Human Services Investigator

The position is located in Sells, AZ.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, provides investigative, protective and case management services.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Depending on area of assignment, incumbent may not be required to perform some of the duties listed below):

• Conducts intake assessments to evaluate a child's and/or Adults physical and psychological well-being.
• Arranges for the provision of preventive services, including counseling, parenting or care skills training for children and/or elderly adults and their families who are "at risk" for abuse and neglect.
• Works with dysfunctional families; provides counseling to children and/or elderly adults and families to prevent removal of children and/or elderly adults from home, facilitate family re-unification, and adjustments to changes in their home situation.
• Plans for child's and/or elderly adult's care, behavior modifications, counseling or rehabilitation as needed.
• Accesses community services for information; refers children and/or elderly adults, parents, or guardians to Community resources to meet the needs of the children.
• Investigates home conditions to protect children and/or elderly adults from harmful environments; makes decisions in emergency situations in order to meet the needs of the child and/or elderly adult.
• May recruit and certify eligible families as foster parents by evaluating home environment and character of adoption applicants to determine suitability of home and applicants.
• May place children in foster or adoptive homes, institutions or medical treatment centers according to the needs of the child.
• Coordinates children and/or elderly adults and families treatment plans; develops case plans and maintains accurate and timely case records.
• Produces court reports and testifies or appears in court as needed.
• Transports children and/or elderly adults to scheduled activities and appointments.
• Maintains regular communication and planning with Supervisor to ensure that all objectives for investigations and administrative procedures are achieved.
• Places adults in institutions or medical treatment centers according to the needs of the adult.
• Maintains professional knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of the economic, educational, health and social problems of Native Americans.
• Knowledge of Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and or Tohono O'odham Adult Protection Ordinance, depending on area of assignment.
• Knowledge of Tohono O'odham civil codes as it relates to children and/or elderly adults in need of care.
• Knowledge of Tohono O'odham judicial system.
• Knowledge of family dynamics and relationships.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skill in making effective decisions in emergency situations.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to travel long distances throughout the Tohono O'odham Nation.
• Ability to conduct interviews and investigations, consider facts and present plausible solutions.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or closely related field and one year of work experience in social work, law enforcement or family assistance programs, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.