Job Description:

Job Title: Family Services Advocate

Closing Date: 03/21/2025

DEADLINE:  Attach any required documents, i.e., Transcripts, Certificates, diploma and Motor Vehicle Record, to your online application by midnight on the closing date.  Late Applications or documents will not be considered.

Job Number: 25-305

Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Tribal Education Department/Head Start Program

City: Sacaton, AZ

Location:  280 S. Ocotillo Rd. (Early Education Child Care Center)

Area of Interest: Education

Salary/ Hourly Rate: $38,709.60 - $57,909.60 Salary

Tribal Driving Permit Required: Yes

Year Round Position – No Contract

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Family Services Advocate will assist families requiring social, educational, medical, or financial services. The Family Services Advocate will assist in identifying problems to determine services needed and refer families to appropriate service agency.  This position is responsible for considerable contact with families within the Community, community resource agencies, and the public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Interview individuals to determine family needs and refer them to appropriate community agency for services.

·         Assist in developing family service plans after assessing need for services.

·         Act as a liaison on behalf of the family when referrals are made to community service agencies.

·         Create and update computer database of family files, record contact with families, and maintain records required for follow up.

·         Encourage families to utilize community resources, services, and activities.

·         Maintain current files of community resources and make information available on how families can obtain such services.

·         Arrange and schedule appointments with community resources and services in accordance with family service plans.

·         Assist families in filling out applications for social, educational, medical, and financial services.

·         Recruit families for program participation through developing and distributing public materials and posting of flyers.

·         Provide emergency assistance through Community Services, Crisis Intervention and other identified emergency providers.

·         Arrange for delivery of emergency food boxes and placement of children and/or families in emergency shelters, when necessary.

·         Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

·         Knowledge of the Gila River Indian Community culture, laws, rules, customs and traditions.

·         Knowledge of social service agencies available within the Gila River Indian Community.

·         Knowledge of the socio-economic impact of low-income families.

·         Knowledge of confidential record keeping and maintaining files methods and practices.

·         Knowledge of family-based systems.

·         Skill in interviewing and orienting individuals and their families.

·         Skill in case management, including planning, scheduling, and time management.

·         Ability to understand some of the O'odham and/or Pee Posh culture and language.

·         Ability to interpret resource guidelines/regulations and communicate accurate information to families.

·         Ability to perform initial and ongoing assessments on a family social needs.

·         Ability to maintain heavy workload and prioritize.

·         Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

·         Ability to work irregular hours in order to provide support to families.

·         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the public.

·         Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED and one (1) year experience working with families or children (infant to 5 years of age), either as a volunteer or employee in Preschool or Head Start environment.

Credential in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field must be obtained within eighteen (18) months of hire.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Copy of current Fingerprint Clearance Card must be provided when applying for this position and must be maintained throughout employment.

·         Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment. Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly.

·         Current Food Handler Certification (i.e., GRIC, ServSafe, etc.) or obtain within 60 days of employment.

·         Must pass an Initial Health Examination and a TB skin test; provide proof/results, including updated immunization records prior to hire date.

·         Maintain current CPR & First Aid Certification or obtain certification within 60 day of employment.

·         Required mandatory reporter pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 2 (7.205), B.

·         Required to attend Title 7 Mandatory Reporting training on a yearly basis.

·         Required to obtain a Tribal Operator’s permit. Valid state driver’s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit.  Proof of driving record must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission of the application.

Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position

Reports to Director or designee                      

BENEFITS:

The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473).  The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation.  In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application.

Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.  

Visit our GRIC website and apply online: www.gilariver.org