POSITION DESCRIPTION
Caseworker

INFORMATION
Department: General Assistance Type of Position: Non-Exempt
Location of Work: Juneau, AK
Salary Grade(s): 8 ($27.51+ DOE)
Hours of Work: M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Employment Category: Regular, Full-Time

PURPOSE
The Caseworker will be responsible for providing case management services for clients/families that have applied for financial services and 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Read, understand, and interpret 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
• Notify supervisor if a case has been assigned that is directly related to the caseworker
• Maintain a standard caseload
• Conduct intensive interviews to determine eligibility for client benefits and analyze written and oral information
• Explain all program options and services available for the client
• Ensure clients right to privacy and confidentiality when information may need to be released to others
• 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 an Individual 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
• Network both internally with co-workers, and externally with other service providers and employers to assist clients to successfully reach identified goals
• Work with employment agencies, and local employers to secure employment for clients
• Identify and attend required training
• Attend meetings, training, and other business as requested
• Other duties as assigned

NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of Public Assistance Laws, Rules, Regulations, Service Programs, and Employment Programs
• Ability to read and interpret procedures to make conclusions and decisions
• Knowledge of other community programs providing financial and health services
• Mastery of basic office procedures and practices
• Excellent computer skills including all Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to evaluate and recommend changes in eligibility and Individual Self-Sufficiency Plans
• Above average case management skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent prioritization and time-management skills
• Ability to practice tact, courtesy, and discretion
• Experience working with Native American and Alaska Native clientele and a working understanding of cultural values and needs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)
Caseworker I
• Associate’s Degree in related field
• 2 years related experience

Substitution
• High School Diploma
• 4 years of experience as a caseworker, or closely related position

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)
• Valid Driver’s License
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 small aircraft 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.