Open Until Filled

Youth Advocate

Reports to: Preserving Native Families Program Manager

Salary (Grade): $17.82 (G13-E)

Status: Reg., Full-time (Non-exempt)

Location: Human Services Department, Winnebago, NE

Job Purpose & Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Preserving Native Families Program Manager, this position will provide services to “at risk” youth located in the Human Services Department’s Service Area. Provide support and guidance to youth, caretakers, and caseworkers in the development of case plans for transition to independent living. Provide or locate one on one or group instruction for youth on topics including: daily living, employment, education, finance, self-care, personal development, problem solving and others as needed. Coordinate and facilitate youth support groups and talking circles in conjunction with community agencies and programs. Provide supportive services to eligible youth and their families. Identify, develop and implement services that are youth focused, family and community based, culturally competent, and developmentally appropriate. Evening and weekend hours are required.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Complete client assessments and develop individualized case plans in coordination with caretakers, caseworkers, and other appropriate adult service providers.
Work with youth in developing skills in accordance with assessments and case plans. This may include participation in community programs or providing group and/or individual instruction in various settings.
Conduct home visits with identified clients and make other necessary contacts to monitor case plan goals and progress.
Submit written monthly reports to CFS Worker for any youth under the care and custody of CFS. Reports will include a description of the goals, activities, progress made, achievements and next steps.
Develop a network of community service providers and collaborate with them to support youth
Work closely with other community professionals and programs, including Child and Family Services caseworkers, Social Services caseworkers, the Education Department, the Health Department, AmeriCorps workers, the Youth Crisis Intervention Center, the Boys and Girls Club, and Ho-Chunk Renaissance.
Assist youth in developing goals in the areas of education and/or employment, transportation, housing, and identification of an adult support network.
Offer consultation, technical assistance, and support to parents, foster parents, residential care providers, caseworkers and other adults working with identified youth.
Attend court hearings and other meetings with clients and caretakers as needed.
Coordinate and facilitate youth talking circles/support groups
Maintain written and electronic documentation and records management of client files to include assessments, case plans, case notes, monthly reports and all other pertinent information.
Document, track, and report outcomes as required by the program, and complete required reports according to approved timelines and specifications.
Attend meetings, complete training and travel as needed, and serve as a member on various youth committees, boards and task forces.
Provide transportation services, supervised visitation and conduct home studies when assigned.
Participate in the continuous development of tribally specific strategies and supports for children and families served, and implement new, innovative, and culturally appropriate programming.
Research, gather, and maintain information on community resources
Develop and conduct additional trainings according to need.
Promote community awareness about available resources and programs.
Collect and provide data as needed.
Complete other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

Associate degree or three years of college accredited course work is required. If hired without an Associate degree, must be willing and able to sign an educational plan.
Knowledge of Winnebago customs, kinship/clanship systems, and traditional beliefs surrounding children and families is desired and a willingness to learn is required.
Must have the ability to obtain TIPS-MAPP NA Leader Certification.
Must have the ability to obtain Caring for Our Own Leader Certification.
One year of experience working with youth is required
One-year experience working with Native Americans is required.
Must have excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Must be self-motivated, able to work effectively with minimal direct supervision, able to work effectively on a team, and possess a customer service focus.
Must be sensitive to the needs of youth and cultural differences.
Must be timely, dependable, courteous, and maintain a business-like appearance.
Must possess public speaking skills. A background in facilitating evidence-based curricula is highly desirable.
Must have the ability to collect, maintain and analyze data.
Must be able to interact and build rapport with peers and clients, remain non-judgmental, value and accept differences in people, and to observe and assess behavior.
Must possess keyboarding skills for data entry, and be proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Must be able to maintain the strictest confidentiality, and will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Knowledge evidence based strategies and practices for working with at-risk youth is highly desirable.
Knowledge of Federal, State and Tribal Law on abuse and neglect of individuals, Confidentiality Laws and Regulations, and the Indian Child Welfare Act are highly desirable and a willingness to learn is required.
Knowledge of agency philosophy, community resources and other systems as they relate to children and families is highly desirable and a willingness to learn is required.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain valid insurance, and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
Must be of good moral character. Will be required to pass a federal background check and submit to pre-employment drug testing.
Duties listed are only an illustration of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.

Training Requirements:

Must attend all meetings and training courses as outlined and directed by the Child & Family Services Program Manager

Physical Requirements:

Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.
While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.

Mental Requirements:

Reading, writing, calculating
Above average social interaction skills
Reasoning/Analysis
Works with minimal to no supervision

Language Requirements:

Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit an application at www.winnebagotribe.com, a resume, cover letter, and two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Applications submitted after the closing date or without proper documents will not be considered.
If claiming Native American or Veteran preference, please include pertinent documentation.
Call Human Resources at 402-878-2272 for further information.

As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

Compensation: $17.82 per hour