Female Traditional Support Worker

Job Code: 21-1093                                                      Salary:  $15.02 - $21.71 

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt                                 Location:  Community Service Bldg.

Department: Social Services Division                      Reports To: ICWA Program Manager 

Telecommute: Yes                                                        Fleet: Yes

SUMMARY: The Traditional Support Worker reports to the Indian Child Welfare Act Program Manager (ICWA) and is responsible for initiating, organizing, planning, developing, and implementing, activities associated with the native culture, specifically Mohawk.  Will work closely with and collaborate with other cultural efforts in the community as well as community cultural experts and elders, for assigned young people, their families, and staff, throughout the Departments to include; Preventive/Foster Care Services, Child Protective Children Services/Family Assessment Response (FAR), Adult Protective Services, Intensive Preventive Program (IPP), ICWA and the Akwesasne Group Home (AGH).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Contact the family in the manner that meets the family’s preference to obtain the family history and assist in determining the family’s strengths, needs and goals to provide advocacy, support, and education.
• Support families in developing the skills necessary to facilitate the growth, development, and overall well-being of their children. 
• Ensure that cultural activities coincide with the needs of the family/youth as defined by the Service Plan and Caseworker.  Be prepared to identify the family’s changing needs and interests.
• Provide services to families that live outside the community that receive services through ICWA, assist in building their cultural knowledge, identity, and connection to the community. 
• Plan organize and implement cultural teachings on a weekly/bi-weekly, and individual bases with youth and their families, consisting of a holistic approach, which would encompass, language, spiritual, ceremonial, recreational, and historical elements.
• Utilize community resources to implement cultural activities, such as ceremonies at the longhouse, community cultural activities such as socials, singers, craft activities, elders, and traditional leaders of the community, to implement teachings of the Kanienkehaka, and other nations as needed. 
• Assist youth and families in identifying resources or persons who can develop continued support, beyond services and develop linkages to those community resources persons.
• Accurately complete the monthly reports of activities, goals, statistics, and accomplishments, submit them to the ICWA Program Manager by designated deadline.
• Attend Staff development trainings as required.
• Participate in quarterly reviews of each youth's Service Plan as needed and/or scheduled by the caseworker.
• Participate in the child/family team and other related meetings at the family’s request. This includes but is not limited to development and coordination of the family team and the development and implementation of the service plan to meet the youth/family goals and objectives 
• Work collaboratively as a liaison between the family and systems such as the mental health system, schools, and social services to ensure that families are receiving services. 
• Will always Promote SRMT in a positive manner.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information and personal files maintained within Social Service Division, we must always maintain strict confidentiality.

EDUCATION and /or EXPERIENCE: 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND
• 1-year of experience working with youth.

OTHER SKILLS and/or ABILITIES:  Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with ability to effectively liaison with caseworkers. Must be able to work independently and responsibly in multi-tasking situations.  Knowledge of Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) culture/traditional practices, customs, and language, and possibly other American Indian, First Nations cultural traditions and teachings.  Able to work closely with troubled adolescents and their families; Utilize best practice standards in working with families, such as Trauma informed care and Person-centered care; Interact professionally with various agencies and the school system; Able to work closely and communicate professionally within a large staff. Basic computer knowledge; understand and adhere to strict principles of confidentiality.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to express ideas and use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driver abstract in accordance with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Fleet Policy.

The successful candidate must pass a test for illegal substances prior to employment being confirmed. 

The successful candidate must pass a criminal background check, as well as a State Central Registry Clearance prior to employment.