Jobs

JOB TYPE: Full Time
LOCATION: HHS/Family Services
REPORTS TO: Family Preservation Program Manager
SALARY RANGE: $24.74 - $36.15

Any individual who receives an offer of employment or will receive a payroll check are required to submit to a drug and alcohol test as a condition of obtaining employment.
Mille Lacs Band Member/American Indian preference applies

SUMMARY:
The Family Preservation Support Specialist will provide hands-on assistance and education in a variety of areas relating to family functioning. These areas may include parenting, communication skills, home environment, personal hygiene, nutrition and meal planning, employment, budgeting and school issues/attendance and recreation. Some assistance with transportation may be necessary. The target population to be served are those families and children involved with Family Services, referred to Family Preservation program and who meet the eligibility standards. Services may be provided within the context of a in-home based family preservation program that utilizes a strengths-based, solution-focused model. In directing more resources toward preventing out-of-home placement from occurring, this position works to keep more families safe and together.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• High School Diploma or GED required and some experience in the Human Services or related field.
• Two-year degree and at least one year of experience in the Human Services or related field is preferred.
• Experience as a support aide or service delivery to children and families in a public, private, or tribal program is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act.
• Knowledge and experience working with Native American communities, culture, customs, and cultural law.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn and train in motivational interviewing, building rapport with families and keen use of observational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• In lieu of education, special consideration to include experience. A minimum of 2 years of experience in child welfare or human services-related field.
• Must have a current valid Minnesota Driver’s license.
• Must be insurable under the Mille Lacs Band Drivers Insurance policy.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
• Must pass a background check.
• As a mandated reporter, one must understand the process and assessment parameters of mandated reporting.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Offer support services in the homes of family preservation clients, children at risk of out-of-home placement, and families who need specific support services.
• Case Management services are offered on a voluntary basis to assist families during a family crisis and to help build self-sufficiency.
• Child Abuse Prevention services are provided throughout the community and within the family to promote & build positive family relationships.
• Family Education services are available so families may learn the necessary skills to cope with issues that negatively affect their lives and strengthen the family unit.
• Individual and Family Counseling services are a resource that is used to help reduce conflicts affecting family functioning and well-being.
• Truancy Intervention services are implemented to help youth overcome attendance barriers and be successful in school.
• Participate in case plan development and implementation to carry out specific goal achievement.
• Identify and work with family needs, challenges, and strengths.
• Provide transportation to family preservation clients as needed. Manage complex transportation schedule and receive delegation of assignments from leadership, understand that transport may run past 5pm, support specialists are expected to have a back-up plan and expected to offer support at reasonable requests.
• Assists Program Manager and Social Workers with various typing and documentation requirements as directed by supervisor. Assisting in collecting medical, treatment plans, probation records, IEPs, and other documentation of information for social workers. Including obtaining signatures on paperwork.
• Assisting clients with registering for Medical Assistance, Circle of Health, or other paperwork they may need help with in preparing required forms and documents. Including obtaining signatures on documentation.
• Attend required training sessions and meetings as directed.
• Respond to client inquiries, as directed by leadership, by means of over the phone, in writing, through email or text message, and/or in person, whichever delivery is necessary to ensure client is answered.
• Assists the Child and Family with monitoring Family Preservation caseload.
• Monitors and observes families’ interactions and prepares un-biased case note summaries. This position is expected to intervene in situations when necessary to ensure safety.
• Assess the need for and obtain resources for the children and families eligible for family preservation.
• Attend review meetings or related case support meetings for family preservation clients as necessary.
• Maintain case progress notes, case files, records, logs, and documentation in conjunction with the social workers assigned to the case.
• Must maintain data in the records management system. Ensure that client information is current and up to date. The files are accurate and in compliance with the department standard.
• Comply with Band and Child Protection Statutes, MN DHS, and MN DCYF Family Preservation guidelines.
• Contact with clients in the community and office.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• The nature of work is such that the incumbent may experience periods of moderate to high-stress levels while dealing with children, family members, and family services staff.
• Work varies from outside activities to indoors in a controlled climate area.
• Moderate threat of personal danger or risk.
• Hours will vary and based on clients’ needs. Hours range from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with occasional work on holidays and weekends. May be needed on emergency situations that require being on standby or on call. On-call hours may be scheduled for coverage during Band events for emergent and crisis situations.
• Will involve working with many different people who are often distressed in some way.
• Local travel is required; travel outside the state is very limited.