Tribal Social Worker

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

Tribal Family Services (TFS) Social Worker will provide direct services to Tribal children, families, dependent adults, and elders served by TFS. Services include but are not limited to assessing needs, providing resources, resolving immediate/crisis situations, case management, investigative and intervention services regarding suspected abuse and/or neglect. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties may be assigned)

• Manage referrals and investigate suspected child abuse/neglect and dependent adult/elder suspected abuse/neglect.
• Work collaboratively with Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services to co-investigate and manage cases.
• Develop and maintain case plans, treatment plans and case files on individual children, parents/caregivers, and dependent adults/elders.
• Complete documentation for scope of work within appropriate time frame. Conduct home visits, supervised visitation, child and family team meetings, case planning, and attend/participate in court hearings as necessary.
• On-call for child welfare related emergencies. Must be accessible by phone or email as scheduled.
• 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 Director.
• 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 Members’ case plan.
• Attend weekly team meetings and trainings as appropriate for scope of work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

ACCESS TO SENSITIVE AREAS AND INFORMATION

• Client Files and confidential court records.

Signatory Ability

• None

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field and three (3) years direct working experience in adult or child welfare services. Masters Degree in Social Work preferred.
• Direct working knowledge and experience with children and families involved in the child welfare system or at risk of entering the system due to child abuse/neglect.
• Knowledge of or willing to learn Tribal, Federal, 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 or dependency 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, and work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team.
• 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 effectively.
• Work from a trauma-informed perspective with high ethical standards and appropriate professional conduct.
• 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 ½ 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.