AFS Caseworker

SUMMARY

The Anishinaabek Family Services (AFS) Caseworker, under the direction of the AFS Supervisor, is responsible for overseeing a variety of professional assignments to provide direct services, case management, prevention, and intervention to socially and/or economically disadvantaged individuals, specifically tribal children and their families. This position carries a caseload consisting of direct services for child and family support according to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA); Grand Traverse Band (GTB) Codes, personnel policies, departmental policies and procedures; and local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements. This position involves improving access to health services, providing individual assistance, information and resources, advocacy to increase the education, outreach, and enrollment of children and families in a variety of local, state, federal, and tribal social services. This position serves as back-up for Adult Protective Services Caseworker and Child Protective Services Caseworker functions to ensure continuity of care for clients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Family Studies, or related field required.
• A minimum of two years' experience in a social services field, specifically working with children and their families in a social services field, required.
• A minimum of one year experience working in a field of child welfare required.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assure that the safety and well-being of the client, community member, staff, and volunteers is the highest priority.
• Respond to critical situations, provide crisis support to clients within established or defined timeframes.
• Knowledge of and adherence to the Grand Traverse Band Codes, Indian Child Welfare Act, the Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act, department policies and procedures, local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements and work within best practices.
• Maintain current certifications in CPR, First Aid, Recipient Rights, and Mental Health First Aid as appropriate.
• Maintain regular contact with assigned clients and/or families in accordance with the program guidelines.
• Develop and maintain digital client files according to departmental policies and procedures; program, funding source, local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements.
• Assess the strengths and needs of clients and their families and, with client and/or family input, develop an initial case service plan with a treatment plan, safety plan as needed, and an aftercare treatment plan.
• Ongoing assessment of client progress, needs, and barriers; completion of updates service and treatment plans and court reports.
• Make recommendations to the court regarding case services and plans.
• Review behavioral, medical, and educational needs of each client under the jurisdiction of the court, and/or receiving prevention services within established or defined timelines.
• Provide in-home supportive services, education, community resources, referrals, and other social service interventions to clients and their families.
• Serve as client advocate by working with courts, hospitals, nursing homes, foster homes, law enforcement, protective services, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and other local, state, federal, or tribal services.
• Assist clients and/or their families in petitioning for Guardian and Conservatorships.
• Evaluate office, client living environments, and community-based situations for client and/or worker safety and follow best practices when working in a potentially volatile environment.
• Prepare and file court petitions in protective services and in-home care cases according to local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements.
• Locate appropriate resources and make appropriate referrals, assist clients and/or their families with completing forms for various local, state, federal, and tribal social services.
• Coordinate with other departments and outside agencies or organizations for social service programs to provide outreach to clients and their families to maximize operational effectiveness, services, and support to the community and public served.
• Work closely with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and/or other agencies to provide services for mutual clients.
• Assist in investigations of child, elder, and vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, and allegations in coordination with supervisor, prosecutor, law enforcement, courts, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and other staff and agencies as needed.
• Provide specialized knowledge and case consultation according to the ICWA, MIFPA; GTB Codes, personnel policies, department policies and procedures; local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements.
• Attend and testify in court hearings as required.
• Provide transportation when needed.
• Mandated reporting to supervisor and authorities.
• Prepare, coordinate, facilitate education, support groups, and/or informational articles to the community, other departments; and/or serve on projects and committees as assigned.
• Administer breathalyzer tests and drug screens as needed.
• Complete program specific paperwork, itineraries, logs; monthly, quarterly, annual narrative and statistical reports as needed and/or required within established or defined timeframe.
• Participate in staff meetings, team meetings, case related activities such as case consultations, court hearings, pre-hearing conferences, in-service trainings, etc.
• Knowledge of and adherence to the highest level of confidentiality on all matters involving clients and families being served or visiting Human Services, AFS, and Behavioral Health Services offices, as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations 42 Part 2, Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA), the GTB Codes, Personnel Policy, and/or other regulatory agency.
• Other duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be able to handle, and/or redirect potentially hostile clients, family members, and/or other inappropriate adversarial situations.
• Must be able to work in high stress environment, handle difficult situations, and maintain objectivity.
• Must be able to establish appropriate boundaries with clients and families.
• Knowledge of crimes of identity theft, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action; use judgment and emotional intelligence in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures to use, and/or follow in determining which of several established alternatives to use.
• Recognize problems or deviations from normal procedures and consult with supervisors to create a plan and/or solution; situations not covered by precedents or guidelines are referred to a supervisor.
• Demonstrate, according to the seven grandfather teachings, a commitment to cultural programming by learning of cultural teachings, participating in, and coordinating cultural activities for clients, providing continuous support for the enhancement of the culture, language, and traditions.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of others, open-minded to individuals' needs, situation, and specific background and/or culture.
• Demonstrate listening skills, such that the clients' needs, issues and/or problems are heard and addressed.
• Must be able to travel; must be flexible and available to work various shifts, on-call, after hours, weekends, and holidays on a rotating and/or emergency basis.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, have excellent oral and written verbal communication skills with a diverse range of audiences and settings, with the ability to prepare clear, concise, thorough, meaningful, and grammatically correct written reports and/or other written documents.
• Must have good time management, prioritization, follow-up, follow-through, and organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage workload to meet goals and needs in a timely manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a professional and courteous manner, sustaining professionalism under duress, and maintaining positive working relationships and communication with internal and external contacts.
• Proficiency in computers using Microsoft® Windows Operating System, Office Suite, and Outlook; Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) and proper use of other office equipment.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Family Studies, or related field required.
• A minimum of two years' experience in a social services field, specifically working with children and their families in a social services field, required.
• A minimum of one year experience working in a field of child welfare required.
• Current Social Work License through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Office, preferred.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory responsibilities required.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment such as computers, copiers, fax machine, phone system, etc.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Involves sedentary work, with some lifting, reaching, walking, and lifting heavy objects, up to 50 pounds. Also requires manual dexterity to operate office equipment, keyboarding, etc. Should have corrected normal range of hearing and sight.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• The work environment could present out-of-the-ordinary job risks; there could be a risk for the safety of the worker and clients. There could be a risk of liability against the worker due to the nature of the position and clientele.
• During the delivery of services, you may be working with clients who may have HIV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, as well as other infectious diseases.
• Some assignments will involve clients who are or were victims of crime, recovering from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse with the potential to exhibit violent, suicidal, or abusive behaviors.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office environment with anticipated automobile travel for client visits in the six-county service area. Some work to be performed in the three GTB satellite offices (Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Benzie). Position may require flexible schedule, events, conferences, and trainings outside normal working hours.
• May also provide services at schools, in hospitals, jails, and other locations in the six county service areas. At times, these services are provided collaboratively with other internal and external professionals.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy regarding confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for AFS Caseworker Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians