The Social Services Social Worker is responsible for providing case management and crisis response services for children, youth, elders and families of the Samish Indian Nation throughout the designated service area. The SS Social Worker will participate in the continuous revision of the Samish Indian Nation Family Code, in order to maintain a unified code that best meets the Samish Indian Nation’s needs. The SS Social Worker is responsible for carrying out specific requirements related to applicable Federal and State grants and contracts and completing required data collection. The Social Worker will also work alongside State Departments to uphold ICWA Federal Laws for our tribal Citizens and children to also include preventative services. Additionally, the SS Social Worker will be expected to assist other program staff at times when coverage is needed to include general social services.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Remote/Hybrid Work Arrangement potential
• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
  
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)

1. Provides direct services and case management for Social Services programs, exercising considerable independence of judgment in the application of social work skills using a variety of intervention and service techniques and skills
2. Assesses client needs and eligibility, and provides or makes referrals for services as appropriate based on a thorough knowledge of available programs and services; facilitates participation in victims’ assistance services as needed
3. Works cooperatively and maintains working relationships with federal, state and community agencies, schools, service providers, and other tribes
4. Develops and maintains organized and audit-ready client files including case records, plans, progress, case notes, and reports; compiles data for statistical purposes and required reporting
5. Attends and testifies at court proceedings, as needed; provides victim advocacy services; completes court-ordered studies; works with Legal Counsel to ensure that the tribe’s stance in court proceedings is aligned with ICWA and in the best interest of Samish tribal children
6. Coordinates and leads Indian Child Welfare Committee meetings, seeking recommendation from Committee members, taking detailed notes on recommendations for file documentation, and providing regular updates on high-risk cases
7. Maintains a minimum of monthly home visits with high risk clients, and at least quarterly contact with all others
8. Works in coordination with the Social Services Director to gather and maintain data for grants management and reporting
9. Supports the development of approved Samish Indian Nation foster homes by providing outreach, information, and coordination assistance to tribal citizens
10. Participates in the continuous revision of the Samish Indian Nation Family Code, to maintain a unified code that best meets the needs of the Samish Indian Nation
11. Completes required trainings, prepares reports, and attends required meetings as directed by supervisor; assists in preparation and implementation of community outreach and awareness materials and activities
12. Maintains an understanding of Social Service programs and applicable policies, procedures, and regulations
13. Maintains confidentiality and HIPAA requirements, completing all appropriate documents that authorize release of information
14. Completes other duties as assigned

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

1. Must possess Bachelors degree in social work, psychology or related field or must have 4 or more years of paid directly related experience that may suffice in lieu of education
2. Must maintain understanding and familiarity with multiple community resources and systems including VOCA, ICWA, DSHS, etc.
3. Must have the ability to work independently or with minimal supervision, manage multiple tasks while managing an active case load, requiring strong time management skills
4. Must possess intermediate computer skills with knowledge of MS Office and e-file management
5. Must have proven case management skills and ability to provide quality consumer care
6. Must possess working knowledge of Native American issues

Preferred Qualifications

1.  MSW preferred.

**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Physical Demands: Frequent periods of sitting, including driving (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 20lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Occasionally work involves disturbing and emotional subject matter, requiring strong mental and emotional stamina. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination.  Working Environment: Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Working environment will may vary day to day. Sometimes works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Regular vehicular travel on highways and roads. Regular interaction with high-risk clients including home visits that may be unaccompanied. Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position.  The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.