Social / Community Services Coordinator

Position Summary: The Social / Community Services Coordinator will be have the primary responsibility to assist in the oversight of the funded programs under the Social / Community Services Department which include, but are not limited to, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department for Social Services (DSS), Family Spirit, the Community Activities program (CAP), the NCIDC grant and any other projects / funding sources that support the Social / Community Services Department, once qualified. The Social / Community Services Coordinator will provide general intake and referral services for all tribal social service needs and collaborate with Tribal, County, and private agencies to ensure that tribal families have access to needed services. The Social / Community Services Coordinator will collaborate closely with other Social Services Department staff, the Deputy Tribal Administrator, and partners to provide timely and thorough monthly reports to the Tribal Administrator and Tribal Council.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the duties performed by this position once trained and qualified to do so and is not all-inclusive. Each classification may not be assigned all duties listed, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: The Social / Community Services Coordinator job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Processing ICWA Notices in a timely manner.
• Completing ICWA reporting by deadlines established by BIA with a copy to Supervisor
• Accompanying Child Protective service workers during ICWA investigations when requested.
• Assuring that county child welfare staff are providing culturally appropriate active efforts in prevention of child removal and toward reunification, should removal be necessary for the immediate safety of the child.
• Represent the Tribe in state court at every hearing.
• Complete home assessment of homes for placement of tribal children.
• Keep Tribal Council informed throughout the process and utilize their input and direction on how to represent them in each case.
• Keep a thorough and confidential case file for each ICWA case.
• Work in coordination with our social service providers/partners to establish quality services related to those available from the BSR Community Resource Center and BSR Family Services Center.
• Provide general intake and referral services for all tribal social service needs and collaborate with Tribal, County, and private agencies to ensure that tribal families have access to needed services.
• Assure that all BSR social service programs provide support activities for tribal members.
• Support coordination of Mandatory Child Abuse Report training, as well as community training such as Car Seat Safety, Sexual Abuse awareness and any other classes with the goal of preventing child maltreatment.
• Assist in the oversight of all departmental related grants and their respective compliance, outcomes, reports, presentations, communications with partners and tribal members in times of need, as well as the Foster Child Support Program.
• All other duties as assigned.

JOB POSITION REQUIRES:

• A background in social, human service or behavioral sciences or related field or working knowledge and/or 2 years experience in the Big Sandy Social Service Department.
• Agreement to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and background check prior to employment.
• Familiarity with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, as well as the California Child Welfare system and Juvenile Court proceedings.
• Knowledge, experience, or special interest in American Indian Culture.
• Strong, respectful communication, both verbal and written.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Having sensitivity to the Native American culture, tradition and BSR communitys needs.
• Proficient writing and organization skills.
• Ability to organize, maintain and submit records and reports.
• Having a good understanding and working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications.
• The ability to work independently and support a team environment.
• The ability to present information one-on-one, to small groups and to the BSR community on an as needed basis.
• Valid California Drivers License and be insurable to drive.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required. Travel may be required.

PREFERENCE IN HIRING:

Preference in hiring is given to qualified American Indian in accordance with Indian Preference Act. Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification or Indian heritage documentation certified by Tribe of affiliation or Bureau of Indian Affairs.