Family Advocate I

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Family Advocate II and the indirect supervision of the Site Manager, the Family Advocate will provide direct participant services to all participants in the Shingle Springs Tribal TANF Program (SSTTP), including eligibility determination, continuous case management and helping participants gain access to all services allowable under Federal and State regulations, supporting employment and becoming self-sufficient.  The Family Advocate applies the principles, knowledge, and practice of professional social work to provide culturally relevant social diagnosis, treatment, research, consultation, and preventive social service programs for individuals and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Uses social case work, therapy techniques, administration, community organization, consultation, teaching, research, planning, health education and welfare services to assist eligible participants.


2. Conducts and participates in research appropriate to professional training and expertise.


3. Develops and maintains an active information program designed to apprise the community of their social need and the resources available to assist with these problems.


4. Understands and is proficient in Federal Tribal TANF program regulations, the SSTTP Plan and the SSTTP Policies and Procedures.


5. Conducts initial participant intake interviews, conducts annual recertification’s, and updates case information as changes occur for eligibility requirements. Maintains communication with participants regarding determination status.


6. Determines case family eligibility, including gathering required verification pertaining to income, resources, expenses, etc.


7. Facilitates orientation for new participants.


8. Calculates and processes participants’ monthly grants and supportive services.


9. Develops and updates individual participants’ Wellness Plan to assess and evaluate employability of participants, taking into consideration work history, skills, strengths, education and training, interests, and current barriers.


10. Develops and updates individual participants’ Compliance Plan to avoid sanctions, supportive service denials, and case closure.


11. Completes Fraud Report when fraud is suspected and submits report to Site Manager and Quality Assurance Officer.


12. Case staffing for the following: Employment, Education, Wellness and Compliance Plans.


13. Maintains required documentation of participants’ services and daily program activities by entering case management data into the software system and maintaining both electronic & hardcopy files.


14. Cross trains with other Tribal TANF team positions.


15. Communicates regularly with participants through in-person meetings, telephone, email and standard mail.


16. Maintains ongoing case family assessments, employment plans, job and resource referrals, progress monitoring, supportive services requirements, problem solving, job or other work activity monitoring and support/encouragement.


17. Assists participants in accessing resources.


18. Participates in case consultations with participants and other organizations to determine the best needs and services for the participants.


19. Determines when assessment tools are needed; administers or recommends appropriate assessments and in-house referrals.


20. May facilitate workshops or classes for participants and or general public.


21. Provides information to participants, community organizations and the general public about the SSTTP.


22. Conducts periodic home visits to determine needs of the participants.


23. Provides various support to other TANF departments as needed.


24. May be required to adjust schedule to support TANF events.


25. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. AA Degree in Social Services and/or two (2) years of relevant case management experience.


2. Four (4) years case management experience in Tribal TANF Program can suffice for Education requirement.


3. Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.


4. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and occasionally on short notice in response to crisis situations.


5. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.


6. Ability to organize work and time; establish priorities; work under pressure and meet deadlines.


7. Must work well with Native Americans (Families) with an understanding of social and cultural needs of the native community.


8. Must comprehend, interpret, and apply program policies, procedures, guidelines, and instructions through formal and on-the-job training.


9. Must possess the ability to learn and apply interviewing and investigative techniques.


10. Must communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms of communication, including writing reports, business correspondence, and give (provide) presentations.


11. Must maintain composure and use diplomacy and tact when dealing with program participants.


12. Must possess the ability to interpret and apply program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, while making initial and continuing eligibility determinations within strict time frames.


13. Ability to analyze and accurately classify types of employment, income resources, expenses and other variables surrounding a household composition.


14. May require valid, unrestricted California Driver’s License and qualify for the Tribe’s vehicle insurance.

NATIVE PREFERENCE

Preference in hiring is given to either the most qualified applicant or a Native American candidate who meets the minimum qualifications. When two (2) or more Native American candidates have comparable qualifications, the following order of preference shall apply: (1) Members of Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; (2) Spouses or domestic partners (certified through Tribal Court) of members of Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; (3) Parents of children of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; (4) All other documented Native Americans; (5) All other applicants in accordance with Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473. Applicants claiming Native preference must submit verification of Indian eligibility.