Social Worker I (legal Services)

Definition

**IF YOU PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR THIS POSITION, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION**

Under general supervision from the Legal Services Office (LSO) Managing Attorney, performs professional social casework services in a program within the legal Services Office. This position is responsible for meeting with children to aid the Guardian Ad Litem in making well informed recommendations. This job class is treated as FLSA Non-Exempt.

Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among position and may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Distinguishing Features: The LSO Social Worker carries a heavy caseload that will be composed of difficult or complex cases. This position differs from the Social Worker I in HHS by having a focus on the child who the Guardian ad Litem from Legal Services is appointed to, whereas the position within HHS manages the case from a broader perspective.

Examples of Tasks

Tasks:
1. Responds to requests from the GAL (Guardian ad Litem) to assist in evaluating the wellbeing of children appointed by the court.

• Conducts collaborative interviews and contacts all interested parties to gather information.
• Makes home visits to ensure that the environment of the child is safe and free from harm.
• Evaluates the child's behavior in relation to their environment, parents, guardians and other children to help in monitoring and determining if recommendations for various services should be rendered.
• Provides ongoing assessment of families and is responsible for attending court hearings as needed and writing court reports that reflect the child's status.
• Ensures that court orders are being followed.

2. Ensures that proper documentation is available and easily retrievable for cases appointed by the Court.

• Maintains current and comprehensive case files that include assessments, case plans and other case file documentation to aid the GAL in making recommendations to the Court.
• Inputs data in LSO case management software and maintains accurate statistical data using the computerized database.
• Prepares concise and descriptive reports from observations to aid the GAL in getting a comprehensive understanding of the case.

3. Participates in weekly staff meetings.

• Discusses issues or cases that require additional input and planning.
• Provides input on alternative solutions to issues to ensure the greatest benefit for the child.
• Helps to maintain an environment within the Legal Services Office that encourages teamwork, interdependence and ethical behavior.

4. Attends professional development meetings and training as directed by immediate supervisor.

• Keeps professionally current with the field of social work.
• Participates in training opportunities that enhance professional knowledge of tribal case management, child abuse and neglect.

5. Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance departmental and program operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, rules, customs, and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws, rules, regulations and standards that apply to public social service programs.
• Knowledge of social work principles and concepts.
• Knowledge of social work methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of behavioral patterns of children.

• Skill in counseling individuals, families, or other groups.
• Skill in case management, including planning, scheduling, and time management.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other social work professionals, SRPMIC co-workers, Community officials, and clients.
• Skill in evaluating customer needs and utilizing SRPMIC resources or other appropriate referrals to meet client needs.
• Skill in dealing with sensitive, personal issues and maintaining appropriate professional, confidential relationships.

• Ability to make home visits and provide alternative solutions in order to meet client needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate record-keeping systems and procedures, including computerized record-keeping.
• Ability to work under pressure, with multiple task deadlines.
• Ability to use personal computers, related software, and other standard office equipment, such as facsimile, photocopier, and calculator.
• Ability to drive SRPMIC vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in Social Work or closely related area and experience equivalent to one to three (1-3) full-time professional level work in the social services field. One (1) year of supervised internship from an accredited college/university can be counted toward the experience requirements.

• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

• Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Special Requirements

Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of this position, successful completion of an extensive background investigation is required.

• May be required to working evenings and weekends with some occasional travel.
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the "Community Code of Ordinances", Chapter 11, "Minors", Article X. "Investigation of Persons Working With Children".
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified : Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted .

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.