Tribal Social Caseworker

Position Summary:

Works towards improving the quality of life for tribal members by planning, organizing, evaluating and providing the social services program of Santa Clara Pueblo.

This job description is illustrative only of the responsibilities performed by this position and is not all inclusive

• Participates in discussions with tribal leadership and other interested parties to improve conditions of tribal members;
• Interviews tribal members with problems such as personal and family adjustments, finances, employment, food, clothing, housing, and physical and mental impairments to determine nature and degree of problem;
• Secures information such as medical, psychological, and social factors contributing to the situation, and evaluates these and individual's capacities;
• Counsels tribal members individually, in family, or in other small groups regarding plans for meeting needs, and aids client to mobilize inner capacities and environmental resources to improve social functioning;
• Assists tribal members to modify attitudes and patterns of behavior by increasing understanding of self, personal problems, and tribal member's part in creating them;
• Refers clients to community resources and other organizations as required;
• Performs follow-up to determine quantity and quality of services provided and status of case;
• Secures supplementary information such as employment, medical records, or school reports;
• Appears in tribal court to provide evidence of investigation of cases;
• Communicates with outside agencies and continuing liaison with local, state, and regional agencies;
• Keeps tribal leadership informed of program activities, plans and goals through effective reporting;
• Attend meetings, workshops and training related to Social Services Program to include: Domestic Violence Training, Drug & Alcohol Counseling, Diversity Training, ; and
• Contributes to a team effort by accomplishing related results as

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Tribal, and department policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of tribal, federal, and state laws and regulations related the area of projects;
• Knowledge of theory and techniques in regards to fiscal, grant and budget preparation administration to include SCP policies pertinent to the expenditure of funds relative to the mission to include required SCP fiscal documentation;
• Knowledge of time management and the effect on one's well-being and stress level;
• Knowledge of the steps to effective conflict resolution;
• Knowledge of problem solving techniques;
• Knowledge of project evaluation procedures and processes;
• Skill in strong leadership, supervisory, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for restructuring priorities to meet changing goals or objectives;
• Skill in writing letters and reports and filling out forms for routine operations;
• Skill in collecting, grouping, organizing information;

• Skill in building group consensus to meet objectives through give and take;
• Ability to develop new insights into situations in order to improve the situation, increase efficiencies, or to mitigate safety problems;
• Ability to function as an effective team member to interact and communicate effectively with staff and tribal leadership and able to recognize changing conditions, develop alternative strategies and take appropriate action;
• Ability to be decisive and use sound reasoning to arrive at a conclusion/decision and to recognize and correct unsafe practices and conditions;
• Ability of effective listening, speaking, and writing skills;
• Ability to perform computer skills such as word processing, software applications, advanced accounting software, email, internet and spreadsheets;
• Ability to perform duties under stressful and adverse conditions, such as long work hours, and emergency situations;
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents, including policies and procedures;

• Ability to develop and recommend reporting systems for monitoring budget, grant and contract development status;
• Ability to deal with employees and community members regarding sensitive, confidential information;

• Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet project deadlines and prioritize workload; and
• Ability to set priorities and plan the sharing of limited resources needed for competing projects and analyze project performance relative to given objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• AA degree in Psychology or related field plus two years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Valid New Mexico Driver's License and insurable through the Tribe's insurance carrier;
• Must not have any DUI/DWI convictions within the last five (5) years from any Tribal, State or Federal Court;
• Must pass a background check successfully; and
• Must pass a drug/alcohol screening.

PHYSICAL/WORK ENVIORNMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly 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 stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel may be periodically required for training, meetings and presentations and incumbent may be required to work occasional nights and/or weekends.

Operating Values:

• Respect- Treats everyone with courtesy, politeness and dignity. Listens to and communicates with teammates, employees and community members in ways that build mutual and positive working relationships.
• Citizenship- Follows proper procedures and keeps appropriate records. Ensures compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Caring- Cares about and demonstrates concern for employees and community members. Builds mutually beneficial relationships with employees, vendors and community members.
• Trustworthiness- Takes actions that build confidence in department and Pueblo of Santa Clara. Demonstrates honesty and high standards of integrity in all interactions. Gains trust and confidence in relationships with teammates and employees at all levels.
• Fairness- Listens to the concerns of employees and community members. Takes specific actions to ensure the success of employees. Make decisions after careful and appropriate consideration.
• Responsibility- Takes accountability for the services provided, pursuing excellence in everything you do. Finish what you start rather than surrendering to obstacles or excuses. Continually look for ways to improve your work. Fulfill your obligations and assist in fulfilling the obligations of the Department.