Adult Protective Service (APS) Social Worker

ICW / Vulnerable Adults. This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses 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.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The APS Social Worker position is designed to protect vulnerable Tribal elders, families and community from abuse and neglect. The APS Social Worker will support elders, vulnerable adults, and others with disabilities to achieve their maximum level of health and independence within the Tribal community through a holistic, team-based approach to wellness. The Social Worker conducts client assessments, oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of the client's individual service care plan and coordinates with the client's care team to ensure client is making progress towards their goals. The Social Worker helps to build systems of support for clients through strategic Tribal, outer agency and program partnerships, training, and education for client's families and service providers.

This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, client and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills and outstanding client service to fellow employees, clients, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required. A professional attitude and appearance are expected.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following responsibilities are intended to be representative of the duties performed within this position classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed as needed in the performance of the position.

• Conducts investigations into allegations of abandonment, abuse, neglect, personal exploitation, financial exploitation, self-neglect of vulnerable individuals, and those with disabilities within the Tribal community.
• Ongoing case management to individuals at high risk of institutionalization or to those adults whose need for ongoing services.
• Provide Case Management Services to include but not limited to evaluation, intake, assessments and Individual service care plans for adults who are managing mental illness, disabilities, or have experienced elder abuse or neglect.
• Utilize evidence-based and culturally competent practices that engage client family and support systems to develop service care plans for each client, based on intake, evaluation, assessment and identified care goals.
• Outside Agency and Interdepartmental collaboration with providers, programs and support services in a multi-disciplinary approach to support client needs in a holistic manner.
• Provide referrals and coordination of required services to assist clients care needs.
• Work with Tribal programs and community groups to implement preventative and rehabilitative social services programs, independent living skills and activities.
• Complete all documentation including required forms, diagnostic records, and progress notes in a timely manner in accordance with all applicable laws and requirements for case management.
• Follow all applicable procedures and adhere to all state, federal, local and Tribal laws.
• Adhere to internal policies and procedures, meet current regulatory requirements and social work principles, ethics, and best practices.
• Prepares case file documentation and reports.
• Consults with and makes referrals to appropriate law enforcement agencies and other social services programs and agencies.
• Requests protection orders or guardianship for vulnerable adults; collaborates with Office of Tribal Attorney and Court Advocate on vulnerable adult cases; prepares and provides testimony at court proceedings.
• Serves as program liaison between the Tribe, and community, social service, educational, law enforcement, medical, and judicial agencies and other programs or outside agencies as needed or required.
• Investigates and evaluates complaint information and determines degree of risk (e.g., information only; low, moderate, or high risk of abuse and / or neglect).
• Ensures security and confidentiality of all data in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Ability to learn Tribal culture, ways of being, and alternative ways of healing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

SUPERVISION

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of :

Skill in :

Ability to :

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and / or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and / or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.