AFS Victims Shelter Assistant

* This is a grant funded position; therefore, the duration of this position is subject to the guidelines outlined in the grant.

SUMMARY

The Anishinaabek Family Services (AFS) Victim's Shelter Assistant, under the direction of Victim's Shelter Coordinator/Program Director, is responsible for providing a variety of professional non-clinical day-to-day operations of the Victim's Shelter home. This position is responsible for daily operations of the shelter and safety of residents on assigned shifts, which may include day, evening and night shifts, weekends, holidays, and as needed. This position is responsible for all services for tribal members who are survivors of crimes that have resulted in the need to be housed/sheltered within a safe/transitional house through OVC Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program. This position is responsible for assisting tribal members with shelter, coordinating clients with victims' advocates, helping clients maintain safety and stability for themselves and their children. This position carries a caseload consisting of direct client services, support, advocacy, multi-agency liaison, community support and resources, case management, prevention, and intervention according to the Grand Traverse Band (GTB) Codes, personnel policies, departmental policies and procedures; and local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• A minimum of one year experience of case management required.
• A minimum of one year work or volunteer experience in a human service-related field required.
• A minimum of one year direct experience in an emergency shelter, group home, or homeless services management required.
• A minimum of one year experience in prevention and the provision of services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and victims of crime required.
• Must have a valid unrestricted Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

• Welcome new residents, completing intake and orientation; clearly outline shelter services and expectations.
• Complete shift duties and walk-throughs thoroughly and twice each shift.
• Complete household cleaning tasks to supplement professional cleaning services; clean and prepare home after resident exits.
• Ensure clients, volunteers, and partners are properly escorted within the facility.
• Monitor and maintain high standards of physical safety in the shelter with weekly inspection reports, accident reports, investigation reports, and compliance with all safety regulations; regularly report any health and safety hazards, work closely with supervisors, and other interested parties to review task completion and proper documentation.
• Oversee the inventory of assigned equipment.
• 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 digital client files according to departmental policies and procedures; program, funding source, local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements.
• 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 Personal Protection Orders (PPO).
• Evaluate office, client living environments, and community-based situations for client and/or worker safety and follow best practices when working in a potentially dangerous or volatile environment.
• 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 Tribal programs and/or other agencies to provide services for mutual clients.
• Mandated reporting to supervisor and authorities.
• Assist with preparation, coordination, and facilitation of education and support groups; serve on projects and committees as assigned.
• 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, Anishinaabek Family Services (AFS), and Behavioral Health Services (BHS) 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 support and demonstrate zero tolerance for domestic violence, sexual assault, and dating violence.
• 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 active 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

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Family Studies, or related field preferred.
• A minimum of one year experience of case management required.
• A minimum of one year work or volunteer experience in a human service-related field required.
• A minimum of one year direct experience in an emergency shelter, group home, or homeless services management required.
• A minimum of one year experience in prevention and the provision of services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and victims of crime required.

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 Victims Shelter Assistant Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians