Program Coordinator/Caseworker

Department: TANF/GA

Type of Position: Non-Exempt
Location of Work: Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan
Salary Grade(s): 10/11 ($33.29+ DOE)

PURPOSE
The Program Coordinator - Caseworker will be responsible for providing case management services for clients/families that have applied for financial services through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or General Assistance (GA) and have agreed to work toward improving their own economic independence. The Caseworker will use a wraparound service approach to provide professional level services including, but not limited to: conducting interviews to determine need, assisting client with the application process, collecting data and documents to establish program eligibility, working with the client to develop a strengths-based Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan, and monitoring client progress regularly with the end goal of reducing or eliminating the barriers to the client’s achievement of economic independence. The Coordinator will also help form a leadership team for GA and TANF programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Responsible for reading, understanding, and interpreting State, Federal, and Tribal codes and procedural manuals
• Understand and interpret performance standards, guidelines, and outcome requirements of each financial assistance program available through the Tribe
• Meet with participants to identify strengths and barriers to employment and assist clients in developing strategies towards self-sufficiency
• Network internally with co-workers, and externally with other service providers and employers to assist clients work towards self-sufficiency
• Conduct intensive interviews to determine eligibility for client benefits and analyze written and oral information
• Responsible for ensuring clients right to privacy and ensure the strictest confidentiality
• Maintain complete, accurate and timely case notes and related records using Tribal D
• Work with employment agencies and local employers to increase employment opportunities
• May travel for meetings, training, and other business as needed
• Create content for training for Caseworkers, both refreshers and new employee trainings.
• Train other staff (Administrative Clerk and Benefit Technicians) to ensure smooth transitions.
• Create content, policies, meetings for ensuring smooth transitions within other departments (GA, TCSU, Childcare, E&T as examples)
• Monitor caseloads of Caseworkers to balance leave requests and ensure case coverage
• Responsible for maintaining a standard caseload.
• Assist Family Services Director and TANF Manager with staffing issues, hiring, improvement plans, and possible disciplinary actions
• Reporting TANF information to Finance for grant and other financial reporting
• Complete process to become State of Alaska Point of Contact to ensure compliance with State of AK websites and staff compliance, access, and renewals into EIS, CSSD, DOL websites, if needed
• Monitor ATAP for yearly program updates, complete trainings with staff regarding updates, monitor Tribal D for any updates or changes related to ATAP update
• Approve Purchase Orders and checks, attend Management-level meetings if needed due to illness or vacation of TANF Manager or Family Services Director
• Instruct applicants/clients in the completion of various forms and review applications for completeness and consistency
• Calculate benefits for each GA client using guidelines from BIA and State procedural manuals
• Notify supervisor if a case has been assigned that is directly related to the caseworker
• Explain all program options and services available for the client
• Assist clients with completing all paperwork, and acquiring attachment documents via a release of information
• Obtain and review necessary data, documentation, and verification for each program of assistance
• Document all contacts with clients and service providers in applicable electronic case file daily
• Work with clients to identify strengths and develop a Self-Sufficiency Plan
• Provide intensive case management services, including, but not limited to: initiate referrals, complete follow-up communications with other service providers, complete home visits, and transport clients and families in company vehicles
• Process all internal paperwork for clients; request checks, make travel arrangements, write referral letters, etc.
• Work within timeframes and deadlines dictated by program requirements
• Regularly conduct audits of client files to correct reporting or data entry errors and make adjustments if necessary
• Investigate complaints from clients and analyze data for validity; detect discrepancies and seek clarification of data through telephone inquiries, correspondence, and interviews
• Submit reports and written communication in a timely fashion

NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of Public Assistance laws, rules, regulations, service programs, and employment programs
• Ability to read and interpret regulations and procedures to make conclusions and decisions
• Mastery of basic office procedures and practices
• Excellent computer skills including all MS Office Suite programs
• Knowledge of interview techniques
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to evaluate and recommend changes in Family Self Sufficiency Plan, Case Plans or Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent prioritization and time management skills
• Ability to operate with tact, courtesy and discretion
• Above average case management skills
• Experience working with Native American and Alaska Native clientele and a working understanding of cultural values and needs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)
• An Associate’s Degree in related field
• 2 years’ experience as a Workforce Development Technician or similar position
• Valid Driver’s license

Substitution for Associates Degree:
• High School Diploma and;
• Four years’ Experience as a Caseworker in related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field
• 4 years’ experience as a Social Worker, Case Manager, or closely related field

UNUSUAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTIONS
The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs. Travel on commercial airlines, small aircraft, and/or ferry may be required.

CONDITIONS OF HIRE:
• All employment at Tlingit & Haida is “at will”. This means that the employee or Tlingit & Haida may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no term of employment is expressed or implied for this position.
• Tlingit & Haida is a no tolerance workplace. All regular employees may be required to pass a pre-employment and subsequent random drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• Tlingit & Haida requires a criminal background check be conducted on all employees. All employment offers are conditional until federal criminal background check results verify your eligibility to work for Tlingit & Haida.