Tribal Family Services Advocate and Caseworker

Come work for the leading employer in the Coachella Valley. Agua Caliente offers a comprehensive benefit and compensation package that includes rich medical and dental benefits, a 401k plan with employer match, more than 3 weeks of paid time off per year for newly hired employees, and other great benefits like food and beverage discounts at our three casinos, fuel discounts, tuition and wellness reimbursement, plus much, more.

WHO ARE WE: The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in Palm Springs, California, with 32,000 acres of reservation lands that spread across Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. The Tribe currently owns and operates two 18-hole championship golf courses, 3 casinos located in Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and downtown Palm Springs, two world class spas, and a fuel station. For more information about the Tribe, visit www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

TFS Advocate and Case Worker will provide social work services and case management to Tribal children and families served by Tribal Family Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties may be assigned)

• Receive and review court notifications involving children with appropriate actions taken in the best interest of the child, in consultation with the Tribe's legal representatives.
• Provide remedial and rehabilitative services for family reunification when appropriate, or make referrals and links to outside agencies with follow-up.
• Develop and maintain case plans, treatment plans and case files on individual children and parents/caregivers.
• Prepare letters, documents and written reports for the following: to document services for grant funding and applications in regard to continued services and program planning, reports to courts and other service agencies and home studies.
• Conduct home visits, attends all court hearings and conduct case assessments for preventive services.
• Collaborate with county social workers in the prevention, investigation and follow-up of child abuse/neglect referrals involving Tribal children and families.
• On call 24 hours a day, 365 days per year for child welfare related emergencies. Must be accessible by phone or email at all times.
• Perform intakes, investigations and home assessments occasionally.
• Protect the confidentiality of Tribal families.
• Participate in consultations and meetings with California Department of Social Services, the California Tribal Families Coalition, or local and regional child welfare workgroups, at the direction of the Executive Director.
• Will utilize a trauma-informed approach to instill trust and eliminate barriers to services by providing an environment of empathy, safety, and support to ACBCI Tribal Members
• Transport clients to outside services, appointments, court hearings, and other needed activities that support Tribal Member's case plan.
• Attend all required meetings and training opportunities i.e. Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Parenting, Anger Management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

ACCESS TO SENSITIVE AREAS AND INFORMATION

• Clinical Files and confidential court records.

Signatory Ability

• None

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Social work with three (3) years direct working experience in child welfare services.
• Direct working knowledge and experience with children and families involved in the child welfare system or at risk of entering the system due to abuse/neglect problems.
• Knowledge of state and tribal child welfare services.
• Knowledgeable of Tribal, Federal laws and State laws pertaining to children and child welfare, including the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the federal regulations and state laws implementing ICWA.
• Familiarity with the judicial system of state and tribal courts, particularly juvenile court proceedings.
• Knowledge of family dynamics, child development, assessment in the risks of abuse and neglect with families and children.
• Ability to prioritize workloads, maintain confidentiality, works independently and upon own initiative.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with the Tribal community and the general public.
• Be able to communicate professionally and effectively, using both verbal and written skills.
• Have strong organizational skills and maintain records, files and detailed delivered service logs.
• Be experienced using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, and Outlook in an effective manner and with no supervision.
• Be energetic, forward thinking and practice from a trauma informed perspective with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image.
• Possess knowledge and understanding of local Tribal communities including cultural values and beliefs, history, family systems and community
• Have a valid class C driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to stand, move and work throughout the office area and properties, including walking up to 1 miles, climbing, stairs and sitting at a desk/work station for the duration of the shift. Also, may be subjected to a smoke-filled environment.

Typically, the individual will be housed in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must be able to grasp, bend, lift and /or carry otherwise move goods weighing a minimum of 25lbs. on an intermittent basis, and sufficient dexterity of hand in order to use office equipment including, but not limited to: a computer keyboard, calculator, general office equipment and multi-line telephone