Director of Social Services

GENERAL SUMMARY AND POSITION PURPOSE

The Social Services Director is responsible for planning, directing, administering, and evaluating the Tribe's comprehensive social services programs while providing professional clinical social work services to Tribal members and families. The Director oversees departmental operations, supervises staff, develops and implements programs, manages grants and budgets, and ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, and state regulations. This position conducts clinical assessments, crisis intervention, case management, and referrals while collaborating with internal departments, community organizations, healthcare providers, courts, and governmental agencies to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Tribal members. The Director serves as the department's clinical and administrative leader, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, culturally responsive social services that strengthen individuals, families, and the Tribal community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or Psychology or at least 5 years of progressive experience managing Social Service programs or experience working in this specific or a related area
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional social work experience
• Three (3) years of experience in a supervisory, managerial, or program administration role.
• Current Louisiana Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred. 
• Louisiana Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) may be considered if eligible to obtain clinical licensure within a specified period. 
• Must maintain all required professional licensure and continuing education requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

SPECIFIC TO THE JOB 

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, ethics, and evidence-based interventions in social work. 
• Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. 
• Case management methodologies. 
• Behavioral health, substance abuse, domestic violence, child welfare, elder services, and family systems. 
• Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). 
• Tribal sovereignty, Tribal government, and culturally responsive service delivery. 
• Federal, state, and Tribal laws governing social services. 
• HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. 
• Grant administration and compliance. 
• Budget development and financial management. 
• Personnel supervision and organizational leadership. 

Skill in:

• Clinical interviewing and assessment. 
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution. 
• Counseling and case management. 
• Managing, supervising and development staff members.
• Program development and evaluation. 
• Grant writing and grant management. 
• Budget preparation and administration. 
• Preparing, revising and analyzing operational reports and maintaining documentation. 
• Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with individuals and groups.
• Build and maintain strong and trusted working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Lead and manage a comprehensive Tribal social services department. 
• Make sound clinical and administrative decisions involving sensitive and complex situations. 
• Maintain strict confidentiality. 
• Interpret and apply Tribal, federal, and state regulations. 
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines. 
• Work effectively with diverse populations experiencing crisis or trauma. 
• Respond appropriately to emergency and crisis situations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Department Leadership & Administration

• Direct, supervise, and evaluate the day-to-day operations of the Social Services Department. 
• Develop departmental goals, strategic initiatives, policies, procedures, and service delivery standards. 
• Supervise, mentor, assign work, and evaluate departmental staff while fostering professional development. 
• Establish collaborative relationships with Tribal leadership, departments, community organizations, healthcare providers, courts, and governmental agencies. 
• Ensure departmental compliance with applicable Tribal, federal, state, HIPAA, and grant requirements. 

Clinical Services

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and evaluate the social, emotional, behavioral, and environmental needs of Tribal members and families. 
• Provide clinical case management, crisis intervention, counseling, consultation, and referral services. 
• Investigate reports involving abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and other situations affecting vulnerable adults and children. 
• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise individualized service plans. 
• Coordinate placement, treatment, aftercare, and follow-up services with community partners and healthcare providers. 
• Provide professional recommendations and testimony for court proceedings, mediation, child welfare matters, and other legal proceedings as appropriate. 

Program & Grant Administration

• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate social service, behavioral health, substance abuse, victim assistance, domestic violence, and related programs. 
• Identify funding opportunities and oversee grant development, implementation, reporting, compliance, and program evaluation. 
• Develop and administer departmental budgets and monitor expenditures. 
• Collect, analyze, and report program outcomes and performance measures. 

Community Collaboration

• Represent the Tribe with local, state, federal, and Tribal organizations. 
• Coordinate multidisciplinary services among healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, schools, law enforcement, courts, and social service agencies. 
• Advocate for Tribal members while ensuring culturally appropriate service delivery. 

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain confidential client records and documentation. 
• Prepare reports, correspondence, grant documentation, presentations, and Tribal Council reports. 
• Participate in professional development and maintain required licensure. 
• Execute additional duties as assigned.

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians retains the right to modify, add, or change responsibilities to align with tribal and organizational requirements. The aforementioned statements aim to outline the general nature and scope of work for employees in this position, and do not encompass a complete list of all associated duties and responsibilities.

MINIMAL BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT AT JBCI

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Must have reliable transportation
• No felony or theft convictions
• Must submit to a criminal background and fingerprint check in compliance with the

Louisiana Child Protection Act (LA R.S. 15:5871.0) and Louisiana Adult Protection     

Services Law (LA R.S. 15:1501-1511)

JBCI REQUIRED 

• Capable of high-performing individual and collaborative work, ensuring efficient operations
• Meets deadlines effectively and efficiently
• Occasional travel, irregular or extended work hours, and on-call availability are requisite
• Must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Highly organized; possesses strong time management skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to maintain the highest of ethical standards, maintain strict confidentiality, and exercise tact and discretion
• Must exhibit kindness and respect  
• Must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and appreciation of tribal traditions, customs, history, and the socioeconomic needs of the tribal community

COMPUTER / OFFICE EQUIPMENT SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace is required, with the ability to acquire new software skills as needed
• Proficiency in operating standard office equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, copiers, and telephones
• Training will be provided as needed

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

This position requires frequent sitting, walking, reaching, and both visual and oral communication. Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Frequently travels throughout the Tribal community to conduct home visits, attend meetings, and coordinate services. May occasionally respond to crisis situations outside normal working hours.

JOB LOCATION

JBCI Health and Wellness Center in Trout, Louisiana, unless otherwise specified

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indian Tribe is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to pre- employment and random alcohol and/or drug screenings.

TRIBAL PREFERENCE POLICY

Members of the Jena Band of Choctaw Tribe shall be given absolute preference with respect to hiring, promotions, training, and contracting. For persons who meet the minimum qualifications, preferential treatment shall be based on the following criteria and shall be given in the following order:

• Enrolled members of the Jena Band of Choctaw tribe who satisfy the minimum job qualifications
• Spouses of enrolled members of the Jena Band of Choctaw tribe who satisfy the minimum job qualifications
• Enrolled members of other recognized tribes who satisfy the minimum job qualifications
• Military Veterans
• All others who satisfy the minimum job qualifications

EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PACKAGE

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. This includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement savings plan. Employees also receive paid time off and paid holidays, among other benefits.