Social Services Director at Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma – Perkins, Oklahoma

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Social Services Director is accountable for the daily administration of the Social Services Department. This position involves aiding individuals, families, youth, and groups in addressing various challenges. By identifying needs and collaborating with human resources and specialists, the Director plays a pivotal role in coordinating support. Immediate threats to children must also be recognized, and appropriate arrangements made. Planning and organizing activities for diverse age groups to tackle personal and community issues are essential responsibilities. The Director ensures that grants and projects adhere to Federal regulations, Tribal policies, and program procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage casework related to families and children receiving social services, offering counseling, crisis intervention, assessments, and advocacy.
• Administer child protective services, diligently investigating and evaluating reports of child abuse and neglect within trust land.
• Foster collaboration with tribal and state courts, state departments of human services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribal health clinics, and officials to effectively carry out responsibilities.
• Execute programs in alignment with program plans, federal regulations, and submit requisite requirements and reports.
• Provide technical assistance and actively participate in multidisciplinary team activities.
• Supervise support staff assigned to the Social Services Department programs.
• Oversee the child protective services program, ensuring its effective implementation and compliance.
• Oversee the foster care program, including the recruitment and certification of tribal foster homes.
• Prepare reports for grant and contract funding sources to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Provide compliance oversight for grant and contract funding, ensuring adherence to regulations and terms.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the ITO Executive Director.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing programs, overseeing grants, and working with diverse clientele.
• Flexibility to work during after-hours or flexible hours.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong moral character, displaying respect and profound understanding of tribal cultures, customs, beliefs, values, and Native American family structures.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective engagement with children, families, and teams.
• Proficiency in managing crisis situations and extreme human behaviors resulting from crises.
• Thorough knowledge of child welfare laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with individuals, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in case management software and relevant computer applications for report submissions.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, make sound judgments, and provide appropriate interventions.
• Excellent organizational skills for multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines.
• Effective leadership abilities to guide and supervise support staff.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Ethical conduct and professionalism in all interactions and decision-making.

Conditions of Employment:

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.

• Must submit to and pass applicable drug test.
• Must pass background investigations for suitability of character identified in accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver license with no serious violations.