Social Services Caseworker

Position Summary:

Under direct supervision of the Social Services Manager, the incumbent accomplishes the Social Services Department’s strategic objectives and will investigate incoming child welfare, elder abuse, and/or domestic violence referrals. This position is responsible to provide case management for all assigned cases including protective services, family services and ICWA cases. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules and be able to work on a 24-hour on-call basis may be required.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Protective Services:

· Provides protective services to children and elders, including the investigation and recommendation of interventions or placements in substantiated cases.

· Provides case management and advocacy for families of children or elders who have been placed under protective supervision, custody or in foster care placement to ensure reunification.

· Counsels’ families and individuals; provides support, crisis intervention and referrals.

· Performs home visits/assessments to include home studies of prospective foster or adoptive homes.

· Serves as an advocate and a referral source for Santa Ana families to ensure the compliance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).

· Provides community education and prevention services related to child and elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, domestic violence, substance abuse, and family health and wellness issues.

· Attends court hearings and makes recommendations to the courts as requested.

· Represents the department in the Healing to Wellness Court. Assists the Healing to Wellness Court case manager with meeting client goals regarding sobriety and self-reliance.

Family Services:

· Provides information, assistance and referrals to tribal members in matters of financial, economic and other needs.

· Conduct case intakes and needs assessments with families and establishes a plan of action to assist clients to meet basic life needs.

· Provides on-going case management.

· Aids families applying for state and federal benefits, such as TANF, SNAP, Social Security and Medicaid.

· Provide domestic violence victims with information regarding court processes, assist clients with filing a restraining order, and acts as advocate in court hearings, if requested.

Case Management & Teamwork

· Maintains complete, accurate and confidential client records along with statistical data of services provided.

· Participates in staff and family protection team meetings.

· Assist in client transports to and from appointments that are deemed necessary to meet the welfare of the client.

· Assists in department activities, events, and presentations.

· Maintains department standards of strict confidentiality on all matters.

· Maintains professional and technical knowledge.

· Rotates on-call after hours and weekend coverage for emergency referrals

· Follows department policy and procedures and chain of command.

· Performs other duties as directed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work plus two years of experience related to the position and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prefer someone with current LBSW, LMSW or LCSW or equivalent. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation including a motor vehicle check. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license and be insurable under the Pueblo’s insurance.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

· Knowledge of Santa Ana Pueblo traditions, language, history and culture.

· Knowledge of the Pueblo’s judicial system.

· Knowledge of family dynamics, child development, assessment in the risks of abuse and neglect with families and children.

· Knowledge of the effects and consequences of abuse and neglect.

· Ability to prioritize workloads, maintain confidentiality, work independently and exercise judgement.

· Knowledge of case management and crisis intervention.

· Knowledge of available services to address substance abuse, health/mental health and socio-economic issues.

· Computer skills to include knowledge of Windows, Excel, Microsoft Word and other database software.

· Ability to write court reports for protective services cases.

· Ability to testify effectively in Court when required.

· Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

· Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

· Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.

· Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.

· Ability to become certified in First Aid and CPR.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Situations where extreme caution must be exercised sometimes occur when contacting individuals at home. Evening, weekend, and/or holiday work will be required.