Job Details

Opening Date: 03/19/2025

Closing Date: 04/02/2025

Job Title: Self Sufficiency Counselor

Salary/Wage: $26.74/hr

Tribal Level: 116

Location: Eugene, OR

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Job Posting Number: 3133680

INTRODUCTION:

The Siletz 477-Self Sufficiency Program (477-SSP) is to help Tribal families, individuals, and other Native Americans reduce barriers to employment while assisting them to meet their basic needs. Incumbent will work with individuals and families to provide intensive case management services utilizing the single entry access method of service delivery, and maintain accurate and up to date records. Incumbent seeks to assist Siletz Tribal families, individuals, and Native Americans with the principle of self-sufficiency, strengthening of the family unit, and increasing job- training skills, educational level, and enhance employability.

This position will primarily carry a caseload for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Non-Needy Caretaker Relative (NNCR), and General Assistance for Single Adults (GASA).

DUTIES:

• Gain knowledge of and have the ability to determine eligibility for multiple tribal programs such as: GASA, TANF, TANF-WEX, CRT, WEX, NNCR, Home Visiting, Childcare, Emergency Assistance, Youth Services, Direct Placement/Job Retention, Core Services and any future programs as designated in the 477-SSP Policy Manual.
• Maintain Eaglesun Database for effective case management and to maintain accurate client records, issue notices, case notes, issue payments, and scan documents/files.
• Establish, coordinate, and maintain a collaborative working relationship with participating individuals and families, Tribal staff, general public, community resources, educational facilities, employers, and other agencies. Advocate for clients when needed.
• Case Plan Development (with the assistance of the Manager or Coordinator):
• Develop a self-sufficiency plan, which details intervention services and the steps the family/individual will take toward their goals, which may include participation in, interagency case management.
• Assess and document career and life goals using the participant's skills, strengths, and work history necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. Identify and discuss socio-economic issues with families such as dysfunctional parenting, medical conditions (including disabilities), mental health, criminal justice, domestic abuse, childcare, housing, transportation, etc.
• Reassess client needs and modify case plan as needed. Address non-compliance issues as they arise and provide incentives to promote on-going compliance. Initiate frequent interaction with clients by telephone and office visits.
• Assist with outreach services to the community and community based providers through program service descriptions and presentations.
• Assist with workshops and orientations that provide guidance on issues related to participant's employment and self-sufficiency, community resources, job search, job placement and culture. Assist in the planning and implementation of an annual client conference. May participate in the development of community and youth prevention events.
• Assist participants in application completion for needed services such as SSI/SSD, SNAP, ERDC, Child Support, etc. Refer and connect to other resources as needed.
• Identify and utilize resources that assist families with school age children that are "at risk" for learning or behavioral problems.
• Provide services to teen parents through programs that address life skills, parenting skills, high school completion or equivalency.
• Conduct home visits to establish residency and safety of the home. Make appropriate referrals as necessary.
• Process appropriate paperwork to ensure timely payment for program clients.
• Provide transition services, benefits transfer programs, and referrals to local resources, support services, and employment retention services, to families/individuals who have left the program but still have needs that could jeopardize their independence.
• Complete all required documentation and reports required by program in a timely manner.
• Evaluate effective training and job demands, skill requirement and environmental factors in terms of suitability for program participants.
• Assist with marketing the program.
• Provide input on program planning and budgeting as requested by the Manager. Staff may be assigned to assist in planning committees or short-term workgroups to provide meaningful input.
• Attend appropriate training, as approved by and assigned by Manager.
• Provide appropriate supportive services to participants, as needed, according to program guidelines.
• With the assistance of staff, develop and plan WEX, OJT, and CRT placements for clients in assigned service area.
• Verify client resources and investigate instances of fraud when needed. Make recommendations to the Manager.
• Explain and enforce policies, procedures, rules rights and responsibilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

Associate's degree in Human Services or related field and one year experience in determining eligibility, case management, employment/vocational counseling, or general counseling -OR- an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

The 477-SSP Manager or Coordinator will assist the employee with eligibility determination, the development of intervention strategies, and case management plans.

Upon successful completion of at least two years of satisfactory service, and has demonstrated work skills necessary in case-management, database software, and eligibility determination, the incumbent will be promoted to a Self Sufficiency Counselor II.

Knowledge of:

• Problems of persons living in disadvantaged communities with emphasis in working with the cultural, economic, and social aspects of Native American services populations.
• Tribal Services/community service/social services, child agencies, and their respective roles.
• Dysfunctional behavior and drug and alcohol dependency as applied to clients.
• Word-processing, spreadsheet, and data base program experience.
• Correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling and grammar.

Ability to:

• Provide direct individual and family casework that focuses on family unity, including conducting in-depth interviews with individuals and families, formulating case plans, providing ongoing social work support and counseling, and coordinating services delivery with other agencies.
• Meet with the public and staff in a courteous professional manner using tact, diplomacy, and mature judgment.
• Problem solve and arrive at sound solutions guided by established policies and procedures.
• Work with Native American families and individuals of varying social, educational, and economic backgrounds.
• Perform work and accomplish tasks in accordance with established policies, procedures, practices, and priorities of the department.
• Communicate orally and in writing for the purpose of instructions, verifying eligibility/applications, obtaining information, and conveying messages.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of records and information pertinent to the nature of the work. Establish and maintain professional boundaries.
• Understand eligibility criteria and make accurate determinations.
• Accurately keep and maintain complete records in accordance with policies and procedures.

Other:

• Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate knowledge and skill in working with target population.
• Must possess a valid Oregon State driver's license, insurance and be eligible to drive a GSA vehicle.