Jobs

JOB TYPE: Full Time
LOCATION: HHS/Human Services/Family Services
REPORTS TO: Child Protection Supervisor
SALARY RANGE: $19.36 - $33.54

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:
This position is to reduce the number of truancies for Band families by intervention such as advocating for students, mitigating challenges with the family related to the truancy matter, and efficiently and effectively connecting students and families with resources. The Truancy Case Worker will act as the central point of contact for truancy referrals, serving as a liaison between families, schools, courts, and Family Services. The Truancy Case Worker connects with guardians and truant students and make recommendations of wider resources available to address the barriers behind repeat absences and get students back to school. The Truancy Case Worker will work to educate families on the importance of consistent attendance and excused versus unexcused absences.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Associate’s degree in education, Human Services, or related field is preferred.
• High school diploma/GED is required.
• Two years of experiences in planning and offering services to Native American children and families is required.
• Prior experience with case management is required.
• Basic understanding of truancy definitions and knowledge of basic truancy intervention.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills are required.
• Excellent computer skills in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must have driver's license.
• Must be insurable under the Mille Lacs Band Drivers Insurance policy.
• Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Minnesota Family Preservation Act.
• Maintain high standard of confidentiality.
• Must demonstrate excellent time management skills
• Basic understanding of IEPs and 504 plans for students.
• Must be able to relate effectively with adults and youth.
• Must have knowledge of child development issues.
• Must have current valid driver’s license.
• Must be insurable under the Mille Lacs Band Drivers Insurance policy.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
• Work from home may be permissible with a signed telework agreement.
• Background investigation required that shows no theft or fraud above a misdemeanor, no felony drug conviction and no sexual or crimes-against-a-person conviction at any level.
• Ability to work with all phases of community in confidential, non-judgmental manner
• A staff person with direct contact with or access to children in care must disclose the arrest, conviction, and applicant background information if that staff person:
(a) has a conviction of, has admitted to, has an adjudication of delinquency for, has been charged and is awaiting trial for, or a preponderance of the evidence indicates the person has committed:

1. a crime against a child;
2. an act of physical or sexual abuse;
3. neglect;
4. a felony;
5. the same or similar crimes as those in this subsection listed in the laws of another state or of the United States or of any Tribal law;
   (b) has a conviction of, has admitted to, has an adjudication of delinquency for, has been charged and is awaiting trial for, or a preponderance of the evidence indicates the person has committed any misdemeanor offense under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children. The Licensing Committee may evaluate the nature and time of a misdemeanor assault charge as well as other types of misdemeanor crimes not specified in this section to determine whether employment is appropriate.
   8 MLBSA § 1212(a-b).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· The Truancy Workers are responsible for interacting with truant clients on a face-to-face basis. Their duties include developing and implementing case plans, gathering and compiling information about clients, preparing progress and court reports, making referrals to appropriate community programs, and transporting clients.
· Upon referral, conduct home visits to educate guardians of options available to resolve truancy problems.
· Develop case plans and goals that are strength-based and family-oriented with guardians and students to assist in resolving truancy issues.
· Identify resources and advocate for families to receive services to assist in resolving truancy issues.
· Enters case notes regarding the families’ progress into the department data base, ensuring billing opportunities are maximized.
· Complete all documentation for truancy case files.
· Organize and track all data related to each individual case and assist with all aspects of cases including but not limited to necessary referrals, meeting coordination, transportation and follow-ups.
· The Truancy Worker will ensure all activities are performed in a manner that is consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the Mille Lacs Band and Family Services department.
· Works directly and collaboratively with administrators, school site staff, parents, students, and community service providers to develop comprehensive and inclusive strategies that promote student achievement and school attendance.
· Complete reports and attend all court hearings while encouraging family member attendance.
· Learn and adapt case work to meet the needs of the family in regard to family norms, culture and traditions.
· Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
· Work one on one with students to remove barriers and encourage positive habits.
· Attend and participate in truancy and related trainings.
· Performs assessments and screenings for ongoing services.
· Performs other related duties as assigned.
· Objectively screen for safety and appropriately determine the level of care and support.
· Provide appropriate services and referrals.
· Required to complete all documentation for billing in a timely manner
· Monitors the provision and quality of services provided to the family and provide new services/resources as needed.
· Complete case management based on Band Statute, and in accordance with state and federal law
· Respond to crisis and emergencies to support clients.
· Collaborates with other Case Managers, Probation Officers, Judges, District Attorneys, Attorneys, Teachers, Physicians, etc.
· Must be able to establish relationships with internal and external agencies and programs to facilitate joint projects, collaborations, and partnerships
· Coordinate transportation for clients as needed.
· Provide family prevention services to clients and families by collaborating with the Family Preservation Program.
· Accountable for court orders submitted, per policies and procedures.
· Available and willing to work any changes in hours on the schedule at any time during employment.
· Participate in team meetings and individual supervisory sessions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Typical hours are 8:00am-5:00pm, but worker may be required to be available to respond on weekends, holidays, crisis situations, and outside of regular business hours.
• Moderate stress level.
• Work is primarily indoors.