program, Supplemental Assistance and Admin Child and Family Programs.

· Keep records concerning visits with clients. Submit and review reports or problems with Director.

· Attend group meetings and events to provide information on social services programs.

· Provide client transports and attend meetings and appointments with clients.

· Coordinate and pick up donations.

· Assist with development of programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, emergency services, and dependent care.

Non-Essential Functions:

· Work with at-risk youth within the schools to assist with truancy issues, provide protective services, foster case social work, and adoption related services.

· Assist with commodities program food supply distribution.

· Perform other related functions as assigned.

Equipment:

· Standard office equipment.

· Systems used: MS Office Applications, Internet, Publisher, CRM System

Position Requirements:

· High School diploma or GED required.

One (1) year of previous work experience providing social service outreach services to the community, or social work or human services experience required.

· Strong sense of service required.

· Ability to alleviate stress and anxiety and be supportive of persons and work tactfully, collaboratively, diplomatically and with highest level of confidentiality required.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to speak effectively before groups of people and respond to questions required.

· Experience working with Native American communities preferred.

· Proficiency with MS Office Applications required.

· Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends required.

Indian Preference:

· Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Physical Requirements:

· Frequently required to talk and hear.

· Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend and lift when assisting clients with moving furniture or household items.

Work Environment:

· Work environment will be a variety of settings, including office, homes, health clinics, schools, and other public facilities.

· Local travel is necessary, so the ability to travel as needed is required.